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Career Guidance for Senzoku Gakuen Senior High School Students - Supporting the Next Generation Through Legal Education
- Nishimura & Asahi's legal education project
Goals of Presentation and Career Guidance
Tokyo partner Tsuyoshi Nemoto, associates Haruka Sugimoto, Kae Gen, and Megumi Miyano participated in the sessions held at the school. Rather than relying on a traditional lecture format, the team developed participatory role-playing exercises to help students experience legal thinking firsthand and discover the appeal of a legal career. To make the content accessible and engaging, the lawyers created original case studies and facilitated in-depth discussions. On the day of the event, first-year students were divided into teams and took part in simulated negotiations.
Program Overview
The program consisted of two main components: an introduction to law and an introduction to corporate law.
In the first segment, students examined a hypothetical criminal case. They were asked to consult the legal code and identify potential crimes based on the facts presented. This exercise was designed to demonstrate how legal analysis requires not only knowledge of statutory law, but also an understanding of case law, academic theory, and factual interpretation. Students began by individually analyzing the case, each focusing on different aspects—such as the nature of the act, its consequences, or the legal interests involved. As they shared their perspectives, their understanding deepened through collaborative discussion.
The corporate law segment introduced students to the world of business transactions through a simulated stock acquisition negotiation. Acting as representatives of the buyer and seller in a fictional merger between apparel companies, students were tasked with reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. Key issues included personnel transfers and environmental concerns, both areas where the parties involved had diverging interests. Students conducted mock client interviews, developed negotiation strategies, and engaged in two rounds of negotiations, refining their approach between sessions. Over the course of three hours, they remained highly engaged, working to achieve the best outcomes for their “clients.”
Career Guidance at the Tokyo Office
Student Reflections
“I learned that lawyers work in many areas beyond the courtroom. I realized they’re involved in aspects of daily life we often overlook.”
“Simulating a lawyer’s work helped me understand how challenging negotiations can be. I used to think lawyers only defended people in court, but now I see they also help resolve corporate disputes.”
“During the negotiation, we lost sight of what the client actually wanted and started creating solutions on our own. I realized how important it is to listen to the client and consider both sides’ interests.”
“I learned that clearly expressing your opinions is essential in negotiations, especially when trying to meet your client’s needs.”
Reflections from Participating Lawyers
Takeshi Nemoto Attorney at Law
“I was impressed by how actively the students engaged in critical thinking during the mock negotiations. Their diverse and insightful perspectives exceeded my expectations. I hope this experience helped broaden their understanding of the legal profession and inspired them as they consider their future paths.”
Haruka Sugimoto Attorney at Law
“We started with the basics—what it means for one company to acquire another, and what a contract is. I was initially concerned the content might be too difficult, but the students showed remarkable initiative and curiosity. Some even asked questions we hadn’t anticipated. While there’s plenty of information about careers online and in books, opportunities to experience a profession firsthand are rare. I wanted to give students the kind of experience I wished I had when I was in high school.”
Kae Gen Attorney at Law
“For many students, this was their first encounter with corporate legal work. Despite the unfamiliar concepts, they tackled each issue thoughtfully and from multiple angles. I hope this session sparked an interest in the legal field and helped them see the law as a viable career option. Hearing from attorneys with diverse backgrounds likely reassured them that there are many paths to success.”
Megumi Miyano Attorney at Law
“We presented students with advanced challenges, and they responded with enthusiasm and sharp insights. I hope this gave them a clearer picture of the legal profession and the variety of roles within it. During the career guidance session, we introduced different legal fields and shared real-world experiences. The students’ thoughtful questions and engagement were truly impressive. I hope this experience supports them as they shape their future goals.”
プロジェクトメンバーMember
Takeshi has handled many complex M&A transactions and provides sincere advice to his clients. He has extensive experience in M&A-related disputes, and is well versed in the various issues facing companies with founding family shareholders. In recent years, he has been involved in many cases involving business and human rights, impact investing, and advises companies from the perspective of sustainability. He is also actively involved in pro bono work and is one of the most experienced in Japan.