Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration - South Korea
What the Team is Known For
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 its 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.
Strengths
They are very technically competent lawyers with a broad international background in arbitration.
They provided excellent proactive advice to strategically plan for timely success in arbitration. Additionally, they provided crucial guidance during the arbitration hearing.
Work Highlights
Kim & Chang continued to represent Schindler 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.
Notable practitioners
Yoon Byung Chol leads 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.
What struck me is he comes across as selfless and collegiate and seeks to elevate those working around him instead of trying to promote himself.
He has a very high level of knowledge and experience, and is remarkably brilliant, insightful, sharp and reliable.
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, she is highly sought after for her expertise in handling commercial disputes, frequently acting on behalf of parties from the biotechnology, financial services and manufacturing sectors.
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 businesses based across a range of Middle Eastern and Asian jurisdictions.
He is always full of confidence and his attitude was truly professional.
I regard him as one of the leaders in the dispute resolution practice specialising in the construction field.
Joel Richardson maintains an active practice representing clients in arbitration cases brought under ICC, KCAB and SIAC rules. His experience covers acting in both commercial and investor-state arbitrations.
He has long experience in arbitration.
Lee Chul-Won has particular expertise in 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.
He has become a dominant player in the Asia-Pacific region.
Cho Una offers substantial experience in representing both domestic and international clients in commercial disputes including SIAC, HKIAC and ICC arbitrations.
I am very satisfied with her service and experience. She led and guided our company very professionally.
Lee Hyungkeun ably handles international arbitrations, representing both Korean and global financial institutions.
He is detail-oriented and a good communicator.
Hyungkeun provides rapid feedback and personalised advice on requests.
She works very hard and always shows her kindness towards the client.