Department profile
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Dispute Resolution: International Firms

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : South Korea


Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

We have unrivalled knowledge on outbound Korean disputes and have been serving Korean clients for over 40 years.

In contrast to our competitors, the size and experience of our Global Korea Group allows our team to fully manage all aspects of claims, including conducting advocacy at the hearings. We leverage our strong global international arbitration offering to bring additional support and experience as necessary.

We have acted for many of Korea’s largest and most prestigious companies and we have a particularly strong record of advising Korean clients engaged in the construction and engineering sector.

Led by Mike McClure KC and Dana Kim, who have significant international experience representing clients in numerous disputes and jurisdictions, our Korea dispute resolution practice combines unparalleled international knowledge with an approach tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Members of our Korea Group include fluent bilingual Korean and English speakers, who have experience of advising on disputes across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the US.

We are particularly renowned for our international arbitration and experience. Our team advises Korean and multinational clients under the major arbitration rules. We work with our preeminent regional and global international arbitration teams, offering clients access to a full-service team of arbitration experienced professionals.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Dispute Resolution: International Firms - South Korea

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has a highly regarded global disputes group that operates out of its offices in London and Hong Kong. It fields a team of bilingual lawyers with proficiency in Korean and English. The firm works primarily with major conglomerates in South Korea on contentious issues arising from projects in the energy, infrastructure and engineering sectors, and from equity and debt transactions in the finance industry. It acts for prominent conglomerates, state-owned entities and new technology companies, and also handles inbound work for international corporations operating in Korea. Clients benefit from the firm's extensive industry knowledge, global network and depth of resources.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer defended Samsung SDI in a US product liability litigation involving the company's lithium-ion battery products.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has a high success rate, clear and efficient communication, and outstanding professionalism.

    Dispute Resolution: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific
  • The HSF Kramer team is very responsive and available at any time.

    Dispute Resolution: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Mike McClure
    Band 1Mike McClure

    Mike McClure

    Mike McClure stands out for his significant experience advising on disputes arising in the energy, construction and infrastructure sectors. His expertise continues to attract many instructions from Korean and international corporations. He is global co-head of the Korea group and serves a host of clients from Herbert Smith Freehills' base in London.

    • Mike McClure is very focused on the client and consistently delivers excellent, practical results.

      Dispute Resolution: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific
    • He has a strong understanding of Korean culture and companies, and his advocacy skills are excellent.

      Dispute Resolution: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 2Dana Kim
    Band 2Dana Kim

    Dana Kim

    Dana Kim is global co-head of the Korea group based in the firm's office in Hong Kong. She is particularly well known for her arbitration expertise. She also has experience advising clients from a broad range of sectors on litigation and mediation mandates.
    • Dana Kim is responsive and provides tailored answers to meet the client's needs.

      Dispute Resolution: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Dana Kim's advice is clear, actionable and aligned with our business needs.

      Dispute Resolution: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific

Ranked Individuals at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (2)

South Korea

Members

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP has rankings in the following guides

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