Three areas · Stated fees · One adviser

Legal services with scope and fees stated in advance

Knob Core Lab handles three defined areas of legal practice. Each has a stated fee, a named adviser, and a clear description of what is included — so you know what you are engaging before work begins.

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How Knob Core Lab's services are structured

Each service below covers a defined scope of work at a stated fee. Before any paid work begins, you receive a confirmation that the matter falls within the service's scope and an honest assessment of the likely prospects. If it does not fit, we say so clearly.

The fee for each service is what it costs. Third-party disbursements — filing fees, official translations, and similar items — are specified separately in advance where applicable. Nothing is added mid-matter without prior discussion.

Service one

Corporate Legal Retainer

A monthly arrangement giving a company continuing access to legal advice on the matters that arise in ordinary operation. Suited to companies of twenty to two hundred staff whose legal questions are frequent but individually small — contracts needing review, employment queries, early-stage customer disputes, and documents before signature.

The arrangement works because the adviser becomes familiar with the company's structure and recurring concerns over time. Each new question is handled in that context, rather than starting from the beginning each time.

What is included

A named adviser who handles all matters within the retainer
A set number of advisory hours per month, with unused time carried forward for one period
Stated response time for ordinary queries
A quarterly summary of the matters raised, in writing
Plain-language explanation alongside each key legal term used

Monthly fee

¥44,000

Suited to companies
of 20–200 staff

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Who this suits

Companies that encounter legal questions regularly but not at a volume that justifies a full in-house legal function. The retainer covers the gap — enough advisory access to handle questions as they arise, without the overhead of permanent staff.

What it does not cover

Matters that fall outside corporate, contract and employment questions — criminal issues, litigation representation, or matters requiring court advocacy. These are outside Knob Core Lab's practice areas generally, and will be confirmed as such at the outset.

How the quarterly summary works

At the end of each quarter, the adviser provides a written summary of the matters raised and how they were addressed. This is useful for management review, for briefing new staff, and for identifying recurring legal questions in the business.

Typical situations handled

Boundary disputes where the line between two properties is unclear or contested. Shared wall disagreements — who is responsible for maintenance or repair. Construction by a neighbour that encroaches or causes damage. Noise and vibration complaints where the legal position is unclear. Management association obligations and disputes.

Why mediation is considered first

Neighbours remain neighbours after a legal matter closes. A court-imposed outcome may be technically correct but practically difficult to live beside. A mediated agreement, reached with both parties understanding their legal positions, tends to hold better over time.

Assessment timeline

Usually three to four weeks for the initial written assessment, depending on the documents involved. Resolution timelines depend on the other party's position and the route taken — mediation is typically faster than formal proceedings.

Service two

Neighbour and Boundary Matters

Civil disputes between property owners and occupiers — covering boundaries, shared walls and access, noise and vibration, construction affecting an adjoining property, and the obligations of management associations.

These matters are handled with attention to the continuing relationship between the parties. A written explanation of position is provided, and where the situation is suitable, mediation is set out as a first route before formal legal steps are taken.

What is included

Written explanation of your legal position, clearly expressed
Mediation set out as a first route where appropriate to the situation
Correspondence drafted in measured, clear terms
Plain-language pair for each key legal term used in the matter
Documented outcome prepared in a form both parties can refer to

Service fee

¥25,000

Assessment typically
3–4 weeks

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Service three

Residency and Visa Documentation

Support with status of residence applications, changes of status, permission for activities outside a current status, and permanent residency applications. Covers documentation preparation and correspondence with the immigration bureau.

Intended for individuals managing their own applications and for companies handling applications on behalf of employees. Processing timelines follow the bureau's own schedule, typically one to three months. What can be controlled is the quality and completeness of the submission.

What is included

A document checklist prepared for the specific application type, not a general template
Review of supporting statements before submission
A plain assessment of the application's prospects before any paid work begins
Correspondence with the immigration bureau handled as needed
File prepared in reusable form for any future renewal or change of status

Service fee

¥33,000

Bureau processing
typically 1–3 months

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Application types covered

New status of residence applications, changes of status category, permission to engage in activities outside a current status, and permanent residency applications. Each type has its own document requirements, which is why the checklist is prepared for the specific application rather than drawn from a general list.

For companies with employee applications

Companies sponsoring employee applications can use this service on behalf of individual employees. The same scope, fee, and process applies. Where multiple employees are involved, this is discussed at the enquiry stage.

What "prospects assessment" means

Before paid work begins, you receive a frank view of how the application is likely to be assessed by the bureau, based on the information provided. If the application has a significant weakness, you will know that before committing to the service — not after the submission has been made.

Across all services

Several things remain consistent regardless of which service you engage.

Scope confirmed first

Whether the matter fits the service is assessed and confirmed in writing before paid work begins.

One named adviser

The same person handles the matter from first contact to resolution. No transfers partway through.

Plain-language throughout

Every key legal term in your matter comes with an ordinary-language equivalent, written into the documentation.

Two-day response

Ordinary queries receive a response within two working days. You are not left waiting without explanation.

Fee summary

All fees stated in Japanese yen, inclusive of adviser time. Third-party disbursements specified separately in advance where applicable.

Service	Scope	Fee (JPY)	Timeline
Corporate Legal Retainer	Contracts, employment, early disputes, document review for companies 20–200 staff	¥44,000 / month	Ongoing monthly arrangement
Neighbour and Boundary Matters	Boundaries, shared walls, access, noise, construction disputes, management associations	¥25,000	Assessment 3–4 weeks; resolution varies
Residency and Visa Documentation	Status of residence applications, changes, activity permissions, permanent residency	¥33,000	Bureau processing 1–3 months

Third-party costs — such as official translation fees and immigration bureau filing fees — are not included in the above and will be specified separately in advance where applicable.

Not certain which service applies?

Describe the situation in the contact form and include "not certain" in the area of concern field. We will assess which service — if any — is relevant, and let you know clearly before any paid work begins.

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