Corporate/M&A: International Firms
Global Guide 2024 : South Korea
Band 2
Contact number
T +82 2 2141 5900About
Provided by Ropes & Gray LLP
When it opened in July 2012, Ropes & Gray’s Seoul office became the first Foreign Legal Consultant Office in Korean history. The office has deepened ties between the firm and its Korean clients, strengthening relationships built over the course of a decade.
The office has quickly earned top rankings for its intellectual property work, and also focuses on other practices of particular importance to Korean companies, including commercial litigation, arbitration, U.S. government regulatory issues and corporate transactions. Its clients include Korean multinational companies and their U.S. subsidiaries, as well as Korean technology firms.
롭스 앤 그레이 외국법자문법률사무소는 대한민국 역사상 최초로 법무부 설립인가와 대한변호사협회 사무소 등록을 마친 “제1호 외국법자문법률사무소”입니다. 2012년 7월 20일 외국계 로펌으로는 국내 최초로 사무소를 개설함으로써, 롭스 앤 그레이는 물론 한국 클라이언트들에게 새로운 시대를 열었습니다. 2012년에 한국사무소가 개설되었으나, 롭스 앤 그레이는 지난 20년 간 한국 클라이언트들에게 지식재산권, 복잡한 기업간 소송, 미국법 준수, 공정거래, 기업인수합병, 금융, 생명과학, 보건의료 그리고 국제거래 분야를 포함한 광범위한 분야에서 서비스를 제공해 왔으며, 이제 한국사무소를 통해 동일 분야에 집중한 서비스를 지속적으로 제공할 것입니다. 롭스 앤 그레이에는 파트너변호사 7명을 포함하여 30명이 넘는 한국계변호사가 한국 클라이언트들을 위해 활동하고 있습니다.
Chambers Review
Ropes & Gray's corporate department maintains an active outbound practice, well versed in assisting domestic clients with strategic investments abroad. It frequently advises Korean corporates and global private equity firms. The firm caters to an impressive client base including in the private equity, asset management, technology and life sciences sectors. Its on-the-ground capabilities are augmented by support from the firm's wider network. Key clients include Bain Capital, TPG, Naver and E-mart.
Work Highlights
- Ropes & Gray represented Bain Capital Private Equity in its over USD1 billion sale of a controlling stake in Hugel, a biopharmaceutical company based in South Korea, to a consortium consisting of CBC Group, GS Holdings, IMM Investment and Mubadala Investment.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Ropes' team have excellent technical knowledge and execution ability. They are also practical and think about the big picture."
"Ropes & Gray work seamlessly to handle the most complex and sophisticated matters and quickly identify and resolve significant commercial, legal, regulatory and tax issues in a cost-efficient and timely manner."
"Ropes' team have excellent technical knowledge and execution ability. They are also practical and think about the big picture."
"Ropes & Gray work seamlessly to handle the most complex and sophisticated matters and quickly identify and resolve significant commercial, legal, regulatory and tax issues in a cost-efficient and timely manner."
Notable Practitioners
Jaewoo Lee retains a prestigious position in the market. He acts for both Korean and international corporates and private equity clients on various acquisitions and investments.
"Jaewoo Lee is one of the most professional and commercially savvy counsels I have come across."
"Jaewoo Lee is a go-to lawyer with significant experience across a broad range of transactions, including in private equity and M&A, along with his successful track record in seamlessly working and communicating with Korea-based clients."
"He has very broad transactional knowledge for our deal and the market generally, so he can give us very well-rounded and up-to-date advice."