Baker McKenzie KLP JV is well-equipped to handle a broad range of arbitrations, representing an array of financial institutions, real estate companies, and construction clients. Practice head Beomsu Kim is known for his longstanding knowledge of investor-state disputes and commercial arbitration. Both David Kim and Sunyoung Kim joined the team from Lee & Ko in December 2023 and May 2024 respectively; David Kim is particularly adept at handling international construction disputes, while Sunyoung Kim routinely appears before the ICC, SIAC, and CIETAC, in addition to ad-hoc arbitrations. The team further expanded with the hire of the highly regarded Sean (Sungwoo) Lim who joined from Shin & Kim in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'This firm is the result of the merger of Baker McKenzie's Seoul office and K&L Partners; K&L was one of the very few arbitration-focused boutique law firms in Seoul. They have been doing very well in this space and the merger will be a big boost.'
- 'Beomsu Kim has years of experience in the Korean market and leads the team. David Kim focuses on construction arbitration.'
Key clients
- Elliot Associates, L.P.
- Mason Capital Management LLC
- Fengzhen Min
- Lotte Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.
- POSCO E&C Co., Ltd.
- Chairman of Kyobo Life Insurance
Work highlights
- Representing Mason Capital on a pending investor-state dispute against the Republic of Korea under the KOR-US FTA.
- Representing POSCO E&C Co., Ltd. in a dispute against the Vietnam Expressway Corporation, the Vietnamese State Owned Entity that is entrusted with the building of roadways and expressways in Vietnam.
- Representing Fengzhen Min in an investment treaty arbitration against Republic of Korea under the China-Korea Bilateral Investment Treaty.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
David Kim
Baker McKenzie KLP JV
Sean (Sungwoo) Lim
Baker McKenzie KLP JVNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sunyoung Kim
Baker McKenzie KLP JVPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Beomsu Kim