Brent Renner-Hahn

Foreign Attorney

“It is a very friendly and comforting atmosphere. At the same time, everyone is also extremely hard-working and dedicated to their tasks. We obviously spend a lot of time together during the week, so it is essential to have strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.”

 

How was Japan in reality to what you had imagined before you arrived?

I always try to temper my expectations whenever I travel overseas, and just enjoy things as they come. Nevertheless, I had anticipated Japan to be very clean, polite and industrious. These expectation are all true in reality. I had also imagined Japan to be quite futuristic given the country's affinity with robotics and electronics. In many ways this is true; however, the lack of digital currency and credit/debit card facilities has been very surprising.

What were the initial difficulties of adjusting to life in Japan?

While I actually enjoy dealing with the language challenges, it is certainly the biggest difficulty for life in Japan. It can make even the most basic life chores quite an adventure. Japanese people are incredibly hospitable and they try extremely hard to help lost and frightened tourists, but often I might as well be speaking Swahili to them.

How would you describe your co-workers?

It is a very friendly and comforting atmosphere. At the same time, everyone is also extremely hard-working and dedicated to their tasks. We obviously spend a lot of time together during the week, so it is essential to have strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Do you feel like you're having an impact directly on the clients that you work for?

Yes. Despite having to provide balanced and dispassionate professional advice, you naturally ride the highs and lows of your clients' cases. It is very satisfying in successfully arguing against the myriad of different rejections and points dished out by examiners and opponents.

What are the challenging or difficult aspects of your work?

Working in any law firm is always going to be demanding because consumers of legal services necessarily demand excellence. In saying that, we do work very long hours, and sometimes it does feel like you're personally putting the late night taxi drivers' children through college. Luckily, you do become accustomed to the late hours, and you are rarely in the office alone.

What is the most important thing that working at the Firm has taught you about yourself?

Given my legal practice back home was completely different, it is encouraging to know that I can be adaptable to many different circumstances and challenges, both personally and professionally.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love painting and travelling.

I am looking forward to experience ...

many more of Japan's culinary surprises.

What advice would you give a potential new colleague?

Before coming, set yourself some long-term goals for what you want to achieve out of your time working at a Japanese law firm. It could be to improve your Japanese language skills, expand your legal knowledge, or gain international experience. Regardless, if you remain focused on your goals, it will certainly help put those difficult days (nights) into perspective.

Of all the adjectives floating in your mind, give us three that best describe your life in Japan?

1. Rewarding 2. Tireless 3. Attentive to detail.