Date of publication: Aug 19, 2019
Jeffrey Jackson
- Gyoseishoshi Lawyer and Founding Partner
- Jackson Sogo Gyoseishoshi Law Office http://www.jacksonsogo.com
Date of birth: April 7, 1975
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 15 (as of August 2019)
Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?
I first came to Japan as a college student many years ago in the '90s, just as Japan was recovering from the economic excesses of the ’80s. I was fortunate to spend that initial period unencumbered by work and free to take in the language and culture.
Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.
Map out your life in reverse to minimize regrets. Consider what you can look on most proudly during your final moments and work back from there. This will provide you direction when you find yourself waffling in the face of important life decisions.
Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?
I am the first and only Westerner qualified as a gyōsei shoshi lawyer in Japan. This means that, unlike foreign licensed attorneys, or gaiben, I can provide legal support and advice on matters of Japanese law. I focus on the areas of Japanese corporate, immigration, employment, labor and family law, and my unique position enables me to interact with foreign clients directly and effectively at reasonable rates.
Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?
Japan is making some headway toward integration, but residual language and cultural issues mean that foreigners are put at an informational disadvantage in many cases. My goal is to help to close the gap by supporting foreign residents and businesses in Japan and providing direct access to high-quality legal services in native English.
Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?
As a modern society, Japan shares many similarities with other countries, but be careful to keep your assumptions in check. This is especially true for legal matters, where appearances can be deceiving. When in doubt, seek the counsel of specialists like myself, who can guide you through the nuances relevant to your situation.
In particular, take the time to educate yourself on those things impacting you and your family in Japan — immigration, employment, family law, and wills and estates issues. Many foreigners fail to consider these matters until problems arise. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
In particular, take the time to educate yourself on those things impacting you and your family in Japan — immigration, employment, family law, and wills and estates issues. Many foreigners fail to consider these matters until problems arise. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Last updated: Aug 19, 2019