Dispute Resolution: Arbitration
Global Guide 2024 : South Korea
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+82 2 772 4000About
Provided by Lee & Ko
Lee & Ko’s International Arbitration Group has risen to the top of the Korean arbitration market and is widely recognized as a leading global international arbitration team. With over 30 internationally and Korean-licensed attorneys, Lee & Ko’s arbitration practitioners are consistently ranked in the top tier in all major legal publications based on the team’s consistently high-level quality of work and breadth of expertise covering all forms of disputes, including construction, IP & life sciences, investor-state disputes, M&A disputes, general commercial disputes and sports arbitration, among others. With an established team of experts for each of practice area, Lee & Ko has acted as lead counsel in more than 80% of its cases where it has performed all stages of written and oral advocacy. In particular, the group has developed a dedicated construction specialty practice in response to the increasing number of high-value, complex international arbitrations where it has acted as lead-counsel for Korean and international construction companies.
Due to Lee & Ko’s impressive track record of successfully representing its clients, the arbitration team boasts one of the most diverse client bases in Korea. In addition to representing large Korean conglomerates as well as the Korean government, its client base also includes state-owned entities, and foreign companies in the U.S.A, Brazil, Sweden, Singapore, China, Japan, Austria, Hong Kong, and throughout the Middle East.
Chambers Review
Lee & Ko is a well-established group with a strong client base. The team is frequently instructed on arbitrations seated in Seoul and Singapore and deals with cases in the construction, life sciences and automotive sectors, offering noteworthy experience in the handling of investor-state disputes and other cross-jurisdictional matters. The team is noted for strong oral advocacy and efficient collaboration with international peers. The Republic of Korea retains its services for representation in a range of investor-state arbitration proceedings. Other key clients include GS Engineering & Construction and Hyundai Rotem.
Work Highlights
- Lee & Ko acted for GS Engineering and Construction in a London-seated ICC arbitration brought against it by Orascom Construction. Orascom Construction alleged that GS Engineering & Construction delayed and disrupted its works and claimed an extension of time and compensation of approximately USD74 million. Lee & Ko assisted GS Engineering & Construction on the negotiation and in reaching a settlement with Orascom Construction.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Lee & Ko team is incredibly hard-working and responsive to clients and co-counsels. It has good commercial sense, a strong bench, and a broad perspective."
"Lee & Ko's very dedicated team is able to keep on top of all the issues during the complex and fast-paced hearing period."
"Throughout the course of the engagement, they were consistently prompt, professional, and highly responsive to our needs and concerns."
"They provided clear and concise communication regarding the progress of our cases, and always took the time to explain complex legal concepts in a way that was easy for us to understand."
"I can say that they take a very pragmatic and commercially sensible approach."
"The Lee & Ko team is incredibly hard-working and responsive to clients and co-counsels. It has good commercial sense, a strong bench, and a broad perspective."
"Lee & Ko's very dedicated team is able to keep on top of all the issues during the complex and fast-paced hearing period."
"Throughout the course of the engagement, they were consistently prompt, professional, and highly responsive to our needs and concerns."
"They provided clear and concise communication regarding the progress of our cases, and always took the time to explain complex legal concepts in a way that was easy for us to understand."
"I can say that they take a very pragmatic and commercially sensible approach."
Notable Practitioners
Kim Saemee rises in the ranking table following market endorsement. She offers expertise in investment treaty cases, disputes over distributorship and licensing agreements, and joint venture disagreements. Her client roster includes domestic and foreign corporations.
"Saemee is a superb lawyer who is extremely smart and fluent in English."
"As the main negotiator, Kim Saemee was excellent in handling our discrepancies. She was professional, quick and caring from a client's perspective."
"She has extensive experience in arbitration procedures for various international disputes."
Grace Yoon is deemed an up-and coming lawyer in the international arbitration sphere. She advises domestic and foreign entities as well as the Korean government on arbitration cases involving commercial agreements, IP rights and defective products issues.
"Grace knows her cases inside-out. She is smart and sophisticated, and is a very effective communicator."
"Grace is a very active and competent lawyer."
Han Sang Hoon is a well-regarded lawyer who is up-and-coming in the arbitration space. He has noteworthy experience advising on investment treaty disputes and issues relating to construction projects and commercial contracts.
"Sang Hoon's deep understanding of the legal and procedural issues involved was evident. He provided us with strategic guidance and creative solutions to the challenges we faced, always keeping our best interests in mind."
"Sang Hoon was able to clearly and persuasively present our case during the hearing, and he showed an intensive understanding of the legal and procedural issues involved."
Ranked Lawyers at
Lee & Ko
South Korea