#Japan #Nagoya #legal education #Adire Law Firm #Career Guidance

Adire Law Firm's Educational Outreach in Nagoya

On January 16, 2023, Adire Law Firm, located in Toshima, Tokyo, organized a career education program themed "Knowing Professions" at Minami-Tenpaku Junior High School in Nagoya City. This event is part of the firm’s initiative to empower children by addressing the disadvantages they face due to a lack of legal knowledge. The program sought to enlighten students on the realities of being a lawyer and the journey towards obtaining the necessary qualifications.

Background and Objectives of the Event

Led by Emiko Sawaki, a lawyer affiliated with the Aichi Bar Association who previously worked for the city government, the presentation aimed to provide students with insight into the legal profession. Sawaki shared her personal experiences, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of pursuing a legal career. By sharing her journey, she hoped to inspire students to consider various career paths and instill the belief that it’s never too late to pursue their dreams.

"I took a bit of a detour in my career. However, the experiences I gained while working in the city hall have enriched my skills as a lawyer today," Sawaki shared. She encouraged students to explore their interests and reassured them that they could change their paths at any age.

Key Highlights of the Presentation

1. The Secret Behind the Lawyer Badge: The badge’s outer design features a sunflower, symbolizing freedom and justice, representing the lawyer's strong growth towards liberty.
2. Essence and Joy of Being a Lawyer: One vital aspect of a lawyer’s role is cultivating a trusting relationship with clients. The sincere gratitude expressed by clients after effective representation is what drives lawyers the most.

Engaging Q&A Session with Students

Following the presentation, a robust Q&A session provided the students with an opportunity to ask thought-provoking questions:

• - Question: What criteria do you consider when defending someone who has committed a crime?

Answer: A lawyer’s role is to support their client’s wishes and do their utmost in any situation.

• - Question: Do lawyers remember all the laws?

Answer: Lawyers don’t memorize everything. Instead, we continually study how to find and interpret relevant information.

• - Question: How do you handle disagreements with the opposing side?

Answer: Ultimately, both parties present their points, and the judge makes the final decision.

Reflections Post-Event

Student Feedback:

• - “The idea of having taken a ‘detour’ was impressive. I aspire to help others in the future, just like Ms. Sawaki did with her city hall experience.”
• - “I learned that having a heart to connect with people is just as important as having legal knowledge.”

Sawaki’s Comments:
As a lawyer, one might associate the role strictly with courtroom duties; however, I wanted the students to know that the scope of a lawyer’s work is much broader. I hope my experiences pique their interest in law. The students were fully engaged, which energized me as well.

Commitment to Legal Education

Adire Law Firm remains dedicated to social contributions and actively participates in legal education initiatives. Since April 2022, the firm's "Children’s Legal Education Project" has conducted over 60 sessions nationwide to ensure that the youth are not disadvantaged by their lack of legal awareness. Under the banner of liberation from inaction, Adire aims to partner with educational institutions and related organizations to persistently promote legal knowledge among young people.

About Adire Law Firm

• - Firm Name: Adire Law Firm (affiliated with the Daiichi Tokyo Bar Association)
• - Lead Attorney: Junmi Suzuki (affiliated with the Aichi Bar Association)
• - Head Office: 1-1, Higashi Ikebukuro 3-chome, Toshima, Tokyo 170-6033
• - Website: Adire Official Site

Adire Law Firm specializes in resolving legal issues including debt consolidation, traffic accident claims, family disputes, workplace problems, and more. Our principle is to make access to legal representation more approachable and to maintain transparent cost structures while providing supportive and empathetic legal assistance.