About

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

Provided by Chambers

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration - South Korea

3
Band 3

What the Team is Known For

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 handles 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.

Work Highlights

  • Lee & Ko represented the Republic of Korea in a USD200million investment treaty arbitration brought by Mason Capital and Mason Management in which Mason alleges that the Korean government intervened in the merger between Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Saemee Kim
3
Saemee Kim
3
Band 3

Kim Saemee offers expertise in investment treaty cases, disputes over distributorship and licensing agreements, and joint venture disagreements. Her client roster includes domestic and foreign corporations.

Kim Saemee has an ability to solve complex problems without difficulty. He is equipped with a commercial mind that understands the client's business.

Saemee is highly responsive and effective at managing the client.

Zachary Sharpe
3
Zachary Sharpe
3
Band 3

Zachary Sharpe brings to bear extensive experience gained during his former role as senior corporate counsel at Hyundai Heavy Industries, and advises on disputes arising from oil and gas, mining, shipping and infrastructure projects.

Zac comes up with creative solutions to his clients' problems.

Sanghoon Han
4
Sanghoon Han
4
Band 4

Han Sanghoon 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.

Han Sanghoon has a clear understanding of the client’s needs and a solid grasp of the work being done. He is articulate, well balanced in his approach and provides feedback with impressive speed.

Sanghoon has an excellent ability to solve complex issues calmly and to understand the client's needs and collaborate with other departments when required.

Grace Yoon
U
Grace Yoon
U
Up and Coming

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 Yoon is helpful and always reachable. She provides feedback quickly and fully understands the client’s request.

Grace Yoon is a rising star. She is able to manage large and sensitive arbitrations very well.

Ranked Lawyers at
Lee & Ko

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

South Korea

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration

Saemee Kim
3
Saemee Kim
3
Band 3
Zachary Sharpe
3
Zachary Sharpe
3
Band 3
Sanghoon Han
4
Sanghoon Han
4
Band 4
Grace Yoon
U
Grace Yoon
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by Lee & Ko

Bami Yoo

Eun Young Park

Hyunyang Koo

Zachary Sharpe