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04/09/2026

Client Voice｜ How UMEKITA Law Found the Ideal Workspace at Compass Offices

“The moment I walked in, I knew I wanted to be here.” — Why a lawyer in his first year of independent practice chose this as the place to start

When attorney Mr. Naito of Umekita Law Office decided to establish his own practice, he chose Compass Offices Inogate Osaka as the place to begin his new chapter.

He wanted to keep costs under control, but not at the expense of a professional working environment. We spoke with Mr. Naito about what he was looking for in an office, why he chose Compass Offices, and the value he has experienced since moving in.

Background to His Office Search

When starting his own practice, keeping initial and fixed costs low was a key priority, making a flexible serviced office a natural option.
At the same time, as a lawyer, he did not want to compromise on the quality of reception services, mail handling, or document management.
His first impression during the viewing — “The moment I walked in, I wanted to be here” — combined with Compass Offices’ flexibility in discussing costs, became the deciding factor.
Since moving in, he has been able to rely on the team for reception, visitor support, mail handling, and the management of confidential documents, allowing him to focus on his core work.

Starting Independently While Keeping Initial and Fixed Costs Low

— What kind of office were you looking for when you decided to start your own practice?

The main reason was simply that I had decided to become independent. In the legal industry, more lawyers are now starting their own practices using serviced offices to keep fixed costs down, so it felt like a natural option for me as well.

Traditionally, lawyers needed to be based close to the courts, but with online court proceedings becoming more common around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, that need has decreased significantly.

I also have other work and am frequently out of the office for lectures and other engagements. I therefore did not need a conventional leased office, as long as I had access to a high-quality professional working environment. From that perspective, a flexible office made much more sense for me.

Keeping Costs Down Without Compromising on the Working Environment

— What were the most important factors when choosing your office?

My top priority was to keep initial and fixed costs as low as possible when starting out.

At the same time, because of the nature of legal work, there were certain areas where I did not want to compromise. Location was one of them. Another surprisingly important factor was whether there was a concierge or reception service.

Legal professionals receive a lot of mail, and I am often away from the office, so I felt that working somewhere without reception support would be a little concerning. I also checked practical factors such as actual office availability, pricing, and room layout.

“The Moment I Walked In, I Wanted to Be Here”

— What ultimately made you choose Compass Offices?

The moment I walked in, I thought, “I want to be here.” To be honest, it was instinctive. The location was important, of course, but the overall impression of the office also had a big impact.

In the end, however, pricing also played an important role and significantly changed how I ranked the options.

As I was in my first year of independent practice and working in a somewhat different way from a typical lawyer, it was difficult to predict my income and expenses. I therefore wanted to keep my start-up costs as low as possible.

When I explained that openly, the team was very flexible in discussing the options with me. That became the deciding factor.

Reception, Mail and Confidential Documents — Support That Lets Me Focus on My Work

— What benefits have you experienced since moving in?

The reception team always handles visitors professionally, and I have never received a complaint from a client regarding the service.

I am often out of the office, so handling telephone calls, mail, registered post, and highly confidential documents must be quite demanding, but everything has always been managed accurately. I am genuinely grateful for that.

It is also reassuring to know that I can speak to the team immediately whenever something comes up. Even with meeting rooms, if the number of attendees increases at the last minute or a meeting runs longer than expected, the team is flexible and helps us find a solution on the spot.

When I first moved in, Umekita area redevelopment was still underway, and I was slightly concerned about whether clients would be able to find the building easily. Now, however, the signage is much clearer, and Inogate Osaka itself has gained greater recognition through media coverage, so that concern has disappeared.

“They Anticipate What You Need.” Honestly, I Cannot Think of Any Particular Complaints

— What would you say to someone considering Compass Offices?

For someone renting a serviced office for the first time, especially as a sole practitioner, I think it is very reassuring to choose a place where the team is willing to listen and provide advice.

For me, it really feels like they anticipate what I need before I even have to ask. Even if I try to think of something, honestly, I cannot come up with any particular complaints.

If you are interested, I think the best thing to do is simply come and see it for yourself.