Our global reach and local presence makes us one of the largest law firm practices in the Asia Pacific region.

Our dedicated lawyers represent Korean global corporates, international banks, insurance companies, shipping and shipbuilding and trading companies as well as international insurance establishments which underwrite Korean business.

Over the years we have developed an excellent knowledge of Korean culture and its professional and social ways of life. This experience gives us a deep understanding of the Korean market and how to efficiently progress cases and transactions for our clients. 

We provide a full range of commercial legal services, advising on inbound and outbound investment, contract negotiation, dispute resolution, joint ventures, finance, intellectual property, M&A, shipping and offshore contracts and projects.

"He [Michael Kim]is the go-to lawyer in the Korean shipping and shipbuilding industry for complex and substantial cases, (and) he offers proper compromises dealing with the conflicts between commercial realities and legal principles."

Chambers Asia Pacific 2021

Defending a US$100 million arbitration claim against a Korean shipbuilder

The legal issue was whether, under the terms of the shipbuilding contract, the shipbuilder could limit its liability to only repair costs and no more.

Drilling vessels

Acted in a dispute concerning delay and disruption costs exceeding US$200 million involving a London arbitration and an appeal that was resolved, successfully for our client, by the Court of Appeal. 

Largest ever FPSO newbuilding dispute

Advised the Korean shipyard on a claim by a US supermajor for over US$450 million. The claim against the shipyard was ultimately settled at a sum acceptable to both parties.

Korean and Japanese shipping companies

Successful applications to the English Chancery Court under the 2006 Cross Border Insolvency Regulations for an order recognising the Korean and Japanese Courts’ Chapter 11 Order for various shipping companies.

Sales and purchase disputes

Successfully defended a claim made by a buyer under a memorandum of agreement. A London arbitration tribunal found in the seller’s favour on every point and awarded the seller significant damages.

Weiss Korea Opportunity Fund Ltd

Advised on the £105 million AIM IPO (including on Korean preference shares and withholding tax) of this fund investing in listed preferred shares issued by companies incorporated in South Korea.

Major US bank

Advised on documented letter of credit processing and reissuance arrangements between a major US bank and its correspondent bank in Korea.

Korean securities company

Advised a Korean financial institution in the High Court of Justice in London in a banking dispute for US$24 million over payment of interest coupons in bearer forms.

Syndicated loan facilities

Various pre and post-delivery loan facilities involving junior/senior tranches for LNG carriers, mega container vessels, bulk carrier vessels and VLCCs to be bareboat chartered.