About Us
Iwata Godo was established in 1902 as one of the pioneering law firms in Japan specializing in legal services for business corporations by the late Chuzo Iwata, an attorney at law, who was to serve later in his career in such posts as Minister of Justice, Member of Parliament, President of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations and President of Gakushikai (Association of Imperial University Graduates). Ever since, Iwata Godo has been providing its legal services to numerous leading Japanese corporations and other entities, constantly developing its practice alongside the Japanese corporate economy and coming through the rough periods of pre- and post- World War II.
We have been actively expanding our practice over these periods in response to the widening range of corporate activities which have become ever more specialized and complex. In addition to traditional corporate law practice such as representing business entities in lawsuits and other procedures, advising on various corporate actions (e.g., acquisition of treasury stock, capital increase or decrease, apportionment of surplus, amendment of articles of association), providing guidance in steering general meetings of shareholders, advice on drafting and interpreting contracts, M&A, labour laws, and compliance, we have a good track record in various fields of practice, including financial transactions, competition law, intellectual property, IT-related law and international transactions.
In order to provide swift and appropriate services in response to such a wide range of legal issues, we have a number of talented attorneys in our firm who are thoroughly acquainted with international legal practice through their studies abroad, and who have a good grasp of state-of-the-art business practices based on their experience in secondments at government-managed financial institutions, major private sector financial institutions, and major trading companies.
In addition, we welcomed the participation of a Chinese attorney who is a partner of a leading Chinese law firm, as well as an attorney practicing UK law who had worked for many years as a partner in a major law firm in the United Kingdom. Drawing upon the competency of these lawyers practicing foreign laws as well as of Japanese attorneys fluent in foreign languages, Iwata Godo now provides legal services, in cooperation with local law firms, not only in the United States and European countries but also in Asian countries which have gained significance as business markets. Furthermore, we have joined TerraLex, a worldwide association of quality independent law firms, to establish a global network. We have thus established a practice structure whereby we can always respond to the legal issues faced by our clients both promptly and appropriately. Especially in Chinese law, Iwata Godo works in standing cooperation with Jin Mao P.R.C. Lawyers, a leading Chinese corporate law firm in Shanghai.
Attorneys of Iwata Godo aspire to leave marks on history that will survive over the vicissitudes of the times, and consider it their duty to continue providing the best legal services without becoming complacent with the tradition of the firm. We will continue to serve our clients upholding high aims and ideals.