kitsunaguEnglish-speaking employment lawyers in Japan
This page lists law firms in Japan that handle employment and labour matters and show signs of working in English. Use the map and the list to find a firm near you, narrow the search by area, and open a firm's page to see its languages, contact details and website. It is a starting point for foreign workers and for employers who need advice on work problems in English.
What an employment lawyer can help with
- Dismissal, or pressure to resign
- Unpaid wages and overtime
- Harassment at work
- Employment contracts and work rules
- Resignation and settlement agreements
- Employment policies and disputes, for employers
Before you contact a firm
- Ask whether you can work with them fully in English, including calls, emails and documents
- Ask how they charge for a first consultation, and how fees are worked out after that
- Ask whether they offer consultations online or by phone if you cannot visit the office
- Ask whether they act for employees, employers or both
- Have your contract, payslips, records of your working hours and any letters from your employer to hand
How our listings work
Every firm in this directory is registered with a Japanese bar association, and our list is built from the bar association's registry. We include the firms that show signs of offering their services in English. kitsunagu is a directory, not a referral service: we do not recommend one firm over another, so check the details directly with the firm before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a lawyer here help if my visa depends on my job?
Yes, and say so at the start. Some firms handle both employment and immigration matters, which helps when a work problem affects your visa.
Do all these lawyers speak English?
Every firm listed here shows signs of working in English, but how much varies from firm to firm. Before you book, ask who will handle your case and how they will communicate with you.
Is it free to use kitsunagu?
Yes. Searching the directory is free. You contact firms directly, and any fees are agreed between you and the firm.