McDermott Will & Emery announced today that it has received approval from South Korea’s Ministry of Justice to open an office in Seoul. With this approval, the Firm will become one of the first Western law firms to expand its network into South Korea. The Firm has secured office in the Mirae Asset Center 1 Building in downtown Seoul and expects to open for business in a matter of days.
In July, McDermott partner In-Young Lee was officially recognized as a Foreign Legal Consultant by South Korea’s Ministry of Justice. McDermott announced its initial intent to open a Seoul office in February of this year.
McDermott has a long and distinguished history representing Korean clients. Mr. Lee, who heads McDermott’s Korea practice, was born and raised in Korea and has deep roots working with Korean businesses and government agencies. Under his leadership, McDermott has represented Korean businesses on their outbound commercial activities – and has counseled international businesses on their Korea inbound commercial activities – for over 30 years.
“We are very appreciative of the confidence that South Korea’s Ministry of Justice has placed in us,” said Jeffrey E. Stone, co-chair of McDermott Will & Emery. “Over the past 30 years, we have developed a deep expertise in the Korean economy and strong Korean client base that, we believe, will be better served as a result of this final approval. Opening our office in Seoul will help us offer to our clients real-time and on-the-ground strategic counsel; this geographic expansion helps us leverage and multiply the benefits that come from three decades of advising our Korean clients throughout the world.”
McDermott is internationally known for its deep experience counseling Korean clients. Members of McDermott’s Korea practice have studied and trained in Korea and have deep familiarity with Korea’s business, culture and legal system. Over the years, the Firm has advised Korean clients across a broad range of areas and in a variety of jurisdictions across the world, including corporate transactions, intellectual property, international arbitration, international trade, antitrust, tax, and white collar matters.
The new Seoul office will focus on work that is outbound from Korea.
“We are very excited by the many opportunities that await us in Korea and look forward to building upon our deep experience and relationships with Korean businesses, professional service firms and academic institutions,” said Peter J. Sacripanti, co-chair of McDermott Will & Emery.
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