Olga Belosludtseva: The Proactive Spirit Cultivated at This Juku

2020/11/25

After graduating from the Faculty of Law at this Juku, I became the first Russian national to pass the bar exam. Currently, I work in Tokyo as an attorney, primarily focusing on corporate legal affairs. Recently, I have had more opportunities to gain recognition, such as contributing to President Online and receiving appearance requests from various broadcasting stations.

Due to professional constraints as an attorney, I cannot accept all appearance requests. However, as my profile has gradually risen, I have begun to receive direct requests from companies and individuals. While it is said to be extremely rare for a first-year attorney to be requested by name, I believe I was able to overcome that barrier thanks to the fundamental abilities cultivated at this Juku.

Specifically, it is the proactive ability to take action spontaneously without waiting for instructions.

During my time as a student, I participated in the Fukuzawa Bunmeijuku. People from a wide range of backgrounds participated, but what everyone had in common was the trait of "taking action on one's own."

Currently, the legal population continues to increase, and we are exposed to fierce competition every day. You cannot demonstrate your presence simply by waiting passively. As Yukichi Fukuzawa said, "Unless one is a person whom others can rely upon, even in small matters, one is of no use to anyone." With a passive attitude, no one will rely on you, and you cannot create any value. Therefore, taking into account that society became remote-centered due to the COVID-19 pandemic immediately after my registration as an attorney, I began to actively share information online.

I feel that many alumni of this Juku possess a proactive spirit and strong communication skills. For example, Yoshinori Oshima, an attorney, has a strong influence on the legal world through books such as "Practical Commentary: Administrative Litigation" and "Constitution Girl," and I have been indebted to his writings since my student days.

Of course, it would be putting the cart before the horse to become an attorney who has fame and communication skills but no substance. I intend to continue honing my fundamental skills as an attorney so as not to disappoint those who rely on me. I will strive to move businesses forward hand-in-hand with my clients while utilizing my professional expertise, so please feel free to contact me.