Lee & Ko has a particular specialism in labour regulation affecting the technology and automotive sectors, but is also instructed by a diverse client roster on labour litigation, workplace harassment, union matters and wider workforce services. With former judicial experience, Chang-Soo Jin co-heads the practice alongside Hyun Seok Song, a versatile litigator with a portfolio spanning from wrongful termination to union disputes. Sang Hoon Lee is a seasoned practitioner with over 25 years of experience in the full arena of Korean employment and labour work. Having served as a judge across all levels of Korea’s judiciary system, Young Jin KIM is a key name for labour disputes. Jae Hoon Choi is an active advisor on issues arising from corporate deals and corporate restructuring, while William Kim engages closely with foreign clients on a breadth of employment and labour matters, ranging from employment discrimination to dispatched worker claims. Shawn HAN primarily focuses on employment-related regulatory compliance matters and international HR investigations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team offers the best solutions from various members, including judges, corporate HR, and the Ministry of Employment and Labour. In particular, lawyers Hyun Seok Song, Lee Hwa Sung, and Chang Soo Jin are lawyers with excellent skills and networks.’
‘Lee & Ko strives to quickly assess the client's situation and provide the best solutions.’
‘William Kim and Sang Hoon Lee provide the best option between the company's demands and a detailed legal review. They give great help to the company for making decisions.’
‘This team quickly identifies the core issues in every matter and provides practical, actionable solutions for the company. Rather than offering vague advice, they deliver optimal solutions based on precedents and the legal framework, earning the trust of our management.’
‘A key differentiator has been their ability to collaborate with other specialised teams—such as M&A, antitrust, and criminal law—when necessary to deliver tailored solutions for our company. In short, this team excels at combining diverse resources and viewpoints to swiftly deliver effective outcomes.’
‘The law firm's Gwangjang labour team maintains solid teamwork in its advice and continues to update clients on the latest status, helping to resolve the company's problems quickly and accurately.’
Key clients
- DB Insurance Co., Ltd.
- Kumho Tire Co., Inc.
- Alo Yoga
- Hyundai Motor Company
- Hyundai Motor Company
- Technicolor Creative Studios Korea
- 3rd Seoul-Incheon Highway Co., Ltd.
- DSM Firmenich Group
- TSI Inc
- SK Multi Utility Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
Advised Hyundai Motor Company on successfully defending a wrongful dismissal claim through all three levels of Korean courts, securing a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the legality of targeted employee surveillance in misconduct investigations.
Advised Samsung Electronics on overturning criminal convictions stemming from a fatal industrial accident, securing a High Court acquittal for the company and senior officers in a landmark Serious Accident Punishment Act case.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Chang Soo Jin; Hyun Seok Song
Other key lawyers
Sang Hoon Lee; Young Jin KIM; Jae Hoon Choi; William Kim; Shawn HAN; Lee Hwa Sung