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Asia Business Law Journal names the country’s top law firms. Lim Miran and Chandu Gopalakrishnan report

Total revenue for South Korea’s legal services industry is expected to increase to about USD8 billion by the end of 2024, despite the central bank in November revising down its economic growth outlook from 2.2% in August last year to 2.1%.

Reported declines in industrial production, consumption and investment in October last year have been countered by government and private sector optimism that South Korea’s economy will grow in 2024, led primarily by exports.

Driven by key industries such as semiconductors and automobiles, exports are creating a backdrop of economic stability, and law firms have been active in growing their ties abroad. Sustained demand for legal services is evident, particularly in areas related to corporate transactions, intellectual property and regulatory compliance within industries.

The Serious Accident Punishment Act (SAPA), which was passed by the Korean National Assembly in January 2021, took effect on January 2022 for larger companies, applicable to businesses with at least 50 full-time employees and subject to imprisonment of one year or longer and a criminal fine of up to KRW1 billion (USD750,000). Since its first enactment, the law has been expanded to cover companies with fewer than 50 full-time workers, with the expanded version to take effect in January 2024. Law firms specialising in labour and industrial law are expecting a surge in demand for SAPA compliance and risk mitigation advice.

The Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act (MRFTA) continued to be a pivotal regulatory framework and recent developments in competition law, including the regulation of restrictive agreements and practices, has heightened demand for law firms.

As the MRFTA’s reach extends beyond South Korea’s borders, opportunities for legal practitioners to beef up their extraterritorial services has increased, ensuring comprehensive compliance for their clients.

The evolving intellectual property landscape has been marked by advancements in technology and global market dynamics, presenting both challenges and opportunities for law firms. This growing demand for IP rights enforcement and protection advice, along with more strategic counsel, is expected to continue beyond 2024.

Navigating this sea of opportunities and challenges requires a combination of agility and experience and it is against this backdrop that we proudly present Asia Business Law Journal’s 2023 Korea Law Firm Awards celebrating the legal practitioners that have aced the game.

Among the notable selections, four firms have been identified as exceptional, with one firm standing out as our Law Firm of the Year. In an additional 30 categories, which includes Best Foreign Law Firms, four winners have been recognised for their equal merit, and are presented in alphabetical order. Additionally, one law firm has been acknowledged for its impactful contribution as the Best Boutique Law Firm.

Established in 1977, Lee & Ko’s steadfast growth and position as South Korea’s largest and longest-standing practice group makes it the clear choice for the Law Firm of The Year Award for 2023.

For decades, Lee & Ko has held a dominant position in the Korean international arbitration market, achieving groundbreaking victories and garnering substantial media attention in both Korea and the Asia-Pacific. This is in no small part thanks to its unparalleled team of experienced lawyers including former judges, prosecutors and other industry experts.

Notably, the firm is representing Chang Jae Shin, chairman of Kyobo Life, in a USD700 million ICC arbitration against a foreign private equity fund, building on previous successes in related cases. Renowned as the leading arbitration firm in the nuclear sector, Lee & Ko handles critical cases involving KEPCO, KHNP and Westinghouse.

Additionally, Lee & Ko excels in defence procurement, currently handling major arbitrations for DAPA and Hyundai Heavy Industries. It has also witnessed growth in its International Construction Dispute Resolution Practice Group, catering to top Korean construction companies like Hyundai Rotem and GS E&C.

The firm represented Hanwha Ocean, a leading Korean shipbuilder, in a case where Hanwha was selected as preferred bidder over its rival, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, in the warship bidding process, but Hyundai applied the brakes by claiming that the bidding process was invalid.

Koo Seung Mo

“The prompt and precise response exhibited by Lee & Ko was notably impressive,” says Koo Seung Mo, group general counsul at Hahwha. “Within a brief timeframe, Lee & Ko adeptly identified the key issues in the case, elucidated the loopholes in the opposing party’s argument, and effectively persuaded the court through compelling written and verbal articulations. We wholeheartedly endorse Lee & Ko and commend attorney Seong Changho, the triumphant representative in the aforementioned case, as the preeminent law firm and legal practitioner.”

Along with Lee & Ko, law firms Bae Kim & Lee, Kim & Chang, and Shin & Kim have shared the laurels for the Best Overall Law Firm. Kim & Chang aced in 21 categories of this year’s awards, while Bae Kim & Lee and Shin & Kim scored in 16 categories each.

Bae Kim & Lee, founded in 1980 by Kim In Sub in Seoul, stands as one of South Korea’s most venerable law firms. Renowned for its rich history, the full-service firm takes pride in its diverse team comprising South Korean and international attorneys, former government officials and specialist experts in areas such as M&A, foreign investment, fair trade, labour, tax, IP and dispute resolution.

Pioneering regional expansion, the firm established offices in Shanghai and the UAE, contributing to its current strength of more than 710 professionals including lawyers, accountants and patent attorneys stationed across Asia in cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, Hanoi and Dubai.

Bae Kim & Lee’s commitment to serving globally expanding clients is reflected in its provision of tailored advice on local laws and practices. Leveraging extensive networks in various jurisdictions, the firm assists clients to navigate international landscapes.

Notably, it led the way among South Korean law firms when it established offices in key Asian cities including Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City and Yangon.

“The firm certainly has extensive reach to the Asean countries, in particular Indonesia, where I reside and work closely with them on matters for Korean clients,” says Frederick Simanjuntak, a partner at Makarim & Taira S in Indonesia.

Frederick Simanjuntak

Riza Fadhli Buditomo, a senior partner at Armand Yapsunto Muharamsyah and Partners in Indonesia, seconds this observation. “They are very responsive and competitive. They have the know-how and a very strong presence in local market,” he says.

As the sole South Korean representative in the exclusive World Law Group, a global network comprising 20,000 lawyers from premier law firms, Bae Kim & Lee further solidifies its international standing.

The year 2023 saw the firm appearing for several big-ticket cases, the most notable being Swiss elevator maker Schindler’s lawsuit against the South Korean government.

Bae Kim & Lee represented the South Korean Government in the dispute, which gained significant media attention in Korea and beyond as the first investor-state disagreement against Korea under the EFTA-Korea Investment Agreement.

Established in 1973 by Harvard alum Kim Young Moo and former judge Chang Soo Kil, Kim & Chang aimed to pioneer a South Korean law firm adhering to American legal service standards. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the initial recruiter of foreign attorneys in the nation, currently boasting a team of more than 1,800 professionals.

Kim & Chang stands at the forefront in delivering comprehensive counsel on equity and debt financing. Covering project finance, acquisition finance, ship finance, real estate finance and debt market investment, the firm has emerged as a leader in these areas, providing a broad spectrum of services to its clientele.

Shin & Kim has emerged as a prominent player in the legal industry in the past four decades, gaining attention for its remarkable growth, recruitment of star lawyers, inclusive decision-making and comprehensive welfare system. The firm consistently boasts high double-digit sales growth, surpassing KRW300 billion (USD225.4 million) in 2022.

With a 22% increase in legal staff, reaching 546 by September 2023, Shin & Kim is the third-largest South Korean law firm by lawyer count. The firm strategically invests in new industries related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (advanced technology), and actively recruits experts in blockchain, virtual assets, online platforms, biotechnology and healthcare.

The establishment of the firm’s Online Platform & New Technology team marked Shin & Kim’s move into the emerging businesses in the information and communications technology sector. The opening of its sixth overseas office in Singapore, in April 2023, positioned Shin & Kim as a strategic hub for local networks and a gateway for domestic clients venturing into Southeast Asia.

Since its establishment by seasoned lawyers from premier law firms and multinational corporations in 2017, DLG Law Corporation has quickly become a dynamic force on the legal landscape.

Prioritising pro bono work since inception, the firm offers legal services fostering growth and innovation for clients. With a global outlook, the firm operates not only in South Korea but also has a presence in Canada, Germany, Vietnam, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand.

“DLG Law Corporation has been instrumental in finding, negotiating and concluding partnerships in Korea as well as across the globe,” says Jungwon Suh, general counsel of major Korean convenience store retailer Emart24. “Through their participation, we were able to receive substantial investment and business opportunities.”

David Byun, CFO at JYP Entertainment in Seoul, says: “DLG Law Corporation has been our trusted partner over the years, advising us on our most critical transactions and risk management. What stands out about DLG Law Corporation is their long-term commitment to the client as well as their deep understanding of the entertainment industry.

Because DLG Law Corporation lawyers are familiar with JYP and its business, as well as the current trends in the music industry, we trust that it will come up with the best options for the legal issues we face.”

Registering good growth in 2023, DLG Law Corporation Law Group made significant strategic hires including Han Sung Kang, a New York attorney, and Jong Dae Jeong, a Korean attorney with an extensive Southeast Asia practice. The firm’s cross-border team, led by attorneys such as Ikze Cho in Europe and Jay Shin in Canada, enhances its international capabilities.

DLG Law Corporation Law Group engages in various events, seminars and initiatives, showcasing its commitment to knowledge-sharing and community engagement. The launch of the Public Interest Human Rights Centre, the ESG Sustainability Centre and the Asia Practice Group exemplify the firm’s dedication to addressing contemporary legal challenges and providing holistic solutions for its diverse clientele.

US law firm Greenberg Traurig has been active in South Korea, and in expanding its presence in Asia in the past few years, having launched its Tokyo office in 2015 and, most recently, a Singapore operation in April 2023. As an international law firm, Greenberg Traurig, which also operates in mainland China, has focused on building out its teams in the firm’s core practice areas in the region such as real estate, particularly in Japan, where it has made a number of key real estate partner hires in recent years. Additionally, the firm has been active in expanding its capability to advise on energy and infrastructure deals in Asia, having launched its Singapore office with a strategic team hire. The Miami-based firm, with its Japan law capability, has also focused on seeking mandates from global private equity firms, which have been active in investing in Japan’s property market, with its weak yen and undervalued assets.

American law firm K&L Gates has international offices in Australia, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America.

The firm’s Seoul team comprises legal professionals with extensive international experience who facilitate seamless and responsive approaches to clients’ legal needs. With a strategic focus on contentious and non-contentious matters, the office is well positioned to support Korean entities in the evolving landscape of global business.

Operating in close collaboration with the firm’s extensive international network and local Korean counsel, the Seoul office is at the forefront of comprehensive legal solutions for Korean companies navigating business landscapes in the Asia, the US, Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

Tyler Won recently joined the firm as Seoul Office managing partner, bringing expertise in intellectual property, international trade, renewable energy and anti-corruption. The Korea practice was further strengthened in 2023 with the addition of prominent new partners such as Singapore’s Sarah Park, specialising in project finance, and Hong Kong’s Jay Lee, a recognised expert in debt capital markets, securities and crypto transactions.

A US law firm with a 150-year legacy, Ropes & Gray became the first foreign legal consultancy office in Korea when it opened an office in Seoul in 2012.

Since then, the firm has significantly expanded its market share in Korea by taking on major mandates of varying types, industries and geographies each year. During 2023, the firm continued to service longstanding clients such as Bain Capital, TPG Capital, Samsung, LG and CJ.

Ropes & Gray handles a considerable volume of M&A mandates for leading players in the global private equity community, with an impressive track record of excellence in US/South Korean intellectual property disputes.

A century-old global white-shoe law firm based in New York City, White & Case has more than four decades of experience in Korea-related matters. Its multidisciplinary team of lawyers and staff operate in 46 offices in 31 countries, including its Seoul office, which opened in 2015.

White & Case has become one of the first choices for Korean entities in need of strategic and commercial legal solutions, and the firm takes pride in deeply understanding the needs of Korean clients.

The long and successful history of advising conglomerates, financial institutions and state-owned enterprises has made White & Case a trusted adviser for large-scale international projects in industries such as construction, energy, infrastructure, electronics, semiconductor, steelmaking, automotive and shipping. The firm excels not only in major deals and projects, but also in “bet the company” disputes, high-stakes investigations and trade matters.

White & Case heavily invests in developing the expertise of its foreign-trained, Korean-speaking lawyers. The firm’s recent promotions, including Kibbeum Kim and Kyle Oh, have strengthened its debt finance, corporate/M&A, and private equity practices.

Client testimonials highlight Peter & Kim‘s exceptional qualities, describing the firm as “fast, responsive and incredibly commercially minded”, with a focus on achieving clients’ business goals.

The legal prowess of practitioners like Jim Morrison, Charis Tan, John Bang and Yunsoo Shin was commended, solidifying the firm’s reputation. Notably, Peter & Kim expanded its global footprint with a new Zurich office, welcoming partner Alexis Schoeb in Switzerland, elevating Jennifer Yoo to partner in Seoul, and adding Arie Eernisse from Shin & Kim as senior foreign attorney.

In 2023, Peter & Kim continued its successes by securing victories in a USD2.7 billion commercial arbitration and a significant matter with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

Other highlights included representing states in investment treaty cases exceeding USD25 billion, and advising leading financial institutions in multibillion-dollar international arbitrations. Notable cases include: representing Korea in an annulment proceeding after the “Lone Star” ICSID case; acting as lead counsel for Westinghouse Electric in a high-profile KCAB arbitration; and representing a private equity consortium in a high-profile shareholders dispute against Kyobo Life Insurance chairman and CEO, Shin Chang-Jae.

Major arbitration lawsuits handled by Shin & Kim in 2023 include: a Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) USD1.4 billion trade credit finance case; an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Singapore construction dispute with more than USD400 million at stake; an ICC European construction dispute governed by Swiss law; and a London Centre of International Arbitration (LCIA) arbitration involving a USD210 million dispute governed by English law.

  • BAE KIM & LEE
  • CHOI & KIM
  • MOON & SONG
  • YOON & YANG

With aviation being one of the firm’s four key practice areas, Choi & Kim, founded in 1997, specialises in advising on disputes over air transport. The Seoul-based firm has represented air carriers to defend claims in aviation accidents, and has advised on issues relating to passenger transport, including civil liabilities facing air carriers.

It has also acted in litigation cases relating to the interpretation of the Warsaw Convention, air waybill terms and cargo mis-delivery problems. One of the firm’s founding partners, Kim Chang Joon, has been in the aviation practice more than 30 years and has acted on various relevant cross-border commercial litigation and arbitration cases.

Moon & Song is traditionally recognised as an expert in maritime and shipping, however its aviation practice is also making a big impression and covers a wide range of legal disputes, such as the nature of air waybill and identification of a carrier that arise in cases of cargo mis-delivery, or losses and damage.

The law firm is equipped with partners educated in law overseas, including managing partner KM Moon, who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. This enables the firm to assist clients in resolving issues of multi-jurisdictional claims and involving aviation liability, among other things, based on the Warsaw Convention. Additionally, the Seoul-based firm has engaged in defending airlines and their insurers in cases relating to passenger transport. The firm has experience in advising on issues relating to port, terminal, freight forwarding and logistics, with an in-depth knowledge of the sector.

Yoon & Yang was formed in 2003 with the merger of Yoon & Partners and Roh & Yang. The firm’s aviation division was busy in 2023, with its attorneys called on to facilitate a challenging cross-border finance lease for Korean Air (KAL), involving an A321-NX aircraft. The deal faced complexities due to a last-minute delivery delay, requiring parties to navigate currency exchange issues. This marked KAL’s first cross-border financing for Airbus deliveries.

Yoon & Yang advised KDB and BoComm Leasing in a financing arrangement for the delivery of four B737-8 aircraft to Jeju Air. The firm assisted in overcoming structural challenges, offering guidance on Korean tax and foreign exchange regulations. The complex, multi-jurisdictional transaction provided an affordable financing solution for Jeju Air amid rising interest rates.

“Yoon & Yang represented one of our portfolio companies in a very complex litigation which required a thorough understanding of the related technology,” says William Chung, managing director and head of group legal at Hahn & Co in Seoul. “Yoon & Yang provided services beyond my expectation, and sometimes excelled the insights of the experts. Yoon & Yang will be your trustful and reliable partner, especially if you have a long and hard journey ahead of you.”

As one of South Korea’s biggest law firms with more than 600 professionals, Yulchon runs a corporate governance team consisting of senior lawyers including the firm’s co-founding partner, Kang Hee Chul and managing partner Woong Yoon Hee. Kang, for example, has advised major Korean conglomerates such as Samsung, Hyundai Motor Company and SK Telecom on corporate governance cases.

Yulchon advises on specialised practice areas including corporate & finance, antitrust, tax, real estate & construction, dispute resolution, intellectual property & technology, and labour & employment. Corporate governance also forms part of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) practice, which involves advising companies on setting ESG strategies and targets.

Jipyong, founded in 2000, has a team of lawyers with experience in advising domestic and international clients on projects and transactions in the energy, resources and infrastructure sector.

Over the years, the Seoul-based firm, which has offices in eight overseas cities including Jakarta, Moscow and Hanoi, has advised on numerous cross-border deals such as: advising Troika Overseas Resources Development PEF, a jointly run company by SK Energy, Samchully Asset Management and KDB, on acquiring shares in the oil and gas field of Canadian petroleum producer Bellatrix. It has also acted for Korea Investment & Securities in bidding for a coal mine lot and an exportation oil field on the Russian island of Sakhalin.

Founded in 2009, One Law Partners has been advising clients on matters and litigation cases relating to entertainment, particularly in the film industry, for more than a decade. Such entertainment-related legal services cover various areas including trade secrets, and the drafting and negotiation of intellectual property agreements.

One Law Partners has represented various players in Korea’s entertainment industry, including a major Korean game company in a lawsuit under South Korea’s Display Advertising Act arising from a BJ (game-streaming) promotion activity. It also represented a production company in a movie theatre injunction case for the infringement of the country’s Unfair Competition Act. In addition, the Seoul-based firm has focused on legal advice in golf, basketball, baseball and other sports.

LIN has recently been active in investing in its fintech advisory capability, assisting fintech companies in building their overseas expansion platforms. The Seoul-based firm has been advising fintech companies on establishing and operating overseas subsidiaries, as well as reviewing overseas business contracts and responding to legal risks arising from overseas business activities.

Additionally, it has provided legal, patent, accounting, taxation and marketing consulting services to fintech companies that have either entered, or intend to invest in, overseas markets. LIN managing partner Jin Seok Lim specialises in advising on industrial regulations, transactions and disputes in the finance sector, and is a key member of LIN’s fintech practice team.

DR & AJU was formed in 2009 after the merger of Daeryook (DR) and AJU. In the past 15 years, DR & AJU has demonstrated exceptional growth and innovation in the Korean legal landscape.

Achieving complete internal integration, the firm recently witnessed a more than 20% revenue surge, ranking first in revenue growth among the major Korean law firms. The total across all the firm’s practice areas in 2023 amounted to KRW108.1 billion.

From expanding services and launching a subsidiary office in Washington DC to pioneering initiatives like the Election Law Practice Group and Corporate Data Protection Centre, the firm continues to evolve to meet diverse legal needs.

Thanks to the 2020 merger that created Dentons Lee, the firm embraces a unique position as a Korean law firm (Lee International Law Group) integrated into a global network (Dentons).

In the insurance and reinsurance sector, Dentons Lee handled a number of major lawsuits, including the dispute between Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, Korea Branch (AGCS) and KB Insurance (KB) regarding reinsurance claims linked to product recalls by LG Energy Solutions. AGCS, as the lead reinsurer, rejected the claim due to insufficient evidence. Subsequently, KB filed a lawsuit in Seoul against AGCS, and Dentons Lee, engaged by AGCS, is representing them in the litigation.

Dentons Lee’s insurance and reinsurance team also advised Assicurazioni Generali’s Hong Kong branch on compliance with South Korean laws for its cross-border reinsurance business. The team provided crucial guidance on permitted and prohibited activities, ensuring Generali’s adherence to South Korean regulations and avoiding potential fines or penalties from local regulators.

Law firm awards

Patent litigation

First founded under the name Joon Koo Lee & Partners by former commissioner of patents of the Korean Intellectual Property Office Lee Joon Koo in 1970, Koreana Patent Firm boasts a team of partner-level patent attorneys specialising in a wide range of areas and including expertise in business sectors such as semiconductors, biotechnology, machinery and pharmaceuticals. All partners have years of experience representing clients in trials, including in cases heard by the Patent Court and the Supreme Court. Services also include conducting patent infringement analysis and technology valuation, among others.

NAM & NAM bolstered its team in 2023 with strategic hires including three Korean attorneys specialising in semiconductor, chemical and telecommunications patent prosecution.

Committed to global client support, the firm welcomed a US attorney handling legal matters in Korea for US/EP clients and vice versa. With an accomplished patent team, NAM & NAM earned recognition at the Asia IP Awards 2023 for its outstanding patent work in South Korea. Managing partner Ben Yuu and partner Lee Seo-young were named 2023 IP stars, while Yuu and partner Kim Sung-wook secured spots in the IAM Patent 1000 list.

  • LEE & KO
  • MUHANN PATENT & LAW FIRM
  • NAM & NAM
  • YOU ME PATENT & LAW FIRM

Muhann Patent & Law Firm was founded in 2002 and specialises in providing advice on all areas of intellectual property law, with patent, copyright and trademark the main areas of focus. The Seoul-based firm has set a precedent for intellectual property matters as the first in South Korea to file an online patent co-operation treaty application with the Korean Intellectual Property Office.

One of the firm’s four co-managing partners, Lee Chang Hoon, served as the managing patent attorney for prosecution on behalf of global brands such as Motorola, Alcatel and Ericsson before co-founding Muhann. Another managing partner, Chun Sung Jin, also previously represented IBM as its managing attorney for prosecution work, and has advised on patent infringement lawsuits including one between Fujitsu and Samsung over HDD head patents.

YOU ME Patent & Law Firm is one of South Korea’s intellectual property boutique firms specialising in patent, trademark and design advice. With experience in obtaining patents in more than 60 countries and trademarks in 130-plus countries, the firm’s intellectual property litigation and licensing services are handled by a growing team of lawyers focused solely on those cases.

The Seoul-based firm also runs a US prosecution practice from its Washington DC office, where it annually files more than 1,000 non-provisional patent applications to the US Patent & Trademark Office in industry sectors such as semiconductors and electronics.

Since its inception, LAB Partners has built a reputation for successful resolution of complex labour and employment issues through skilled negotiation. Its team specialises in various aspects of labour disputes, collective bargaining, workplace harassment, employee termination and workplace safety and health matters.

In the realm of corporate and M&A, LAB Partners boasts a team of seasoned lawyers with expertise in M&A, joint ventures, corporate governance, general corporate affairs, foreign exchange regulations, private equity funds and venture capital.

Partners Kim Youngju and Kim Kwangbok are highly regarded lawyers in the field, further reinforcing the firm’s standing as a leader in corporate and M&A.

  • BAE KIM & LEE
  • LAB PARTNERS
  • LEE & KO
  • LIN

Boutique firm Seum Law actively advises clientele of startup and technology companies, including household names such as Kakao Mobility and Naver, on general corporate and litigation matters. Partner Lee Seungmin is among the firm’s team of lawyers who focuses on civil and criminal litigation, and advisory services related to blockchain, cryptocurrency and other related matters.

Another partner, Byun Seungkyu, has also been advising on cryptocurrency and general startup matters, including acting as counsel to Korea-based crypto investor and accelerator Hashed on investment, regulatory and crypto fund matters. In addition, Byun has represented community-powered online shopping platform Bungaejangter on regulatory and general corporate matters and investment financing.

  • DENTONS LEE
  • FIRSTLAW PC
  • LEE & KO
  • YP LEE MOCK & PARTNERS

FirstLaw PC, founded in 1988, has been offering legal advice on trademark and litigation cases as two of the firm’s key areas of practice. On the trademark side, the firm boasts legal specialists such as partner Lee Jeong won, who has served as a co-chairperson of the APAA Trademark Committee and director of the Korea Trademark & Design Association.

The overall capability of the trademark team complements that of the litigation practice, which includes the firm’s former co-managing partner and current of counsel, Choi Eun-Hwa, who has been serving as an arbitrator at the Korea Commercial Arbitration Board and a member of the intellectual property dispute mediation committee of the Korean Intellectual Property Office since 2004.

YP Lee Mock & Partners was founded in 1985 and currently boasts a team of attorneys specialising in advice on trademark, design and copyright matters, with experience in senior positions in relevant government and public entities.

Former president of the Korea Trademark and Design Association Baek Dukyeul, and ex-chief judge of the Intellectual Property Tribunal, Yon Wonsuck, are among the firm’s members. Besides prosecuting patent and trademark cases, the Seoul-based firm advises on patent search, intellectual property consulting, licensing and litigation cases.

  • BAE KIM & LEE
  • DENTONS LEE
  • MUHANN PATENT & LAW FIRM
  • NAM & NAM

 

The judging process

The winners of Asia Business Law Journal’s Korea Law Firm Awards were selected based on votes, references and qualitative information received from in-house counsel and other legal professionals in South Korea and around the world.

A voting form was posted on our website, and thousands of in-house counsel, lawyers at international law firms and other South Korea-focused professionals were invited to vote. At the same time, South Korean law firms were asked to make submissions in support of their candidacy for awards. These submissions, combined with research by Asia Business Law Journal’s editorial team, played a supporting role in the judging process.

All South Korean law firms were automatically eligible for inclusion in the awards process. As always, there were no entry fees or any other requirements for entry.

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