East Asia - South Korea

Stephenson Harwood

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Stephenson Harwood  is sought after for its special expertise in shipbuilding, and the team frequently advises clients such as Korean global corporates, international banks, and shipping and shipbuilding trading companies in this sphere. Practice head Michael Kim has extensive experience in ship finance and offshore mandates, as well as in general commercial litigation with a nexus to the industry. The group also includes Stuart Burrell, who acts for clients such as shipowners and shipbuilders in multi-jurisdictional litigation and international arbitration, and Stuart Beadnall, who is a shipping and energy specialist with particular expertise in contract negotiation. Sean Gibbons, who is regularly instructed to defend fraudulent cargo claims made against shipowners, and shipping and offshore financing specialist Gregg Johnston are also key contacts.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Stephenson Harwood are well known to Korean clients for their shipping and shipbuilding practice. They have extensive experience and expertise in the industry, and they also know the Korean market well. Among the foreign law firms that have opened their offices in Korea, Stephenson Harwood are known to be one of the most successful offices.’

  • ‘They have good knowledge of the industry, market, and law. They are well-armed with legal principles, but they always provide practical and prompt solutions.’

  • ‘Their connection with local offices is very concrete and cooperation between the lawyers is well performed without delay. Their speedy replies to answers and good understanding of local culture and good cooperation with local lawyers reassure a client.’

  • ‘Michael Kim deals with any dispute with the client's best interest at heart.’

  • ‘The key partner we have been working with is Michael Kim - he thoroughly knows the shipping industry as well as the Korean market, and based on his experience and expertise, he understands the clients’ needs well and provides effective and practical solutions. He is always ready and willing to assist and satisfy clients' needs, which can be urgent at times.’

  • ‘Michael Kim is a very trustworthy lawyer who has sufficient experience for various matters. He knows practices very well and is a creative lawyer who can present a reasonable solution.’

Key clients

  • Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd
  • Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering
  • Korea Line Corporation
  • Hanwha General Insurance Co Ltd
  • The Import-Export Bank of Korea
  • KB Insurance Co., Ltd
  • Chevron International Pte Ltd
  • The Standard Club
  • HJ Shipbuilding & Construction Co., Ltd
  • Hyundai Merchant Marine
  • Pan Ocean Co., Ltd
  • Sungdong Shipbuilding
  • Daehan Shipbuilding Co., Ltd
  • Sinokor Merchant Marine Co.,Ltd
  • Japan P&I Club
  • SPP Shipbuilding Co., Ltd
  • Eukor Car Carriers. Inc
  • Macon Charter B.V.
  • SK Shipping Co., Ltd.
  • H-Line Shipping Co.,Ltd.
  • DB Insurance Co., Ltd
  • Feen Marine Scrubbers Inc.
  • HHIC-PHIL KOREA
  • Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Co., Ltd
  • KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH
  • Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
  • SC Engineering Co., Ltd.
  • Seil Textile Co., Ltd.
  • You Chang Trading Corp
  • MULTI ASSET GLOBAL INVESTMENTS CO.,LTD.
  • LATTICE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
  • WILLIAM FRY
  • NOVEL GROUP OÜ
  • BHI CO., LTD

Work highlights

  • Assisted Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank with the senior secured financing of five very large ore carriers for Polaris Shipping.
  • Advising Société Générale on the financing of an LNG Bunkering Vessel.

Lawyers

Leading individuals

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Michael Kim

Other key lawyers

Stuart Burrell, Stuart Beadnall, Sean Gibbons, Gregg Johnston