1. Innovation through knowledge collaboration and integration

The strength of AMT’s legal services lies in its diverse expertise and flexible teaming capabilities. At the foundation of this strength is the knowledge management system established under the leadership of Ms. Kadonaga. Knowledge management involves building and operating systems to aggregate, manage, and share knowledge — including expertise, insights, know-how, and information — and to effectively utilize it. The knowledge management team, led by Ms. Kadonaga and comprising 22 members in total, has established mechanisms to systematically accumulate the information and knowledge necessary for legal practice on a daily basis and to apply that knowledge across practice areas, providing a framework to maximize the application of knowledge. Knowledge that was previously managed on an individual, practice by practice basis is now shared throughout the entire firm through knowledge management, enabling cross disciplinary collaboration.

This enables us to assemble an optimal team to tackle complex legal issues by bringing together attorneys from different practice areas, including corporate, dispute resolution, intellectual property, and environment and energy. This process not only fully leverages each expert’s knowledge but also strengthens cross-disciplinary collaboration, allowing us to respond swiftly and accurately to client needs. Knowledge management is a core element supporting AMT’s “diverse expertise” and “flexible and agile team formation,” providing the foundation for delivering the best possible solutions to our clients.

2. Leadership in innovation

Ms. Kadonaga is recognized as a pioneer of knowledge management in Japan’s legal industry. She became the first Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO) at a domestic law firm, embedding knowledge management practices aimed at efficient information management and resource utilization across the firm. This initiative significantly streamlined traditional work processes, creating an environment where attorneys can focus on more strategic, higher value cases.

Ms. Kadonaga has also influenced the broader industry. In 2021, she contributed to the launch of the Japan office of the Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC), providing a platform to advance discussions of legal operations within the legal industry. Her publications, “Knowledge Management in Corporate Legal Affairs” (2020) and “Practical Legal Operations” (2024), offer deep insights into knowledge management and process optimization within Japan’s legal profession, inspiring innovation among many legal professionals.

3. Significance of the Financial Times Award

The Legal Intrapreneur Award at the “Asia Pacific Innovative Lawyers Awards,” won by Ms. Kadonaga, demonstrates domestic and international recognition of her commitment to innovation. This award honors individuals who lead transformational change in the legal industry, highlighting the significant impact her activities have had on the industry as a whole. Her honor also serves as proof that AMT continues to embody its philosophy of being “Your Partner for Innovative Challenges.”

4. AMT’s commitment to the future

Building on Ms. Kadonaga’s award, AMT will further strengthen its knowledge management and continue providing solutions that support our clients’ success. We are establishing a flexible and agile team of experts to build a structure that responds to our clients’ diverse needs. As a leader driving the evolution of the entire industry, we aim to continue delivering trust and results through innovation.

AMT remains a partner that prioritizes client success and constantly pursues innovation. Our cross disciplinary approach, grounded in knowledge management, delivers comprehensive and practical solutions to complex challenges and achieves results that exceed client expectations.