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
From senior lawyers to junior lawyers, everyone worked hard and actively responded to the case.
The Kim & Chang team is large and the depth of its players deep.
Work Highlights
Kim & Chang continues to represent Schindler in a USD300 million investment treaty arbitration against the Republic of Korea.
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.
Yoon Byung Chol has a lot of experience and is very helpful.
Matthew is very thoughtful on economic issues and is a great legal researcher.
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.
She is very experienced and pragmatic.
Kim Sae Youn is very quick and is great at strategy - she can see the big picture.
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.
Byung-Woo is one of the best lawyers in the field - he is a credible lawyer I would recommend.
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.
Lee Chul-Won has particular expertise in undertaking ICC and SIAC arbitrations. He regularly advises on disputes arising from supply contracts and shareholder agreements. His clientele includes international corporates in the shipping and construction industries, and private equity firms.
Lee Chul-Won is great with clients and will be the first one we turn to.
Lee Hyungkeun ably handles international arbitrations, representing both Korean and global financial institutions.
When a client has a difficult Korean law issue, he is the person we can rely on to think deeply on the matter. He is thoughtful and reliable.
Cho Una offers substantial experience in representing both domestic and international clients in commercial disputes including SIAC, HKIAC and ICC arbitrations.
Cho Una demonstrates good dispute resolution skills in negotiations with the other party. She is able to draw out complex issues and respond positively to the other party.
Byun Sup Joon is recognised for his experience in disputes arising out of commercial agreements and investments.
He has excellent advocacy skills and always puts clients' interests at the forefront.
Byun Sup Joon thinks strategically from the client's point of view and is always very helpful and responsive.