Audalis Legal Trainee to Undertake AGA Secondment in Japan
17 June 2026
Alliott Global Alliance's law firm representative in Berlin, Germany, audalis Berlin legal PartGmbB, is pleased to announce that legal trainee Helena Glatthaar will undertake a short-term secondment with fellow AGA law firm Spring Partners in Tokyo, Japan, from 22 June to 13 July 2026.
Helena has been part of audalis since 2018, initially working as a student research assistant, while undertaking her law studies, and now more recently as a legal trainee. She is currently completing her legal traineeship (Referendariat) in Germany and will sit the oral examination for her Second State Examination later this year.
During her placement with Spring Partners, Helena will gain insight into the structure of legal processes in Japan and the day-to-day operations of a Tokyo law firm. She will also have the opportunity to observe how client relationships and business development are approached in the Japanese legal market, how connections are formed between AGA member firms and will also experience attending a court hearing.
Looking ahead to her placement in Tokyo, Helena commented:
"I am looking forward to learning more about the Japanese legal system and gaining first-hand experience of legal practice in Tokyo. The opportunity to observe a different legal and business culture will be invaluable as I continue my professional development."
The idea of the secondment developed following a visit by Ms Kunika Yoshiura of Spring Partners to audalis in 2024. Learning about her experiences inspired Helena to explore the possibility of a reciprocal exchange and further strengthen the relationship between the two firms.
Boris Pahn, Lawyer for Insurance Law at audalis added:
“International secondments provide valuable opportunities for young professionals to broaden their legal, cultural and commercial understanding while building relationships with AGA colleagues across jurisdictions.
“For participants undertaking placements in countries with different legal systems, languages and business cultures, practical considerations such as visas, accommodation, expenses and local working practices are also important aspects of the experience. We look forward to sharing some of the key insights from Helena’s placement upon her return.”
AGA members can find out more about the alliance's staff exchange program here.
About Alliott Global Alliance:
Founded in 1979, Alliott Global Alliance is a global alliance of independent law, accounting, and advisory firms, operating from more than 340 offices in over 100 countries and providing clients with coordinated, multidisciplinary support worldwide through a trusted global platform. The Alliance is ranked in Chambers and Partners as a Leading Law Firm Network, reflecting the strength and international capability of its legal practices — Together as One.
Our firms share a common purpose: to exchange knowledge, capability, and opportunity in ways that strengthen their businesses and make the world smaller for the clients they serve. This collaboration is underpinned by a spirit of openness and mutual respect, enabling each to broaden its experience, deepen its expertise, and achieve greater success through coordinated international collaboration.
Alliott Global Alliance continues to expand its global presence, with a strategic objective to be represented in 120 countries by 2030. A limited number of affiliation opportunities remain available for independent professional firms that meet our standards and share our commitment to international collaboration. For further information, please contact membership@alliottglobal.com