Established 1977
Tel: +82 2 772 4000
Fax: +82 2 772 4001/2
Email: mail@leeko.com
Website: www.leeko.com
Contact: Jae Hoon Kim
Number of partners: 290
Number of lawyers: 568
Languages: Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, German and French
Practice Areas: Corporate; M&A; banking and finance; capital markets; litigation/international arbitration; restructuring & insolvency; tax; competition; IP; international trade; labour &employment; FCPA; private equity/venture capital; real estate/construction; product liability; white-collar crime; data privacy; TMT; customs; healthcare; insurance; environment; energy; overseas investment; shipping; aviation
With more than 40 years of experience as Korea’s leading full-service law firm, Lee & Ko has a widely recognised and long-established record of excellence in providing expert legal advice and representation to its diverse clientele in domestic and international matters involving all areas of legal practice.
Lee & Ko’s in-depth expertise extends to all legal practice areas. Relevant services to the clients are provided by one or more of the five practice groups within the firm including (i) corporate and M&A, (ii) banking, finance and capital market, (iii) intellectual property, (iv) litigation and arbitration, and (v) tax. These five practice groups consist of approximately 40 specialised teams of legal professionals: anti-corruption & regulatory compliance, antitrust and competition, aviation, banking, bankruptcy, insolvency and corporate restructuring, capital markets and securities, class action and consumer claims, construction, corporate and M&A, corporate governance, derivatives, dispute resolution, energy, entertainment, environment, finance (acquisition finance, asset finance, project finance, structured finance), foreign direct investment, healthcare, insurance, intellectual property, international practice (Chinese, European, Japanese practice), international trade, labour and employment, maritime and shipping, overseas investment, private equity and venture capital, privatisation, product liability, real estate, tax and customs (tax consulting, audit, dispute resolution, transfer pricing), technology, media and telecommunications, and white-collar crime.
Lee & Ko’s practice groups and specialised teams have consistently been ranked among the best in the field for relevant markets and practice areas by leading Korean and international professional associations and publications. We make it a matter of highest priority to build lasting relationships with our clients at all times by being responsive to each client’s specific needs in each matter entrusted to us and doing our utmost to ensure successful results. Following this approach, Lee & Ko has particularly distinguished itself with a well-earned reputation for its expertise and successful handling of complex cases in many important transactions and cases.
South Korea
Lee & Ko
Banking and finance
Work highlights
Represented a group of Korean financial institutions including Woori Bank and JB Asset Management led by Industrial Bank of Korea on the $700 million financing for CPV Fairview Power Plant Project, a 1050MW natural gas fired combined cycle power plant in Pennsylvania.
Advised KB Securities and other lenders on the financing for Affinity Equity Partners’ acquisition of 63.6% of Lock & Lock.
Advised Daon Advisor on the project for refinancing and installation of European Spallation Source (ESS) in connection with the Saemankeum-Haetbitnoori solar power plant.
Key clients
Daelim Industrial, Exim Bank of China, KEB Hana Bank, Samsung Life Insurance, Shinhan BNP ParibasCompetition/antitrust
Work highlights
Representing Deutsche Bank in the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC)’s probe of major international banks implicated in the global FX market manipulation scandal, which has been actively pursued by the International Cartel Division since 2015.Key clients
Kumho Tire, LG, MediaTek, Samsung Active Asset Management, SK BroadbandConstruction
Work highlights
Successfully acted for Korea Development Bank and other financial institutions in a $8 million lawsuit against leading construction companies regarding a guarantee provision after an abrupt termination of the newtown PF development project.Key clients
Hyundai Development Company, Hyundai Heavy Industry, Cheongju Green Energy, Juwonjeonju, KEB Hana BankCorporate and M&A
Work highlights
Advised Daesung Group Partners, Goldman Sachs PIA and other shareholders of Daesung Industrial Gases on the sale of 100% of their shares of Daesung Industrial Gas to Korea Industrial Gas Holdings, special purpose company established by MBK Partners.Key clients
CJ Group, KakaoBank, KB Securities, Kookmin Bank, Korea Electric Power CorporationDispute resolution
Work highlights
Representing Coway, a home wellness appliances company including water purifiers in Korea, in six lawsuits filed by over 2500 consumers alleging nickel flaking in the water tanks caused skin diseases and seeking approximately $7.5 million in compensation, which could actually incur more than $88 million loss in the event that Coway loses in the case.Key clients
DB Hitek, Hoban Construction, Huawei Technologies, Hyundai Oil Bank, Ministry of ScienceIntellectual property
Work highlights
Acted for Samsung Heavy Industries and Hyundai Heavy Industries against Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) in patent invalidation actions related to technology involving conversion of natural gas into LNG. As a result, DSME’s patent was declared invalid.Key clients
Alibaba, eBay Korea, Kakao, Novartis International, Takoma Technology, Universal Display CorporationLabour and employment
Work highlights
Represented Korea Development Bank against illegal dispatch and claims for unpaid wages filed by some drivers from its transportation service provider for employee’s commute and sales activities.
Acted for Lotte Shopping against an employee who returned from childcare leave and filed a petition at the Labour Relations Commission for violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. This case represented the first instance in which the court considered whether reinstatement of an employee returning from childcare leave to a position different from her previous position would be in violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act.
Key clients
Avista, General Motors Korea, Korea East-West Power Corporation, Korea Expressway Corporation, LF Corp, McDonald's KoreaPrivate equity
Work highlights
Advised Sang Rok Lee, the founder and chairman of Carver Korea, one of the notable cosmetics manufacturer in Korea, on the sale of his entire shareholding in Carver Korea (35% of the shares) to Unilever SK Holdings together with Cosmetic Issuer Holdings Designated Activity Company (a private equity fund established by Bain Capital and Goldman Sachs).Regulatory
Work highlights
Successfully represented Caterpillar, a leading global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, against the Gyeonggi province for a cancellation of a work suspension order.
Advised Audi Volkswagen Korea on various legal issues related to the commercial launch of its electric motor vehicles (EV) in Korea including licensing requirements, applicable technical specifications, legal obligations to install charging stations and safe disposal of scrap batteries.
Key clients
Beiersdorf Group, Cargill Agri Purina, Korean Airlines, LG Electronics, LG Siltron, Tesla Korea
Restructuring and insolvency
Work highlights
Advised Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit Line, a PPP between the city of Uijeongbu and certain financial institutions and construction companies, on its bankruptcy and subsequent lawsuits related to settlement for the project against the city of Uijeongbu.Tax
Work highlights
Represented Mastercard in filing a law suit against the tax authority requesting the withdrawal of the tax authority’s refusal to revise a corporate tax claim.Key clients
Hanil Cement, Hyosung Corporation, Hyundai Cement, Korea Development BankClient feedback
“Very responsive to the client's demand and well balanced opinion of legal aspect.” – Construction, Dispute resolution
“The firm’s strengths are client-friendliness, reasonable fees and flexibility.” – Dispute resolution
“The strength of the firm is its expertise in the field of information technology law, especially in crypto currency and blockchain technology. Also, the firm is extremely professional in interacting with the client, being available 24/7 on various issues and providing feedback and opinions very promptly.” – Intellectual property, Regulatory
“Mr Jang has extensive experience and knowledge about every corner of the construction field. His advice is strong, persuasive and professional.” - Chan Ik Jang
“He was excellent in communicating with clients and other participating lawyers and understanding different aspects of culture.” - David Kim
“She provides legal advice with in-depth discussions. She always helps us to solve our problems with a highly perceptive opinion. She has devotedly worked for the clients.” - Eui Yeon Jo
“He has flexibility to match the client's demands.” - Hwan Kyoung Ko
“Bae is a criminal attorney who used to be a former public prosecutor. He is a very honest and hardworking man. I am very impressed with his knowledge of food safety related issues. Bae is one of the top experts in the field of criminal investigation.” - Jae Duk Bae
“High quality of work and amenable to our needs. The summary of advice really helped our business people to grasp the gist.” - John JungKyum Kim
“Mr. Yoon is considered the most prominent leader in the field of IT and IP law in Korea. I see no weaknesses.” - Jong Soo Yoon
“Client-friendliness, industry knowledge, experienced and flexibile.” - Kwang Bae Park
“Deep knowledge of our company's industry.” - Kwon Jin Hong
“Very knowledgeable in labour and employment issues.” - Sang Hoon Lee
South Korea
Aviation and shipping
Outstanding |
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Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Choi & Kim |
Recommended |
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Jipyong |
Moon & Song |
Yoon & Yang |
Yulchon |
Banking and financial services
Outstanding |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Shin & Kim |
Highly recommended |
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Yulchon |
Recommended |
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Jipyong |
Yoon & Yang |
Consumer goods and services
Outstanding |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Shin & Kim |
Yulchon |
Recommended |
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Yoon & Yang |
Energy
Outstanding |
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Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Shin & Kim |
Yulchon |
Recommended |
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Jipyong |
Yoon & Yang |
Industrials and manufacturing
Outstanding |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Shin & Kim |
Yulchon |
Recommended |
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Yoon & Yang |
Infrastructure
Outstanding |
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Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Shin & Kim |
Recommended |
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Yulchon |
Insurance
Outstanding |
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Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Shin & Kim |
Recommended |
---|
Yulchon |
Media and entertainment
Outstanding |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Shin & Kim |
Highly recommended |
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Yulchon |
Recommended |
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Jipyong |
Yoon & Yang |
Pharmaceuticals and life sciences
Outstanding |
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Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Yulchon |
Recommended |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Shin & Kim |
Real estate
Outstanding |
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Kim & Chang |
Shin & Kim |
Highly recommended |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Lee & Ko |
Yulchon |
Recommended |
---|
Jipyong |
Yoon & Yang |
Technology and telecommunications
Outstanding |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Shin & Kim |
Yoon & Yang |
Yulchon |
Recommended |
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Jipyong |
SEUM Law |
Banking and finance
Outstanding |
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Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Shin & Kim |
Yulchon |
Recommended |
---|
Jipyong |
Yoon & Yang |
Notable |
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DR & AJU |
Capital markets
Outstanding |
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Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Shin & Kim |
Highly recommended |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Yulchon |
Recommended |
---|
Jipyong |
Yoon & Yang |
Competition/antitrust
Outstanding |
---|
Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Yulchon |
Highly recommended |
---|
Bae Kim & Lee |
Shin & Kim |
Yoon & Yang |
Recommended |
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Jipyong |
Construction
Outstanding |
---|
Bae Kim & Lee |
Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Shin & Kim |
Yulchon |
Recommended |
---|
Jipyong |
Yoon & Yang |
Corporate and M&A
Outstanding |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Shin & Kim |
Yulchon |
Recommended |
---|
HMP Law |
Jipyong |
Yoon & Yang |
Notable |
---|
Barun Law |
DR & AJU |
KL Partners |
Dispute resolution
Outstanding |
---|
Bae Kim & Lee |
Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Yulchon |
Highly recommended |
---|
Shin & Kim |
Yoon & Yang |
Recommended |
---|
Barun Law |
HMP Law |
Jipyong |
Notable |
---|
KL Partners |
Intellectual property
Outstanding |
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Kim & Chang |
Highly recommended |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Lee & Ko |
Yulchon |
Recommended |
---|
Cho & Partners |
FirstLaw PC |
Lee International IP & Law |
Shin & Kim |
Yoon & Yang |
You Me Patent & Law Firm |
Investment funds
Outstanding |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Yulchon |
Labour and employment
Outstanding |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Shin & Kim |
Yulchon |
Recommended |
---|
Jipyong |
Yoon & Yang |
Private equity
Outstanding |
---|
Kim & Chang |
Yulchon |
Highly recommended |
---|
Bae Kim & Lee |
Lee & Ko |
Shin & Kim |
Regulatory
Outstanding |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Shin & Kim |
Yoon & Yang |
Yulchon |
Recommended |
---|
Jipyong |
Restructuring and insolvency
Outstanding |
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Bae Kim & Lee |
Kim & Chang |
Lee & Ko |
Highly recommended |
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Shin & Kim |
Yulchon |
Recommended |
---|
Jipyong |
Yoon & Yang |
Tax
Outstanding |
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Kim & Chang |
Yulchon |
Highly recommended |
---|
Bae Kim & Lee |
Lee & Ko |
Recommended |
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Shin & Kim |
Yoon & Yang |
Lawyer | Ranking | Practice Area |
---|---|---|
Ahn, Yong Seok | Leading lawyer | Competition/antitrust, Corporate and M&A |
Chae, Sung Hee | Leading lawyer | Intellectual property |
Chang, Yong Jae | Leading lawyer | Banking and finance |
Jeong, Hwan | Leading lawyer | Competition/antitrust |
Jung, Jin Young | Leading lawyer | Dispute resolution, Insurance |
Jung, Jin-Young | Leading lawyer | Energy and natural resources, Shipping, maritime and aviation |
Jung, Woo Young | Market-leading lawyer | Banking and finance |
Kim, Dong Eun | Leading lawyer | Projects and infrastructure |
Kim, Hyun Chul | Leading lawyer | Competition/antitrust, Corporate and M&A |
Kim, Jae Hoon | Market-leading lawyer | Intellectual property |
Kim, Jae Hwan | Leading lawyer | Insurance, Shipping, maritime and aviation |
Kim, Sang Gon | Leading lawyer | Corporate and M&A |
Kim, Seong-Ki | Market-leading lawyer | Intellectual property |
Ko, Won Seok | Market-leading lawyer | Dispute resolution |
Kwon, Jin Hong | Leading lawyer | Insurance, Regulatory |
Kwon, Young Mo | Leading lawyer | Intellectual property |
Lee, Eun Jai | Leading lawyer | Banking and finance, Restructuring and insolvency |
Lee, Je Won | Leading lawyer | Capital markets |
Lee, Jung Hyun | Rising star lawyer | Restructuring and insolvency |
Lee, Kyu Wha | Market-leading lawyer | Corporate and M&A |
Lee, Min-Ho | Leading lawyer | Competition/antitrust |
Lee, Wan Shik | Market-leading lawyer | Restructuring and insolvency |
Lim, Sean (Sungwoo) | Market-leading lawyer | Dispute resolution |
Nam, Gidon | Rising star lawyer | Insurance, Shipping, maritime and aviation |
Oh, Hyun Joo | Leading lawyer | Capital markets |
Park, Kwang Bae | Leading lawyer | IT, telco and media |
Park, Sung-Hey | Leading lawyer | IT, telco and media |
Sohn, Helen H K | Leading lawyer | Banking and finance |
Sun, Jeong Ho | Leading lawyer | Competition/antitrust |
Yoon, Yeo Kyoon | Leading lawyer | Banking and finance |
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