Kim & Chang is a dominant force in dispute resolution in South Korea, with more than 200 experienced lawyers in the practice group alone. As the largest domestic firm in the country, it houses many of the market’s top litigation and arbitration specialists, and peers acknowledge the firm’s strength and deep bench across all practice areas and industry sectors. It is well suited to large-scale litigation in multiple jurisdictions, with its lawyers experienced at handling high-stakes cases and an enviable track record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients. The firm’s litigation practice covers a broad range of areas, including general commercial litigation, intellectual property disputes, antitrust and competition litigation, product liability claims, labor and employment disputes, and white-collar criminal defense. The firm is also a go-to for international clients needing representation in cross-border disputes and international arbitration proceedings. In one highlight, a team is acting for a Korean state-owned entity in a potential ICSID investor-state arbitration against a Central American government concerning a copper mining project. In another, the team represented a Korean conglomerate in an ongoing ICC arbitration against a Chinese energy company.
Client feedback
“Kim & Chang excelled in their approach to client communication, issue analysis, and litigation preparation. They maintained active and seamless communication with the client throughout the litigation process, building trust and rapport. Their thorough analysis of the key issues in the case included meticulous fact-checking, which allowed them to provide clear and precise guidance on the materials and preparations needed from the client. Additionally, they demonstrated exceptional care in preparing comprehensive and detailed litigation materials by verifying facts and maintaining consistent communication with the client. These materials were shared with the client for review and revisions, ensuring that the client’s input and intentions were fully incorporated. Kim & Chang’s reliability and professionalism were evident throughout the process, as they consistently worked in the best interests of their client. Their efforts left me highly satisfied with the overall litigation process.” – Class actions
"Kim & Chang has a solid reputation for its outstanding IP practice and strong standing in the market. Whenever we request feedback, their team is quick to respond with answers that are both helpful and tailored to our needs. They have a deep understanding of a wide range of IP issues, which means they really know their stuff in this area. The team is focused on providing advice and strategies that are specifically crafted for each client. With many years of experience, dedication, and a collaborative approach, they can handle complex matters that require detailed analysis and specialized strategies." – Intellectual property
“Kim & Chang is our go-to choice for unprecedented cases or projects of significant importance, thanks to their team of experts and professionals. Their deep understanding of the industry and commendable application of relevant laws and regulations set them apart. They bring together experts from various departments as needed, collaborating organically to achieve the best results. Their advice and support are both adequate and polite, and they have extensive experience as attorneys for foreign companies involved in international projects and arbitration governed by Korean law. Their strengths lie in their speed, preparedness, and professionalism, which consistently deliver exceptional outcomes.” – International arbitration
Ji Yoon Jeong
“Attorney Jeong demonstrated clear and logical judgment based on facts, providing prompt feedback that instilled a sense of trust and direction. She approached the case with unwavering dedication, actively listening to the client’s opinions and maintaining open and effective communication. Her professionalism and attentiveness made her a lawyer clients can fully rely on. If I require legal representation in the future, I will not hesitate to entrust my case to her again.”
Do Yoon Kim
"Do Yoon is an excellent attorney who zealously defended our case before the labor authorities. He is responsive and keeps me informed of key developments on time. He understands what we need before we even tell him! For example, he expected that the authority would want us to submit a brief and he prepared the key points such that we were able to prepare well in advance. His brief was flawless. It was our first time working with Do Yoon at Kim & Chang, but I was surprised how fast he could learn about our business, products and industry as a whole. He not only listens to his client but also, he studies about the client business by himself. He studied the technical aspects about our business and products which was helpful to present our position to the authorities. It was impressive."
Jaeha Kwon
"She communicates well with the client, which is one of the most important attributes of a law-firm lawyer. As clients, we are informed of how the case is going, as well as understand the logic behind our case, which allows for easier internal communication. Her understanding of the arbitration procedure as well as application of such knowledge to individual cases to the advantage of the client is what makes her unparalleled."
