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Japan’s legal profession is highly respected and offers lucrative career opportunities. Lawyers in Japan play a crucial role in the country’s legal system, advocating for their clients and ensuring justice is served. This overview will help you to understand the average salary for lawyers in Japan, exploring factors that influence earnings and providing insights into the salary landscape within the legal profession. By understanding salary trends and expectations, you can gain valuable information to make informed career decisions. If you want to know more about lawyer salary in Japan, read this complete article.
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How Much Does a Lawyer Earn in Japan?
Lawyers in Japan command a high level of respect and earn substantial salaries. The average annual salary for a lawyer in Japan is JPY 14,280,500, which translates to approximately JPY 1,190,041 per month. At the lower end of the spectrum, junior lawyers or those working in smaller firms might earn around JPY 7,453,000 annually (JPY 621,083 monthly). On the other hand, highly experienced lawyers with specialised skills and expertise working at top-tier law firms in major cities can command salaries as high as JPY 21,961,700 per year (JPY 1,830,141 monthly).
However, this figure represents an average and doesn’t account for the wide range of salaries within the legal profession. Several factors can influence a lawyer’s salary, including experience, specialisation, firm size and reputation, location, and educational background.
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Lawyer Salary in Japan Based On Experience Level
Experience is a significant factor in determining a lawyer’s salary in Japan. As lawyers gain more years of practice, they typically command higher compensation due to their increased expertise and knowledge. Here’s a breakdown of average salaries based on experience levels:
| Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
| 0-2 Years | JPY 8,460,900 |
| 2-5 Years | JPY 11,352,300 |
| 5-10 Years | JPY 14,760,200 |
| 10-15 Years | JPY 17,879,000 |
| 15-20 Years | JPY 19,558,300 |
| 20+ Years | JPY 20,518,900 |
Lawyer Salary in Japan Based On Education Level
Education plays a significant role in determining a lawyer’s salary in Japan. While a law degree is essential, advanced degrees or specialized certifications can enhance earning potential. Here’s a breakdown of average salaries based on education levels:
| Education Level | Average Salary Per Year |
| Bachelor’s Degree | JPY 10,919,400 |
| Master’s Degree | JPY 13,561,900 |
| PhD | JPY 21,599,00 |
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Lawyer Salary in Japan Based On Organisation
The organization where a lawyer works can significantly impact their salary. Larger, more prestigious law firms often offer higher compensation packages compared to smaller firms. Here’s a breakdown of average salaries based on organization type:
| Organisation | Average Salary Per Year |
| Mitsubishi | JPY 20,000,000-JPY 30,000,000 |
| Fast Retailing | JPY 10,000,000- JPY 20,000,000 |
| Daiwa | JPY 19,000,000- JPY 21,000,000 |
| Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory | JPY 20,000,000- JPY 35,000,000 |
| Kao Corporation | JPY 10,000,000- JPY 15,000,000 |
| Nishimura ＆ Asahi | JPY 20,000,000- JPY 20,000,0000 |
Lawyer Salary in Japan Based On Cities
Salaries for lawyers in Japan can vary significantly depending on the city where they practice. Here’s a breakdown of average salaries in some key Japanese cities:
| Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
| Fukuoka | JPY 12,361,500 |
| Hiroshima | JPY 11,399,200 |
| Kawasaki | JPY 11,734,300 |
| Kyoto | JPY 11,818,500 |
| Kobe | JPY 11,974,500 |
| Yokohama | JPY 14,158,800 |
| Sendai | JPY 11,232,800 |
| Sapporo | JPY 12,361,500 |
| Saitama | JPY 11,569,500 |
| Osaka | JPY 14,038,300 |
| Nagoya | JPY 12,481,200 |
Lawyer Salary in Japan Based On Positions
The specific position within the legal profession can significantly influence a lawyer’s salary. Here’s a breakdown of average salaries for some common legal positions:
| Position | Average Salary Per Year |
| Corporate Lawyer | JPY 12,000,000 – JPY 15,000,000 |
| Litigation Lawyer | JPY 10,000,000 – JPY 12,000,000 |
| Real Estate Lawyer | JPY 7,000,000 – JPY 9,000,000 |
| Attorney | JPY 20,000,000 – JPY 30,000,000 |
| General Counsel | JPY 8,000,000 – JPY 12,000,000 |
| Staff Attorney | JPY 7,000,000 – JPY 8,000,000 |
| Associate Attorney | JPY 6,000,000 – JPY 8,000,000 |
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FAQs
In Tokyo, a lawyer typically makes JPY 11,50,000 a month. The two salaries that a Tokyo-based lawyer employee anonymously reported to Glassdoor are the basis for the salary estimations. In Tokyo, the highest monthly income for a lawyer is JPY 20,00,000. In Tokyo, the lowest monthly wage for a lawyer is JPY 3,00,000.
You must register as a special member of both the Japan Federation of Bar Associations and a local bar association, as well as adhere to the Foreign Lawyers Act’s standards and procedures if you want to practice law in Japan.
The fact is that without fluency in Japanese, a high-level legal career will be challenging to achieve. However, many midsize to large legal firms in Japan offer low- to mid-level lawyer jobs to unqualified attorneys. Without a local network, it is challenging to find these positions.
This was all about the lawyer’s salary in Japan; if you are interested in reading more such articles, follow Leverage Edu and Jobs Abroad for more information.
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