Baker McKenzie is pleased to announce that leading international arbitration practitioner Sung Woo (Sean) Lim has joined Baker McKenzie & KL Partners Joint Venture Law Firm ("Baker McKenzie KLP JV") as a partner. This latest hire represents the fifth addition to the Baker McKenzie KLP JV in the last 12 months and cements the Firm's position as the largest international law firm in Korea by partner bench strength.

Sean brings over 30 years of experience in arbitration, representing leading Korean companies and multinationals across a full range of disputes, including: cross-border joint ventures and M&A; finance and capital markets; sale of goods, supply contracts and franchise agreements; product liability; construction and energy projects; maritime, shipping and aviation; intellectual property; sports; and international treaties. He has led many high-profile cases that have set major precedents in Korea and has conducted numerous complex multinational arbitration cases seated in various jurisdictions, including in Hong Kong, London, Singapore and New York.

Sean is highly regarded in the international arbitration arena and has played a significant role in shaping the practice of international arbitration in Korea. He has served on various industry bodies, including as vice president of the Korean Arbitrators Association and president of the Korean Council for International Arbitration (KOCIA). He is currently president of the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB) sports arbitration committee and a member of the management committee of the Seoul International Dispute Resolution Center (SIDRC).

Sean is also a member of the Law Reform Commission for Amendments to the Korean Arbitration Act, the Law Reform Commission for Amendments to the Korean Arbitration Rules and the Law Enactment Commission for Enactment of the Commercial Arbitration Promotion Act, making him the only Korean practitioner to participate in all three active projects related to arbitration practice. His outstanding contribution to the development of commercial arbitration in Korea was recognized by an award from the Ministry of Justice in 2017.

Won Lee, Baker McKenzie's Korea Practice head, said: "It is hugely exciting to welcome a partner with such market standing and experience to our Korea team. Sean's deep connections within the legal and business community, along with his expertise in the areas of disputes and arbitration, will be invaluable as we remain focused on delivering outstanding service to our clients."

Beomsu Kim, head of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group for Baker McKenzie KLP JV, added: "We are thrilled that Sean is joining our expanding team. His extensive experience and sector knowledge will add breadth and depth to our international arbitration capabilities, positioning us well to support our clients with their growing needs in cross-border disputes."

Nandakumar Ponniya, Asia Pacific chair of Baker McKenzie's Dispute Resolution Practice Group, commented: "Sean's appointment further demonstrates our commitment to expanding our dispute resolution and international arbitration capabilities, which is a strategic area of focus for the Firm globally. His arrival, which follows that of international arbitration practitioner Sunyoung Kim earlier this year, will enhance our ability to support our Korean and multinational clients in managing their complex disputes across the region."

Steven Sieker, Baker McKenzie's Asia Chief Executive, added: "Sean's arrival, following on from the recent additions of John Kwak and Doug Suh in Seoul and Shirin Tang and Ang Lip Kian in Singapore, underscores our continued commitment to adding top talent to our Asia platform to solidify our 'First in Asia Pacific' market position."

Sean said: "I am very excited to be joining Baker McKenzie KLP JV, where I can leverage my expertise in international arbitration and commercial disputes together with the Firm's global network to deliver exceptional results for our clients. I look forward to collaborating with my talented colleagues in Seoul and beyond to help grow our practice."

Baker McKenzie has one of the largest international arbitration practices in the world. With over 350 arbitration practitioners in key emerging markets and major financial and arbitration centers worldwide, the team advises on a full range of arbitral matters, including investor-state and treaty disputes, construction, energy and natural resources, and post-M&A related disputes. Learn more about our international arbitration capabilities here.

Prior to joining Baker McKenzie KLP JV, Sean served as co-head of the international arbitration practice of a Korean law firm. He is admitted to practice in both Korea and New York, and holds an LLM from Cornell University, New York, and an LLB from Seoul National University, Korea.

Sean's appointment adds to the string of significant lateral partners who have joined the JV following its launch in October 2023, including most recently tax practitioners John Kwak and Doug Suh in September 2024, international arbitration practitioner Sunyoung Kim in May 2024, and arbitration practitioner David Kim in December 2023.

 
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