Policy

Engagement policy and disclaimers

1. I may be unable to accept an engagement because of workload

   Where commitments at my firm or on other matters mean I cannot devote enough time, I will decline. Taking a matter on with inadequate capacity ends up harming the client. I will tell you early, once I have heard the outline.

2. I may refer you to another lawyer better suited to the matter

   Depending on the field, the location or the nature of the procedure, you may be better served by a lawyer with more relevant experience. Where that is the case I will explain why and, so far as I can, introduce you to someone appropriate. I do not take referral fees.

3. I cannot receive documents until a conflict check is complete

   I may be unable to act — for example where the other side is already a client of my firm. Please start by telling me only the names of the parties and the outline of the dispute, and hold back detailed documents and confidential information until the check is done.

4. Fees are confirmed in writing before work begins

   If a charge applies at the consultation stage, I will tell you in advance. Where I accept an engagement, we exchange a written retainer setting out the scope of work, the fee basis and how expenses are handled before I start.

5. Nothing on this site is legal advice

   The guideline index and the notes are general information. They are not advice on any particular matter, and I cannot accept responsibility for decisions taken on the basis of them. Browsing this site or making an enquiry does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Any actual course of action should be settled only after a consultation based on your specific facts.

6. How I treat what you tell me

   Information I learn in the course of an enquiry is held under the professional duty of confidentiality that applies to lawyers in Japan, whether or not the engagement proceeds.