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Labour and employment: local firms

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Shin & Kim

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With a highly regarded litigation practice, Shin & Kim‘s full-service employment and labour practice has continued to strengthen its advisory practice, with the team well versed in advising on investigations, restructuring and terminations. With former experience as a labour regulator at the Ministry of Employment and Labour, group head Dong-Wook Kim is recognised for his expertise in collective labour-management relations and industrial safety issues. Young-Seok Ki handles a mix of labour and employment matters, labour disputes and M&A, while Sery Lee excels in advising on workplace harassment issues. Anthony Chang adds experience in HR matters, and Jong Soo Kim combines knowledge of serious accidents and labour and employment law. Hye-Young Yun brings additional labour dispute capabilities, and Jong-Hyun Kim advises foreign and Korean multinational companies on HR-related work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Shin & Kim’s labour and employment team stands out for its deep understanding of Korean labour law and its practical, solution-oriented approach. The team is particularly strong in handling complex employment disputes, workplace investigations, and compliance with evolving labour regulations.’

  • ‘One partner I would particularly like to mention is Jong-Hyun Kim. He demonstrates a remarkable command of both the theory and practice of Korean labour law. He is also active in academic work, regularly contributing articles, which reflect his deep and up-to-date understanding of the field.’

  • ‘The team's greatest strength lies in its problem-solving ability. Based on a precise understanding of the relevant regulations, they provided practical and appropriate advice for the issues the company faced. Their fees are also more reasonable compared to other law firms.'

  • ‘I would like to recommend Attorney Jong Soo Kim. He often proposes creative solutions, which are grounded in his deep understanding of labour law.’

  • ‘Shin & Kim has exceptional expertise in labour law and boasts a wealth of talent, including professionals who previously worked at the Ministry of Labour, in addition to their lawyers. I also found their service fees competitive, and our communication was excellent, which I appreciated.’

  • ‘I was particularly impressed with Partner Attorney Jong-Hyun Kim, and I would recommend that other companies retain him as their lawyer. He possesses a strong sense of responsibility and provides solutions that are precisely tailored to the client's specific situation.’

  • ‘Shin & Kim’s Labour and Employment practice has supported our organization by sharing legal knowledge through information sessions. Their clear explanations and well-prepared sessions make complex labor law topics practical and accessible for an international business audience.’

  • ‘Anthony Chang stands out for his professionalism, clarity, and strong ability to communicate legal issues in a way that is easy to understand.’

  • 'Shin & Kim are passionate partners who share clients' goals. They think from the client's perspective as if we were one body, constantly striving to find the optimal solution together. Their approach goes beyond simple legal advice; they truly share in clients' concerns and work with to find the best way forward.'

  • 'The team at Shin & Kim is built on a foundation of strong expertise and is undergoing continuous development. Their ability to quickly diagnose and address complex labor concerns with clear recommendations ensures efficient resolution and minimizes follow-up questions.'

Key clients

  • Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Hyundai Motor Company
  • Chevron Corporation
  • Nike Global Trading BV Singapore Branch
  • GSK
  • Samsung Biologics Co., Ltd.
  • Bank of Korea
  • Ministry of Employment and Labor
  • Shinhan Bank
  • Campari Group
  • BBC Worldwide(Asia)
  • Renault Korea Motors Co., Ltd.
  • LS Electric Co., Ltd.
  • Yuhan-Kimberly Limited
  • SSG.COM Corporation
  • Umicore Korea Ltd.
  • Novelis Korea Limited
  • Novotech Asia Korea Co., Ltd.
  • HD Hyundai Construction Equipment Co., Ltd.
  • Valeo Electrical Systems Korea Co., Ltd.

Work highlights

Advised Valeo Electrical Systems Korea Co on a representative lawsuit filed by union members seeking unpaid allowances related to ordinary wages.
Advised Incheon Transit Corporation on a lawsuit concerning the wage peak system.
Advised Incheon Airport Facilities Co on defining the scope of ‘essential business’ operating during a full-scale strike.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

Dong-Wook Kim

Other key lawyers

Young-Seok Ki; Sery Lee; Anthony Chang; Jong Soo Kim; Hye-Young Yun; Jong-Hyun Kim

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