South Korea Opens Doors for Foreign Law Firms

Under new laws, South Korea will permit foreign law firms to open offices. In order to qualify, the law firm must be from a country that has a free trade agreement with South Korea. Foreign lawyers may act as legal consultants only and may not appear in court. Additionally, foreign consultants must have at least a three year work history in South Korea and must live there at least 180 days out of the year.

Currently, the US and South Korea do not have a qualifying trade deal. A June 2007 accord has been stalled by the legislatures in both countries.