From April 7 to April 15, 2026, an international internship for IHRC lawyers and mediators took place, titled "The System of Organizing Bar Associations, Notaries, and Mediation: The Experience of Japan," following the route Osaka – Kyoto – Tokyo – Beijing. The program was designed to be practice-oriented, focusing on the actual organization of courts, the legal profession, notaries, mediation, and modern law firms in Japan. The internship included professional visits to the Osaka District Court, the Kyoto Bar Association, the Osaka Notary Association, the Tokyo International Law Office, and a Mediation Center. Participants learned about the structure and functions of courts, the system of professional admission and ethical standards for lawyers, pro bono practices, the organization of notary activities (including digital formats), the role of lawyers and mediators in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and the use of modern technology and digital tools in legal practice. The program was complemented by a cultural and educational block in Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Beijing, illustrating the connection between the legal system and history, culture, and social institutions.
The Japanese legal system is characterized by a high legal culture, stable bar and notary institutions, advanced practices in mediation and other forms of ADR, as well as the consistent digitalization of legal procedures and workflow. Comparing these approaches with current practices in Kazakhstan allows us to identify elements of court, bar, notary, and mediation organization that can be adapted to improve the quality of justice and legal assistance. Professional outcomes for participants:
- A comprehensive understanding of the practical organization of courts, the bar, notaries, and mediation in Japan;
- Insight into interaction models between judges, lawyers, notaries, mediators, and enforcement officers in complex civil and economic cases, as well as an introduction to modern digital solutions (electronic registries, e-notary, ICT in law firm operations);
- Ideas for improving national standards for the quality of legal aid, ethical codes, and self-regulation mechanisms;
- Expansion of professional contacts and potential directions for further cooperation.
The results obtained can be used to update internal regulations, develop professional standards, and modernize training and advanced qualification programs for legal personnel.
To participate in international internships on law and mediation, you may contact the IHRC coordinator Aida Zamanbekova at +77772157436.
