Catherine O'Connell Attends First Meet Up of Tokyo-Based- Kiwi Lawyers

When Catherine first arrived in Japan more than two decades ago, you could count the number of New Zealand-qualified lawyers in the country on one hand. Today, that number has grown to around 25, reflecting the increasing connections between New Zealand and Japan and the growing opportunities for legal professionals in the market.

Recently, around half of Tokyo's Kiwi lawyer community gathered for what is believed to be the first dedicated meet-up of New Zealand lawyers based in Japan. Hosted at Rangitoto Tokyo, the evening featured excellent food, wine pairings, and plenty of stories from careers spanning private practice, in-house roles, business, and governance.

Beyond reconnecting old friends and welcoming newer arrivals to Japan, the gathering was a reminder of how much the New Zealand legal community in Japan has grown over the years. Plans are already underway for the next get-together.