LEDGE, Japan's first organization dedicated to public interest litigation, is seeking attorneys committed to driving social change through legal action.

We will be holding a series of online information sessions between June and August, where we will introduce the role, the significance of public interest litigation, and what it means to work at LEDGE. We warmly invite you to join us.

Online Information Sessions for Attorneys

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, which houses researchers and campaigners specializing in public interest litigation. Together, we work to transform social norms and institutions through the power of law.

For this recruitment, we are seeking a small number of attorneys to join Law Office LEDGE as full-time members dedicated to public interest litigation for social change.

At the information sessions, LEDGE President Michiko Kameishi, Secretary General Daisuke Igeta, and Legal Director Yoshitaka Toda will speak about the key responsibilities of the role, day-to-day working life, the significance of public interest litigation, and what makes working at LEDGE rewarding. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

We look forward to hearing 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.

Online Information Sessions

◼️ Session Dates

1. Wednesday, 24 June, 20:00–20:45 (Speakers: Michiko Kameishi, Daisuke Igeta)

2. Tuesday, 21 July, 20:00–20:45 (Speakers: Yoshitaka Toda, Daisuke Igeta)

3. Monday, 24 August, 20:00–20:45 (Speakers: Michiko Kameishi, Daisuke Igeta)

◎ Please select the date that works best for you. Attending multiple sessions is also welcome.

◼️ Who Should Attend

Licensed attorneys in Japan, or those currently in legal apprenticeship [司法修習生]

◼️ Session Content

• Introduction to LEDGE and its work
• Key responsibilities of the attorney role being recruited
• The significance of public interest litigation
• Q&A

◼️ Format: Online (Zoom)

Please register via the Google Form by 19:00 the day before each session. A meeting link will be sent to registered participants by the morning of the session date.

◼️ Enquiries

For any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@ledge.or.jp.

Job Description

◼️ 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.