Job Discussion Forums

[Johnbest]

I am having a serious dispute with my school. They are now threatening legal action.

Can anyone recommend an English speaking lawyer in Tokyo.

Via PM is also fine.

[mhard1]

you might want to get in touch with the guy who runs this site:

http://www.debito.org/

he might be able to help you or refer you better.

good luck

[mhard1]

http://www.debito.org/whattodoif.html#labordispute

this is a more specific part of the site offering advice.

[Samurai]

If you go to the website of your country's embassy in Japan they should have a list of lawyers in Tokyo who speak English. I know the UK site even lists British lawyers who have offices in Tokyo. Of course the website will also mention law offices in other areas should anyone reading this, who lives outside of Tokyo, be in need of a lawyer.

If nobody can give you the name of a specific law office they can recommend then I hope the above is useful to you.

I once went to the bar association in Tokyo and was very unimpressed with the advice I got from the lawyer I saw for the half-hour your 5,000 yen gets you. I would not bother with the bar association again.

I don't know about your case or how serious it is or at what stage it is at but...as you live in Tokyo it may be worth you going to the Nambu Union office. They may well be able to give you some advice about your case without you forking out a huge amount of money for a lawyer. I say this because in all likelyhood your school is probably bluffing in order to scare you into submission. I'd have a chat with the Nambu Union before I sought a lawyer just yet.

[Johnbest]

I truly appreciate the responses so far.

I have read debito's incredibly informative blog and highly recommend it. However, I have not received a reply from the webmaster of that site with my serious concerns.

My issues deal with one of the fastest growing "employers" in Japan.

They are making a mockery of Japan labor law, treating qualified teachers like dirt, and more.

I'm now in the US. Is there a way to find a good labor lawyer from abroad? In Tokyo.

[Samurai]

As I have already said search the website of your country's embassy in Japan. You can contact the law offices by phone or email. They can tell you what your chances of success are from outside Japan.

Personally I think it would be mission impossible. It is hard enough to win your case when in Japan. My own case has been going on for nearly a year. It has been prolonged by both the Labor Commission and my ex-company...both know that my visa expires in July. From what I've been told by "my side" the LC and my ex-company are hoping that my visa is not extended and that I have to leave Japan and hence the case against the company will cease. I hope you can see your position.

My visa will be extended come July which will no doubt dappen the spirits of both the LC and my ex-company. My fight will probably be in the civil court by then and probably soon after in the criminal court...

[ShioriEigoKyoushi]

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