Interview with: Ayuko Nemoto, Managing Partner

Managing Partner Ayuko Nemoto shares how Aquaxis Law Office is evolving to meet the diverse and dynamic needs of its clients.

 

 

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Aquaxis Law Office from your competitors?

Aquaxis Law Office stands out for its diversity and international expertise. Over half of our lawyers are women, which is rare for law firms in Japan, especially considering Japan’s low percentage of women lawyers (which is around 20%). Many of our team members have worked at global law firms based in Tokyo and one of the Big Five law firms, bringing extensive cross-border experience. We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that values different perspectives and promotes high-quality legal services.

 

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

We anticipate growth in the healthcare, technology, and transportation sectors due to their rapid growth and increasing legal complexity. Additionally, cross-border transactions, M&A, and dispute resolution are areas where we expect continued expansion. Our recent hires have strengthened our capabilities in these fields, allowing us to better serve our clients.

 

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

We have enhanced our firm’s diversity in terms of personnel and work styles, enabling more flexible and tailored client service. The adoption of IT and AI tools has also improved our efficiency and transparency. We promote open communication through firm-wide meetings, mentoring sessions, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Our remote work environment supports a work-life balance and allows us to attract and retain top talent.

 

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Absolutely. We now rely less on face-to-face meetings and more on digital communication tools such as Slack and other chat platforms. Technologies like AI-powered translation and dictation tools have significantly reduced our workload and legal fees. These innovations allow us to provide more customized and cost-effective legal advice.

 

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

We provided strategic legal advice to a client in response to regulatory changes, including drafting new internal rules and compliance frameworks. Our practical and proactive approach helped the client adapt quickly and maintain business continuity.

 

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Clients increasingly seek law firms that offer both stability and strategic insight. In three years, we envision Aquaxis Law Office continuing to expand its diversity of practices and personnel, leveraging technology to deepen client relationships and enhance service quality.