#Japan #AI Technology #Tokyo #Legal Access #Garnet Capital

Legal Access: Revolutionizing Lawyer Accessibility Through Technology

Legal Access Inc., headquartered in Chuo, Tokyo, has successfully raised ¥40 million in funding from Garnet Capital through the issuance of preferred stock. This funding marks a significant step toward enhancing accessibility to legal services through technology, especially in a country where legal representation remains a challenge for many.

Background of the Company

Founded in January 2025 by Shunta Fukushima, a seasoned lawyer with over ten years of experience, Legal Access aims to address the severe disparities in lawyer accessibility in Japan. The lawyer compensation market is an enormous sector, valued at around ¥11 trillion annually, with approximately 15 million individuals encountering legal issues each year. However, only about 20% of these individuals, roughly 3 million people, can access legal representation, a phenomenon known as the '20% justice problem.' This issue arises from the limited number of practicing lawyers, which hampers the ability to address the legal needs of the broader population effectively.

Despite advances in corporate legal efficiency, challenges remain in personal civil matters such as divorce, inheritance, and debt consolidation. There remains considerable room for transformation in this market through the integration of technology. Legal Access is committed to utilizing technology to massively improve the efficiency of legal practice, ultimately working towards a society where the law reaches those who have been unheard.

Mission and Vision

Legal Access's mission is to "unlock the potential of lawyers through technology." Through AI and automation, the company aims to allow individual lawyers to manage more cases effectively, thereby increasing productivity within the legal profession.

The overarching vision is to broaden legal support accessibility, moving toward a society where 'everyone can access a lawyer.' By democratizing legal services through technology, Legal Access seeks to redefine how legal aid is distributed, ensuring that even the unheard voices can receive the protection of the law.

Call for Engineers

Legal Access is actively seeking engineers who resonate with the company’s mission and ambition to innovate in legal technology. They are currently focused on developing an AI product that significantly enhances work efficiency for lawyers, continuously iterating based on field feedback.

Creating a product at Legal Access goes beyond mere system development. It involves integrating technology into the intricate realm of legal practice, aiming to establish a new infrastructure that transforms how lawyers operate. Engineers will be engaged in core decision-making regarding technology selection and project design, as well as shaping the overall development culture and rules of the team.

In the realm of legal tech, the sector focusing on general civil matters remains relatively unexplored. Therefore, Legal Access seeks engineers willing to tackle challenges head-on, employing technology to bring about significant changes.

Development Structure and Working Style

At Legal Access, engineers can participate from upstream processes, including technology selection and architectural design. The development norms and culture are also collaboratively established with engineers, fostering a dynamic environment that respects speed and flexibility.

Individuals are empowered to play an essential role in supporting product value through technology, with a core focus on a small team that connects daily developments directly to the business's success. While in-person discussions and collaborations are prioritized, the company remains flexible, allowing for remote work as needed.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The company welcomes those who wish to engage in technically challenging development with freedom and discretion, contribute from a technical standpoint to meaningful social impact projects, and involve themselves in cutting-edge implementations, such as generative AI and LLMs. Legal Access seeks individuals willing to challenge themselves in an area of legal tech where technological application has yet to gain serious momentum, contributing to both product development and organizational culture.

By employing technology to tackle societal challenges, Legal Access aims to realize a world where everyone can access legal services. Interested candidates are encouraged to reach out for a chat about their vision.

Investor's Perspective

Kyosuke Seto, General Partner of Garnet Capital, elaborates on the enduring seriousness of the '20% justice problem,' noting that the shortage of legal resources significantly contributes to this issue. Legal Access is working to update how lawyers operate with technology, allowing them to focus on providing value to customers.

Seto expresses faith in Fukushima’s rich legal experience and the potential for substantial impact through this venture. Garnet Capital is committed to supporting Legal Access in its challenging yet socially significant endeavor.

About Legal Access

• - Company Name: Legal Access Inc.
• - CEO: Shunta Fukushima
• - Founded: January 2025
• - Location: 8-17-5 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo
• - Website: Legal Access
• - Contact: [email protected]

Through Legal Access, the goal of creating an accessible and equitable legal system becomes a tangible reality, showcasing how technology can serve as a bridge between justice and accessibility.