LEDGE, Japan's first organization dedicated to public interest litigation, is seeking attorneys committed to driving social change through the courts to join our team.

LEDGE is a project that brings together Law Office LEDGE — Japan's first law firm where attorneys work full-time on public interest litigation — and the incorporated association LEDGE (一般社団法人LEDGE), which houses researchers and campaigners specializing in public interest litigation. Together, we work to transform social norms and institutions through the power of law.

Since our founding in 2023, we have taken on nine public interest cases spanning issues that go to the heart of how we live and how our society is structured: young people's freedom to participate in politics, marriage and parenting rights, bodily autonomy, the integrity of the justice system, and the human rights of people with international backgrounds. Across all of these, we pursue rule change in society through litigation.

We are currently seeking a small number of attorneys to join Law Office LEDGE as full-time members dedicated to litigation for social change. In addition to casework, you will have the opportunity to take on a wide range of activities according to your interests — including developing and managing new cases, communicating with plaintiffs and supporters, building community with civil society organizations, and engaging with media.

We welcome applications from anyone who shares LEDGE's mission of "changing the unchangeable," and who aspires to contribute to a better society by putting their skills and experience to work.

◼️ Position

Attorney

◼️ Responsibilities

• Legal research and drafting of litigation documents for public interest cases against national and local government bodies
• Communication with plaintiffs and other parties
• Legal team coordination and management
• Preparation and facilitation of post-hearing briefings and press conferences
• Community-building with civil society organizations
• Media engagement and other related activities

◎ For information on LEDGE's existing cases, please visit our website.

◼️ Required Qualifications

• Licensed attorney in Japan or holder of Japanese bar qualification (including those currently in legal apprenticeship [司法修習生])
• Genuine commitment to LEDGE's mission and a desire to drive social change through public interest litigation

◼️ Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public interest litigation
• English proficiency

◼️ Working Conditions and Compensation

• Contract type: Freelance / independent contractor basis
• Hours: Full-time in principle (negotiable)
• Schedule: Flextime system
• Location: Hamacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (remote work available)
• Compensation: Variable (determined through discussion based on experience and background, Attorneys: ¥6,000,000 or above per year, Legal apprentices: ¥5,400,000 or above per year)
• Holidays: Approximately one week in summer, approximately one week in winter, plus other leave

For full details on working conditions, please refer to the job listing on the Himawari Job Board (弁護士ひまわり求人求職ナビ).

◼️ How to Apply

Please complete the application form with the required information. Our team will review your submission and be in touch by email.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out at info@ledge.or.jp.

We look forward to hearing from many of you.