Lawyers do not only serve for the benefit of their own clients, but they are also entrusted with protecting human rights and promoting social justice through the handling of each of their cases. In order to accomplish this, the freedom and independence of lawyers must be ensured without yielding to other authorities. For this reason, the bar association is a self-governing body which is responsible for the qualification and registration procedures for its members, enactments of rules and procedures in connection with the structure and operation of the Association and disciplinary action against its members.
Disciplinary action is enforced by the bar association in the event a lawyer or law corporation (i) violates the Lawyers Law or the rules of the lawyer's bar association, (ii) disturbs the order or credibility of the bar association, or (iii) engages in "misconduct that brings the legal profession into disrepute" during the discharge of the lawyer's duties or while off-duty. A petition for disciplinary action may be filed by anyone, and is not limited to clients, opposing counsel or other related persons. When a petition for disciplinary action is filed, the Discipline Maintenance Committee first performs a preliminary investigation. If such Committee determines that an examination is warranted, then a further examination will be made by the Disciplinary Action Committee, which in turn will make a decision as to whether to proceed with disciplinary action.
The Dai-Ichi Tokyo Bar Association established a municipal contact desk, which hears complaints and other comments from clients with respect to the activities of lawyers. In addition, a Dispute Mediation Committee was established for the purpose of regulating and resolving issues between lawyers and clients. This committee hears from both sides of a dispute and then examines the case from a fair and impartial standpoint to resolve the dispute.
At the bar association, training in ethics is provided periodically so that members will maintain a high level of professional conduct, and will act as Bengoshi capable of meeting the expectations and trust of the community. Attendance at such training sessions is mandatory for members.