Dispute Resolution: Arbitration
Global Guide 2024 : South Korea
Band 1
Email address
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+ 82 2 3703 1114About
Provided by Kim & Chang
Kim & Chang is widely recognized as one of the leading international arbitration firms in the world, with our arbitration practice and attorneys consistently ranked as top tier by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500.
Supported by the firm’s global group of attorneys and experts from various industries of more than 1,800 professionals, our International Arbitration & Cross-Border Litigation Practice brings an unparalleled level of experience and expertise in representing and advising both Korean and international clients in complicated multijurisdictional disputes, including international arbitrations seated around the world and cross-border litigations as well as litigation in front of the Korean courts. We have long drawn praise for the depth of our practice and for our role as the trusted adviser to a number of multinational companies.
Chambers Review
Kim & Chang is renowned for its arbitration team, which acts as a trusted adviser to a number of major multinationals. It receives consistent praise from Korean and international commentators for the depth of its bench and long-established knowledge of a range of institutional rules. The team draws on support from the firm's Hong Kong office to advise on Hong Kong-seated arbitrations and China-related matters, with additional experience assisting clients in the construction, energy and maritime sectors. The firm also represents global corporations in post-M&A disputes and acts for both Korean and international clients, drawing on the skills of team members with extensive regional, European and US experience. Kim & Chang also fields on-the-ground teams in Singapore and Vietnam. Its major clients include Brookfield Asset Management, Schindler Holding and Samsung Heavy Industries.
Work Highlights
- Kim & Chang continued to represent Schindler Holding in an investment treaty arbitration against the Republic of Korea. Schindler claimed that the Korean government breached its obligations under the treaty to provide fair and equitable treatment and full protection and security, with respect to Schindler's equity investment in Hyundai Elevator.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Kim & Chang team developed a well-structured, consistent argument based on different legal systems on which the concerned applicable laws are based."
"The clients are well informed of the matter and know what to expect next in the case. They make every effort to ensure that the clients understand the issues and analysis in the case and assist the clients with making better decisions."
"This team did a magnificent job sorting through the complex history of this case with dedication and professionalism that I have seldom experienced."
"Kim & Chang has a good sense of commercial issues and understanding of what the client cares about beyond the legal case."
"Kim & Chang team exhibited a thorough command of commercial matters. This command proved to be the key during the arbitration when there was no chance to research any particular subject. Such immediate knowledge was very impressive."
"The Kim & Chang team developed a well-structured, consistent argument based on different legal systems on which the concerned applicable laws are based."
"The clients are well informed of the matter and know what to expect next in the case. They make every effort to ensure that the clients understand the issues and analysis in the case and assist the clients with making better decisions."
"This team did a magnificent job sorting through the complex history of this case with dedication and professionalism that I have seldom experienced."
"Kim & Chang has a good sense of commercial issues and understanding of what the client cares about beyond the legal case."
"Kim & Chang team exhibited a thorough command of commercial matters. This command proved to be the key during the arbitration when there was no chance to research any particular subject. Such immediate knowledge was very impressive."
Notable Practitioners
Yoon Byung Chol co-chairs the Kim & Chang international arbitration practice and retains his reputation as an esteemed and highly experienced practitioner in the market. His experience spans cases in relation to M&A transactions, energy and construction projects and cross-border investments.
"He sits at the pinnacle and we deal with him on strategy matters."
Matthew Christensen maintains a market-leading practice in international arbitration and offers significant experience acting before a number of arbitral institutions. He manages an impressive portfolio of public and private sector clients and offers particular expertise in construction disputes.
"Matthew is a great dispute lawyer and a good leader."
"I highly recommended his practice. He is very solid in the construction space."
Kim Sae Youn is a highly regarded lawyer who draws on her experience serving as a judge in several district courts to act for a range of public and private sector entities in cross-border arbitration cases. Noted for her representation in ICC and SIAC arbitrations, her expertise in handling commercial disputes is highly sought after, frequently acting on behalf of parties from the biotechnology, financial services and manufacturing sectors.
"Kim Sae Youn has an innovative mindset to solve problems."
"She is one of the leading lights of Korean arbitration in this generation. She has an international outlook, and is easy to work with."
Im Byung-Woo focuses closely on disputes arising in the construction and infrastructure sectors. He is well versed in handling matters for clients with projects and business based across a range of Middle Eastern and Asian jurisdictions.
"He has deep knowledge of the Korean law and much experience in arbitration. He always gives appropriate and good advice."
Joel Richardson maintains an active practice representing clients in arbitration cases brought under ICC, KCAB and SIAC rules. His experience covers acting on both commercial and investor-state arbitrations.
"Joel is deeply knowledgeable and across many complex matters, both procedurally and substantive."
"Joel is a personable and decisive lawyer. He has a sound grasp and understanding of the law and how it applies to cases. He is excellent in client management and has the ability to win and hold clients' confidence."
Lee Chul-Won has particular expertise undertaking ICC and SIAC arbitrations. He regularly advises on disputes arising from shareholder agreements, M&A transactions and insurance contracts. His clientele includes international corporates and private equity firms.
"A genuine pleasure working with him. He had a strong commercial understanding on how deals work, and pointed out the single most important law clause to be applied to the case, which made a significant contribution to the favourable final award."
"He has good commercial awareness and uses it to provide practical solutions to clients."
Kim Hye Sung is a rising star at Kim & Chang who regularly acts on clients' cross-border arbitration mandates. Her recent work includes representing Korean corporates and banks in ICC and HKIAC arbitrations.
"She always works hard, and her kind support to our company is excellent."
Hwang Woochul maintains a good reputation in the market for his international investor-state and commercial arbitration practice.
Ranked Lawyers at
Kim & Chang
South Korea