The Korean Bar Association introduces two ways to search for lawyers in Korea for whom need legal services.1. My Lawyer : Lawyer Information CenterMy Lawyer is an initiative developed by the Korean Bar Association in collaboration with local bar associations. Our primary objective is to uphold the public essence of the legal domain and enhance public access to justice. We offer complementary services including finding a lawyer, requesting a case, requesting work. Additionally, we are actively developing advanced features to facilitate online consultation through video, voice, and chat.For more information, please find the introductory guideline in the attachment.▶ Link : https://www.klaw.or.kr/ (As English service is yet to be released, please search information in Korean)2. KOTRA Investment Guide (*Available in English)KOTRA(Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) provides list of the law firms and affiliated lawyers who can provide legal service in foreign languages. You can search for law firms and lawyers by the areas of practice, available foreign languages, regions, etc.▶ Link : https://www.investkorea.org/ik-en/pgm/i-438/jcffr/front/list.do

The International Bar Association (IBA) Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) has released the Republic of Korea Results Report (the ‘Report’) that looks into gender disparity at senior levels of the legal profession in Korea. Despite there having been a rise in the number of women lawyers in Korea since the end of the last century, the data informing the report revealed that women are still vastly under-represented at all levels of the legal profession in Korea. Written by the Gender Equality Centre of the Korean Bar Association (KBA) the Report is the seventh in a series to be published by the IBA and the LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation as part of the 50:50 by 2030: A longitudinal study into gender disparity in law.Sara Carnegie, IBA Legal Projects Director, said: ‘We are enormously grateful to the Korean Bar Association for taking the lead on this report, and providing such in depth analysis of the data collected. The Republic of Korea report provides an excellent example of how collaboration with IBA member bars can broaden the reach of this project, enhancing its impact and offering insights into new jurisdictions. We extend our thanks to the KBA and encourage other bars to get involved.’Young Hoon Kim, President of the KBA, commented: ‘The KBA has been honoured to assist in this important study, gathering data from across our profession in the hope of furthering gender parity in the law. Despite a significant upsurge in the number of women training to be lawyers since the 1990s, female representation at the senior level is still sorely lacking. We must address the root causes of this disparity, challenge widespread cultural norms and champion lasting change.’Download reportKBA research shows that in 2023 there were 28,118 lawyers practising in the Republic of Korea, of which 8,269 were women (29 per cent). In comparison to data in other reports published in the 50:50 by 2030 project series, female representation in the legal profession in Korea lags behind the Netherlands (57 per cent), Chile (56 per cent), Spain (54 per cent), England and Wales (51 per cent) and Nigeria (40 per cent).Other key results for Korea from the survey include:in law firms, women make up 25 per cent of the workforce but only hold 13 per cent of senior posts;in the corporate sector, 28 per cent of all in-house lawyers are women but the figure drops to 12 per cent at senior positions;in the public sector, 35 per cent of lawyers are women with 29 per cent in high-level roles;the judiciary is comprised of 35 per cent women with 27 per cent holding senior roles;in law firms, flexible working was the most popular initiative to address gender disparity; andin public bodies and companies, gender sensitive education and training for male and female lawyers was the most popular initiative.In addition:only 44 per cent of law firms monitor gender balance in the workplace;sixty per cent of companies, almost all public sector bodies and the judiciary monitor gender balance;twelve per cent of law firms surveyed employ part time lawyers, compared with 14 per cent in the corporate sector; andin the public sector and the judiciary, there were no part time lawyers or judges recorded amongst respondents.To address the imbalances, there is recognition that steps need to be taken to foster a more inclusive environment for women legal professionals, introduce flexible work arrangements, establish and implement parental leave policies, and to expand childcare facilities. The Korean Bar Association is taking a number of steps and inaugurated its Gender Equality Centre to conduct research and training in gender equality in the legal profession. Also, between 2017 and 2022, the Korean Government worked on a five-year plan to improve the number of practising female lawyers, specifically in the public sector. The number of female lawyers in the public sector is higher at 35 per cent compared to the average of 29 per cent of other law sectors. The campaign may have had an effect.From a foreword to the Report, Sung Hee Kwon, General Manager of the KBA’s Gender Equality Centre, stated: ‘The public sector has benefitted from the Korean government’s policy to improve female representation. The statistics from law firms and in-house counsel show a much gloomier picture, with lower female representation in the legal profession and less women holding senior positions. All the figures urge the country to do more. Promotion linkhttps://x.com/IBAnews/status/1780185123956101604https://www.linkedin.com/posts/international-bar-association_legal-korea-womenlawyers-activity-7185951297869598721-a10C?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktophttps://www.facebook.com/internationalbarassociation/videos/951248503144899

■ Time: 2024. 4. 5. -7​. ■​ Venue: Iino Hall & Conference Center, Tokyo, Japan■​ Topics include:LGBTIQ rights of gay marriage; where to next?Preventing gender-based violence with a focus on Southern AfricaI am a lawyer, but I keep being arrested when I do my job: help!Arbitrary detention: Article 9 of the ICCPR and its relevance in the third decadeMigration, workers and human rightsUDHR 75th anniversary – future perspectives for legal practitioners and their clientsBHR and its impact for general counselAddressing the social and human dimension of climate change – what needs to be doneModern slavery: what do the next five years look like?Death penalty: intersection with fundamental human rights and criminal lawAn exceptional chemical weapons tribunal: closing the chemical weapons impunity gap?Gender inclusive justice for international crimes committed in Myanmar: perspectives on prevention in the futurePracticing law in post-coup Myanmar: challenges and opportunities​​

In a significant development, diplomat Rhee​ Zha-hyoung has been elected as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in June 2023, while Attorney Baek ​ Kee-bong secured a position at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in December 2023.The year 2023 marked a notable rise in the global standing of the Korean legal community. Commencing this remarkable trend was Rhee Zha-hyoung, former Director-General of the International Legal Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who secured a judgeship at ITLOS in June 2023.  ITLOS, established to resolve disputes related to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, holds a crucial role in maintaining global maritime peace and order. In this election, candidates from Korea, Japan and Iraq competed for two seats in the Asia-Pacific regional group to which Korea belongs. Mr. Rhee was elected along with the Japanese candidate, by securing votes from 144 out of 164 member states that attended and voted in the election. Notably, Rhee Zha-hyoung's election marked the third consecutive time for a Korean judge since ITLOS's inception in 1996. Current status of ITLOS judges: ▴Judge Park Chun-ho (’96-’08), ▴Judge Baek Jin-hyeon (’09-’23, ’17-’20 served as court president), ▴Judge Rhee Zha-hyoung (October ’23-presentRecognizing the pivotal importance of maritime stability for a nation surrounded by the sea on three sides, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that Baek​ Kee-bong's appointment strengthens the foundation to support the maintenance and development of the international maritime order.Building on this success, in December of the same year, Attorney Baek​ Kee-bong achieved another milestone by being elected as a judge at the ICC for the 2024-2033 term. The ICC, as the first permanent international tribunal aimed at punishing serious international crimes, plays a crucial role in realizing international criminal justice. Attorney Baek received an impressive 83 votes out of 123 participating countries at the ICC Conference of States Parties, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.With this achievement, Korea has now advanced a judge to the ICC for the fourth consecutive time since its establishment. The accomplished individuals who have contributed to this success include Judge Song Sang-heon, Judge  Jeong​ Chang-ho, and the newly elected Judge  Baek​ Kee-bong.The biographies of the two esteemed judges, Rhee Zha-hyoung and Baek Kee-bong, reflect their extensive experience and expertise in the legal field, both nationally and internationally.■ Judge Rhee Zha-hyoung's main biography:- 2020.11~ Director-General, International Legal Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs- 2018.1 Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Afghanistan- 2014.12 Counselor, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations- 2013.7 Director, International Law Division, International Law Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs- 2012.6 Policy Manager, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade- 2010.6 Counselor, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Netherlands■ ​Judge Baek Kee-bong's main biography:- 2014-2023 Kim & Chang Law Office- 2011-2014 Senior Legal Advisor, United Nations Office on Drugs and International Crime, Bangkok Branch- 2011 Supreme Prosecutors' Office World Prosecutors' Office Conference Preparatory Secretariat, Foreign Press Spokesperson- 2008-2009 Head of International Legal Affairs Department, Ministry of Justice- 2002-2005 United Nations Office on Drugs and International Crime, Vienna Headquarters, Legal Advisor- 1992-1998 Prosecutor at Seoul, Seosan, Suwon, and Daejeon District Prosecutors' OfficesThese accomplishments underscore the growing influence of Korean legal professionals on the international stage, reflecting positively on the Korean legal community as a whole.​​

Dear Esteemed members and colleagues,As we bid farewell to the eventful year of Black Rabbit and welcome the New Year of Blue Dragon filled with the auspicious energy of the dragon, I extend my wishes for hope and joy to fill your homes and workplaces.The legal community faced numerous challenges in the past year, transcending the boundaries between the private and public sectors. Especially with the unprecedented simultaneous vacancies in the positions of Chief Justice and Constitutional Court Chief Justice, the judiciary experienced significant disruptions, affecting both judicial administration and trial proceedings.Recognizing the potential dire consequences of prolonged vacancies in the leadership of the two branches of the judiciary, the Korean Bar Association, representing 30,000 attorneys nationwide, took decisive action. We rallied the collective will of our members, conducted rigorous personnel verification, and publicly appointed individuals with exemplary integrity from within and beyond the legal community to fill these crucial roles.Fortunately, those recommended by the KBA swiftly assumed their positions as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court. This enabled the judiciary to refocus on its fundamental roles of upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the basic rights of the citizens.In the face of unprecedented challenges, the KBA played a crucial role in resolving the judicial crisis swiftly and mediating political conflicts. We are proud to have fulfilled our duty aligned with the noble mission bestowed upon lawyers by the era and history.The KBA did not neglect efforts to enhance the status and compensation of attorneys in the rapidly changing legal environment. In 2022, during the performance of a research project commissioned by the Supreme Court, we vehemently advocated for the realistic compensation of state-appointed attorneys. As a result, the remuneration per case in general state-appointed cases increased by KRW 50,000. Furthermore, last year, despite the full cut at the ministry of economy and finance level, we tirelessly worked, and in December, secured an additional budget of KRW 39.49 billion in the National Assembly, resulting in a KRW 50,000 increase in compensation for general state-appointed attorneys in criminal trials.Not content with this achievement, we are committed to achieving more significant and meaningful results this year. We will continue our efforts with a sense of urgency and determination.Additionally, in the new year, we will focus on creating opportunities for our members to expand their stage of activity, fostering a foundation for overseas expansion. We are actively pursuing measures to allow successful candidates during the attorney examination training period to gain experience in foreign legal systems and international arbitration. Our goal is to solidify a strong foundation for members to actively engage on the global stage.For solo practitioners, we will work on gradually enhancing the competitiveness of the public legal platform 'My Lawyer.' In the past year, we added the 'Instant Consultation' feature to My Lawyer, streamlining the entire process from consultation booking to payment. This leap in service quality was aimed at ensuring both consumers and providers are satisfied. This year, we will focus on securing government support to establish a public system that satisfies both consumers and legal professionals, expanding your client base while ensuring the public nature and independence of the legal market and attorney activities.Furthermore, in the legislative and policy arena, we will handle every matter with careful consideration and resolute action to avoid any setbacks. We will steadfastly devote ourselves to ensuring that the legal industry remains undisturbed by external pressures, consistently striving to meet your support and expectations.The KBA has, for the past 71 years, upheld the rights of the people and our members, diligently pursuing the communal mission of advocating for human rights and achieving social justice. As we continue this honorable tradition into the new year, we will listen attentively to the small voices of our members and take each step with humility.I earnestly request your encouragement and support so that all the efforts of the KBA may bear fruit for the benefit of our members.Wishing you all success in your endeavors in the auspicious year of the Blue Dragon. Happy New Year!Thank you.January 1, 2024Kim Young HoonPresident of Korean Bar Association​

Today, the National Assembly approved a budget bill that includes a $ 3,038,461.54 increase in compensation for public defenders. Consequently, the compensation for general public defenders is set to increase to $ 423.08 in 2024.   The Korean Bar Association, led by president Kim Young-hoon, selected the increase in public defender compensation as one of its key projects before and after the start of the 52nd executive board’s term, and has proactively promoted it. Even before taking office, Kim Young-hoon founded the ‘Public Defender and public service advocates Association’, serving as its first president. He conducted research on ‘Measures to improve the remuneration payment system for efficient and faithful public defenders’, aiming to make it a reality, including increasing the remuneration of public defenders. As a result, the compensation for public defenders increased from $ 346.15 to $ 384.62 in 2023.   The reality is that the compensation for public defenders still does not sufficiently reflect the inflation rate and the increase in actual expenses incurred by lawyers in the process of handling cases. When preparing the budget for the Supreme Court, the Korean Bar Association expressed and reflected the opinion of increasing the budget for public defenders by $ 9,230,769.23 ($ 7,384,615.38 for general public defenders and $ 1,846,153.85 for public defenders only), but in the budget submitted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the entire amount was cut due to the deepening government budget deficit.   Accordingly, the president of the Korean Bar Association and related working-level officials have continued to make efforts to appeal the legitimacy of the budget plan by visiting the National Assembly frequently over the past two months and persuading members of the National Assembly. In this process, the contribution of the vice president of legislation support a new position established by the current executive office, was also significant.   Originally, the Korean Bar Association’s right to request a budget was not recognized, so in the past, the Korean Bar Association’s executive board responded in a relatively passive manner to the lawyer-related budget of the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice. However, this 52nd executive board took proactive action by directly visiting the National Assembly and running to establish and pass a budget plan related to lawyers. As a result, with the approval of this budget, the compensation for general public defenders, which was $ 384.62 in 2023, is planned to increase to $ 423.08 in 2024.   Increasing the remuneration of public defenders is not only limited to the remuneration of public defenders but also acts as a standard when appointing attorney members in other public institutions and organizations, so it is a very important project as it takes the first step in realizing attorney remuneration.   We welcome the National Assembly’s approval of the Korean Bar Association’s request to increase the compensation for public defenders. The approval of the budget for increasing the compensation for public defenders through the National Assembly is a key accomplishment achieved by the 52nd executive board of the Korean Bar Association. Originally, the public defender’s remuneration budget was under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, but the effect of increasing the remuneration ultimately leads to the protection of the public’s legal interests through the enhancement of lawyers’ public defender work. Therefore, the Korean Bar Association will continue to strive to realize attorney remuneration and protect and expand professional services regardless of ministry or jurisdiction. We declare that we will continue to make efforts for this.   2023. 12. 21. President of Korean Bar Association KIM Young- hoon

The Korean Bar Association has successfully cultivated a close partnership with the bar associations of Asia-Pacific Countries, in alignment with its overarching objective to augment international capacity. Amidst the 36th LAWASIA Conference, held from 24-27 November in Bengaluru, India, the Korean Bar Association achieved the signing of Memoranda of Understanding ("MoU") with both the Bar Association of India ("BAI") and the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia ("BAKC").On 25 November, Mr. Young Hoon Kim, the President of the Korean Bar Association, formalized the MoU with the BAI, under the leadership of Mr. Prashant Kumar, the President of the BAI. Mr. Kim underscored the significance of the MoU in light of the escalating exchanges between legal practitioners from Korea and India. Following Mr. Kim's remarks, Mr. Kumar reciprocated the interest, emphasizing its potential to serve as a conduit for a closer partnership between the two organizations. In essence, both the KBA and the BAI expressed their collective aspirations for the MoU to serve as a foundation for regular exchanges between the two Associations, actively seeking avenues to actualize this vision.On the same day, the KBA formalized an MoU with the BAKC, led by Mr. LY Chantola, the President of the BAKC. Notably, this MoU incorporates an article outlining the mutual commitment of the two parties to collaborate in advancing each other's legal services, including the prospect of seeking government funds if necessary. This specific article underscores the KBA's dedication to fostering the development of legal services in other nations and ultimately propagating the principles of the rule of law globally. Subsequent to the MoU signing, delegations from the KBA and the BAKC engaged in an exchange of information pertaining to the legal systems of their respective countries. Of particular note, the KBA introduced "My Lawyer," a comprehensive online lawyer information center developed by the KBA. Based on this exchange and MoU signing, the two organizations wished to actively exchange for the future collaboration and provide opportunities for the close partnership between the two countries via legal cooperation. 

In a groundbreaking announcement on November 24, 2023(India local time), LAWASIA disclosed the results of its executive elections for the term 2023-2024. Attorney Eric Yang emerged as the Vice President, and Hongjoong Kim secured a position as an Exco Member.The election, conducted through online voting from November 1 to 17, witnessed active participation from councillors representing approximately 40 countries.This re-election marks Eric Yang's second consecutive term as Vice President, building upon his initial appointment in 2021. Mr. Eric Yang is a partner in the corporate, mergers and acquisitions practice group of leading Korean law firm Bae, Kim & Lee LLC and leads the firm’s Southeast Asia Practice. Since 2016, he has been a Member of the Executive Committee of LAWASIA, and from 2021 to the present, he has served as Vice President. Prior to joining Bae, Kim & Lee LLC in 2015, he worked at Yulchon LLC for 15 years and was seconded to Allen & Overy’s Hong Kong office.Mr. Yang holds several professional appointments, including the past Vice President (International Affairs) of the Korean Bar Association, Member of the Ministry of Justice Legal Advisory Group for Overseas Expansion of Small and Medium Enterprises.Specializing in cross-border transactions and overseas investment, Mr. Yang’s expertise extends to outbound mergers and acquisitions, construction, financial transactions, and dispute resolution in the Southeast Asia region, as well as energy and infrastructure projects.Hongjoong Kim, the newly elected Executive Committee Member, is a senior partner in the international arbitration and litigation group at Bae, Kim & Lee LLC, the leading law firm in Korea with over 750 professionals. Since 2006, HJ has been involved in numerous international disputes, applying his exceptional expertise to each case. His experience spans multiple industries, including post-M&A, distributorship, shipbuilding, aerospace, retail, automobile parts, oil, pharmaceuticals, and private equity.Since February 2023, Mr. Kim represents the Korean Bar Association as the Vice President (International Affairs) and Chairman of the International Committee. In this role, HJ is responsible for all international affairs, including attending or organizing international conferences, exchange meetings between bar associations at the national level, and discussions with government bodies on international matters like opening of the legal market.The election of Eric Yang and Hongjoong Kim to LAWASIA, a global association, featuring two Korean executives, not only signifies the elevated standing of the Korean legal profession but also aligns with LAWASIA's dedication to nurturing diversity, expertise, and international collaboration within the legal realm .LAWASIA is a progressive, political international organization for litigators, consisting of lawyers, practicing judges, and litigation professors across Asia and the Pacific. Established in 1966, LAWASIA has hosted its annual conference in Seoul, Korea, on three times, and Korean lawyers have been honored to serve three terms as president. For more information, please visit the [LAWASIA Website].

The International Bar Association (IBA) recently introduced a valuable resource: the Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Toolkit. This toolkit is a comprehensive, free set of guidance designed to help law firms integrate the basic principles of diversity and inclusion within their organizations. Please download the instruction set from the attached file.For more information about what the toolkit contains and how to get the most out of it, check out the following links:​​Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit for Lawyers | International Bar Association (ibanet.org)​

On November 7 2023, the Korean Bar Association, led by President Kim Young-hoon, signed a Memorandum of Understanding​​ with the Indonesian Bar Association, chaired by Otto Hassibuan. This agreement focuses not only on organizational collaboration but also on the verification of mutual member information and the sharing of legal insights.Indonesia, as the fourth most populous country globally, boasts abundant natural resources, making it a prominent new investment destination. The recent implementation of the 'Korea-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)' further enhances its openness. In Jakarta, Indonesia, there are five Korean law firms that have opened branches, marking the third-highest number after Vietnam and China.​Discussions regarding the Memorandum of Understanding​ between the Korean Bar Association and the Indonesian Bar Association commenced earnestly at the The Presidents of Law Associations in Asia​(POLA) summit in Kuala Lumpur in July. Within approximately four months, these discussions culminated in the signing ceremony. Originally planned to occur at the International Bar Association(IBA) Annual conference, the signing took place in writing due to the Indonesian Bar Association president's scheduling constraints. The Memorandum of Understanding​​ encompasses various aspects, including sharing mutual legal culture and information, organizing seminars to promote judicial culture, confirming member information for both organizations, and exchanging information on the regulations of foreign lawyers in their respective jurisdictions​Kim Young-hoon, President of the Korean Bar Association, stated, "Korea and Indonesia celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. While trade volume hit a new record last year, exchanges between the Korean Bar Association and the Indonesian Bar Association were relatively weak." He added, "Anticipating an increase in legal demand for Indonesia, we expect this Memorandum of Understanding​​ with Indonesian lawyers to serve as a stepping stone for Korean legal professionals to actively engage in Indonesia."※ Reference: The Indonesian Bar Association, abbreviated as 'PERADI' (Perhimpunan Advokat Indonesia), was established in 2004 through an agreement between the leaders of seven bar associations and the Indonesia-Shariah Law Association. In Indonesia, registration with PERADI is a prerequisite for practicing law, and as of the end of 2022, approximately 58,000 lawyers are registered.​

Attending the 30th Annual IAKL Conference was an experience that was beyond anything I could have imagined as a first-time attendee. What was initially a pursuit of legal knowledge evolved into an unforgettable journey of camaraderie and self-discovery. The conference, held in Seoul this year, transcended the boundaries of a professional event, transforming into a celebration of togetherness among legal professionals from across the globe.   From the very beginning of the opening ceremony, the palpable sense of warmth was striking. Lawyers from every corner of the world had converged in one place, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation. It was as if we were all old friends reuniting after a long separation, bound by a shared passion for the law and the legal profession.   One of the most remarkable aspects of this conference was the way it encouraged participants to delve deeper into each other's lives beyond just our legal careers. We engaged in meaningful conversations that extended beyond our practice areas. We shared personal stories, the hardships, and the motivations that fueled our professional journeys. It was a refreshing reminder to take a moment to remember who we were as individuals and what brought us all onto this path of becoming professionals in the legal field.   In the evenings, we gathered in groups, sharing anecdotes, laughter, and ideas. The connections made during those moments were heartwarming, forging bonds that will hopefully extend long beyond this year’s conference. I am grateful to have met so many wonderfully kind individuals through the IAKL Conference.   The conference sessions themselves were very informative and thought-provoking. Expert speakers from various legal felids provided professional insight on a wide range of topics, including international trade, technology, and ESG, sharing invaluable inside knowledge and professional experiences.   As I reflect on my experience at the 30th Annual IAKL Conference, I am boundlessly grateful to have been a part of such a wonderful community of talented, kind-hearted individuals. The conference was an affirmation of the global legal community's unity and shared passion for helping others. The event not only broadened my legal knowledge but also enriched my understanding of the human aspect of law.   I would like to wholeheartedly recommend this conference to anyone looking to embark on a journey of professional growth and personal enrichment. The Annual IAKL Conference was a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn, connect, and forge lasting friendships with legal professionals from around the world. I cannot wait to meet everyone again at next year’s conference in Toronto. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Korean Bar Association for funding my attendance to this year’s IAKL Conference, and to my firm for graciously supporting said attendance.Jiyoun CHOEjychoe@lawmission.net

The American Bar Association (ABA) launched the Presidential Series on October 5th.This series offers insights from leaders in various fields. New episodes will be posted on selected Thursdays at 3 p.m. ET[October 6, 2023 4:00 a.m. KST(한국시간)]The first four sessions are free for ABA members and the general public.Afterward, they are free for members and chargeable for non-members. For more details, please visit ambar.org/PresidentialSeries.Episode 1 Thursday, Oct. 5, marks the inaugural program of the ABA Presidential Speaker Series, featuring Ambassador Ivo Daalder. Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, CEO and founder of Food Systems for the Future, will serve as moderator.■ Date: October 5, 2023■ Time: 3:00 p.m. ET | 2:00 p.m. CT | 12:00 p.m. PT ■ Location: Virtual Event | No advance registration required.Gain valuable insights on pressing international issues involving Ukraine, China, North Korea, and the Middle East. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your global perspective and connect with influential diplomats who have shaped international policy. Dolores Huerta  | Oct. 12.Join us October 12 as Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farmworkers Association, is interviewed by Reverend Miguel Bustos, former executive director of the California Latino Civil Rights Network. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on labor, civil rights, and more.Director Martin Scorsese and Chief Standing Bear | Oct. 19 U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland | Nov. 2 And More!Upcoming Conversations (americanbar.org)

American Bar Association International Law Section hosts Asia/Pacific Conference under the theme of "Law and Technology in a Changing World". Issues facing businesses involved in high-tech; AI, cybersecurity to biotechnology will be examined in this conference.*The KBA members will have exclusive discount rate for the Conference. How to register at a discount rate?Click Here -> Fill out the information -> Select "In-House Counsel Rate" in Registration Fees -> Fill out SBAIHC23Fall​ on the Discount Code

To provide bar associations, law societies, lawyers, institutions, and the broader society with evidence of the socioeconomic impact of the legal profession, the IBA has launched the Impact Project. The project aims to perform a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessment of the socioeconomic impact of the legal profession and identify concrete ways in which it can be enhanced and better communicated. This assessment will rely on different complementary data sources, including an extensive literature review and analytical exercise, expert interviews, as well as two surveys (one with members of the legal community – below, and one with the general public).We would be honoured if you could participate in the Impact Project by providing your views in the short survey below, which is aimed at collecting input from members of the legal community. The survey should not take more than 10 minutes to complete. Your responses will be kept anonymous and the IBA will not know or record the names of participants.The results of the assessment will be published in a report to be released in early 2024. ​​

The Law Society of Hong Kong’s International Summit 2023 in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (“the Summit”) will be held on Wednesday, 11 October 2023 at 09:00 – 17:30 (Hong Kong Time) at the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel in a hybrid format. Themed “Peace and Prosperity on the Belt and Road”, the Summit will examine how mediation can resolve commercial and sovereign disputes, and provide a platform for sharing practical skills and knowledge on mediation/ negotiation/ deal-making. It is expected that over 1,000 participants from different jurisdictions along the Belt and Road will attend the Summit. Mr. C. M. Chan, President of The Law Society of Hong Kong, cordially invites your organisation to join us physically or virtually at this meaningful event.Registration for the Summit is first-come, first-served. It would be our pleasure if you and your members can join us physically or virtually at this meaningful event. For more information and online registration, please refer to the enclosed event leaflet or visit the Summit website.Should you require further information on this event, please feel free to contact the Law Society’s Secretariat at +852 2846 8818 / +852 2846 0518 or BNR@hklawsoc.org.hk.​​

The Korean Bar Association has persistently strived to safeguard citizens' fundamental rights, establish the rule of law, and enhance and uphold the legal system's development for this very purpose.   The constitutional provision of the legal system is intended to ensure citizens' basic rights and establish the rule of law. The indispensable role of lawyers in shaping and maintaining the rule of law cannot be overstated. Furthermore, the practical implementation of the legal system necessitates creating a conducive environment for the presence of lawyers.   What is the current situation in Korea? Both the rule of law and the legal system face critical threats. The right to life for citizens is imperiled by recurring societal catastrophes, and their well-being is jeopardized by issues like poorly constructed apartments due to deep-rooted construction corruption. In recent times, there has been an increase in random crimes targeting unspecified individuals, causing widespread anxiety. Even lawyers, who are meant to champion the protection of fundamental rights, are grappling with substantial challenges arising from threats to their personal safety and unjustified search and seizure practices.   This juncture underscores the utmost importance of establishing a society where the rule of law functions normatively to protect fundamental rights, including the right to life.   The principle that lawyers must not be subjected to unreasonable investigations or interference from investigative agencies while fulfilling their duty to safeguard citizens' basic rights is a constitutional value vital for citizens to genuinely exercise their rights, such as the right to legal assistance and a fair trial. Hence, safeguarding the confidentiality rights of lawyers can be deemed a critical framework for upholding citizens' basic rights and achieving social justice. This is particularly relevant when comparing with legislative precedents in developed nations, where the need for legislation is evident.   Numerous cases abound where the actual truth remains concealed and proper redress is not afforded due to delays in investigating cases related to public welfare. Such issues have persisted since the adjustment of investigative authority. Additionally, grave concerns arise due to negligence in protecting victims' interests. Lawyers, who undertake legal proceedings and allegations, painfully bear witness to the plight of citizens throughout the process. The Korean Bar Association urges investigative agencies to shoulder full responsibility for investigative delays and approach inquiries proactively to avoid impeding the protection of citizens' fundamental rights, and the Association pledges to monitor this until completion.   The Korean Bar Association is actively engaged in initiatives to enhance public access to justice while preserving the public nature of the legal market. This is in contrast to endeavors that seek to subordinate the legal market to capital through private platforms under the pretext of innovation, often backed by substantial funds. Simultaneously, the Association is actively working to broaden the scope of the legal profession. This includes expanding lawyers' roles in the capital market, exporting Korea's legal system, and facilitating overseas opportunities for young lawyers.   In last year's event, the Korean Bar Association highlighted the arson attack on a law office in Daegu and appealed to the government and the National Assembly for safety measures to protect lawyers' personal safety. However, threats against lawyers persist, and the repercussions of insufficient safety measures remain evident.   To achieve these objectives, the Korean Bar Association gathers input from local bar associations and resolves as follows:   To actualize these objectives, the Korean Bar Association solicits input from district bar associations and resolves as follows:   1. Urges the government and the National Assembly to adopt comprehensive legal and institutional measures to prevent the occurrence and escalation of recurrent societal disasters and safety incidents.   2. Calls upon the National Assembly to promptly enact legislation introducing attorney client privilege rights to ensure citizens' access to legal assistance.   3. Deds that investigative agencies take full responsibility for frequent investigative delays and approach inquiries proactively to safeguard citizens' fundamental rights without hindrance.   4. Requires financial authorities to date legal due diligence reports during the Initial Public Offering (IPO) process to safeguard the interests of general investors in the financial market.   5. The Korean Bar Association will establish an appropriate disciplinary framework for private legal platforms and, as an alternative, promote public platforms that do not prioritize profit generation. The government and the National Assembly should provide support to stabilize public platforms, including budgetary allocations. Their active involvement is vital.   6. The Korean Bar Association actively supports young lawyers and the international advancement of the Korean legal system, striving to export our exceptional legal framework. The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should extend proactive support.   7. To ensure the safety of lawyers, which forms the bedrock of the rule of law, the government and the National Assembly must promptly establish an immediate response system in case lawyers face personal threats such as terrorism and acts of violence. Swift legislative action is necessary to effectively secure lawyers' safety. 2023. 9. 1.   Kim Young-hoon, President of the Korean Bar AssociationKim Cheol-soo, Chair of the National Association of District Bar AssociationsKim Jeong-wook, President of the Seoul Bar AssociationJeong Ji-woong, President of the Gyeonggi Northern Bar AssociationAhn Kwan-ju, President of Incheon Bar AssociationYoon Young-seon, President of the Gyeonggi Central Bar AssociationKim Cheol-soo, President of the Gangwon Bar AssociationYang Won-ho, President of the Chungbuk Bar Association Jeong Hoon-jin, President of the Daejeon Bar AssociationKang Yun-gu, President of the Daegu Bar AssociationYeom Jeong-wook, President of the Busan Bar AssociationSeol Chang-hwan, President of the Ulsan Bar AssociationPark Yoon-kwon, President of the Gyeongnam Bar AssociationJang Jeong-hee, President of the Gwangju Bar Association Kim Hak-su, President of the Jeonbuk Bar AssociationHeo Sang-soo, President of Jeju Bar Association

UNCITRAL RCAP is pleased to invite you to the 3rd Incheon  Law & Business Forum (ILBF) themed “From Documents to Data: Legal and Commercial Solutions for Digital Trade,” to be held on 11-12 September , 2023 at Holiday Inn Incheon Songdo, Republic of Korea.The  Forum is co-hosted with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea, Incheon Metropolitan City, Korea Legislation Research Institute and other partners.This two-day regional event brings together representatives from the law, business, and public sectors to discuss the promotion of law reform and business development in support of digital trade across the Asia Pacific, with special attention on UNCITRAL legally enabling instruments.The ILBF comprises six panels: (1) Business Track 1: Trade Finance and Fintech; (2) Business Track 2: Transport and Logistics - MLETR Implementation;(3) Business Track 3: Transport and Logistics - Paperless Trade; (4) Law Track 1: Trade in Data; (5) Law Track 2: Digital Trade Agreements; and (6) Law Track 3: Roundtable on Digital Trade Law Reform in Asia and the Pacific, along with coffee/lunch highlights focusing on recent topics and a special event.The programme is attached for your information. The event will be conducted in English and is open to the public free of charge. While in-person participation is recommended, the event  will also be streamed virtually. (Due to capacity limitations, in-person registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.) To register, please scan the QR code on the attached program or click "Register" If you have any queries, please contact uncitral.rcap@un.org.

Introduction:This guide presents insights and actionable steps for senior managers and boards of directors to protect their organizations against cyber-attacks. The report, titled "Global perspectives on protecting against cyber risks: best governance practices for senior executives and boards of directors," is a first-of-its-kind global perspective on key governance practices. It draws from ten jurisdictions and offers comparative analysis with international case studies.1. Understanding the Cyber Risk Profile:- Companies must thoroughly understand their organization's cyber risk profile.- Identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses that cyber attackers could exploit.- Regularly assess and update the cyber risk profile to stay proactive in mitigating threats.2. Cybersecurity Expertise:- Ensure the board and management have sufficient cybersecurity expertise.- Appoint or engage cybersecurity experts to advise on best practices and risk management.- Stay updated with the latest trends and developments in cybersecurity.3. Reporting Lines for Cyber Risks:- Establish appropriate reporting lines so that cyber risks are promptly raised to leadership.- Encourage open communication between IT teams, security personnel, and management.- Ensure that the board is kept informed of cybersecurity incidents and response measures.4. Adequate Investment in Cybersecurity:- Allocate sufficient funds to meet cybersecurity goals and enhance cyber resilience.- Understand that investing in cybersecurity is an essential aspect of protecting the organization.- Regularly review and update the budget based on the evolving threat landscape.5. Cyber Incident Response Plans:- Review, understand, and test the organization's cyber incident response plans.- Regularly conduct mock drills to assess the effectiveness of the response plans.- Make necessary adjustments to improve the organization's ability to handle cyber incidents.6. Role of Senior Management:- Senior management plays a crucial role in day-to-day operations and cybersecurity governance.- They must map cybersecurity risks, identify high-priority concerns, and make informed decisions.- Responsible for ensuring internal compliance and suggesting timely analysis/assessments and updates.7. Bridging Knowledge Gaps:- Set guidelines and standards beyond national legislation to bridge existing knowledge gaps.- Acknowledge shared accountability between senior management and boards for cybersecurity.- Promote cross-functional collaboration to enhance cybersecurity practices.8. Top-Down Approach:- Ensure the board has a thorough understanding of financial and legal risks related to cybersecurity.- Emphasize a top-down approach to cybersecurity prioritization.- Implement recent enacted legislation that holds boards accountable for cybersecurity oversight.The new report expands upon the IBA Cybersecurity Guidelines (2018).

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2021, the IBA launched an ambitious, first-of-its-kind, nine-year global project aimed at uncovering the root causes of gender parity issues at the highest levels of the legal profession. The goal is to identify whether diversity initiatives introduced to address this disparity are making any impact and to provide practical conclusions and guidance to the profession. Titled ‘50/50 by 2030’ in reference to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No 5 on gender equality, the project has received support from the LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation.The project's primary aim is to analyze the statistical disparity between males and females at senior levels in the legal profession on a global scale. Despite females making up the majority of law students and graduates worldwide, their representation at senior levels across all legal sectors remains significantly lower than that of their male counterparts. The longitudinal study seeks to understand and address this gap, providing insights and recommendations to the global legal profession. Moreover, the findings and suggestions may also be relevant in tackling gender disparity in other professional service industries.To achieve its objectives, the IBA is gathering data from four sectors of the legal profession across various case study jurisdictions: private practice (including the bar in bifurcated jurisdictions), in-house, public sector, and the judiciary. The scope of this study is more extensive than previous research, which primarily focused on women in commercial law firms and their progression to equity partner level. Instead, this study aims to explore more broadly what success means for women in the global profession.The IBA's investigation spans 16 countries and will continue until 2030. This timeframe allows for tracking the performance of gender initiatives adopted by the profession to assess whether they have had any significant impact on the representation of women in senior legal positions.As of May 2023, the IBA has published four reports covering England & Wales, Uganda, Spain, Nigeria, and South Africa. The report for South Korea is expected to be released in the second half of this year.(Attached files can be found below.)?

On July 31, 2023, LAWASIA announced its statement regarding the "Hong Kong police issue arrest warrants for eight overseas activists."Related news link: Hong Kong police issue arrest warrants for eight overseas activists | Reuters​​​​