| Time & Location | Area | Topic | Description | Speaker | Firm | MATERIALS | |
| 1 | 25th Sept. 10:30~12:00 CJ Law Hall B101 | White Collar / Compliance | Challenges for cross-border investigation | This session will bring together investigations attorneys from across jurisdictions to share insights and practical experiences on cross-border internal and government investigations.The discussion will address key challenges commonly faced in multi-jurisdictional matters, including information gathering across legal systems, navigating privilege and confidentiality concerns, and conducting effective witness interviews in complex regulatory environments. | Hyun Chung | Kim & Chang | |
| Michael Bahn | Kobre & Kim | ||||||
| Daniel Chang | Shin & Kim | ||||||
| Jeena Kim | Bae, Kim & Lee | ||||||
| Daniel Ahn | Reed Smith | ||||||
| 2 | 25th Sept. 10:30~12:00 CJ Law Hall B102 | Litigation3 | Key Questions in Resolving Cross-Border Disputes through Arbitration and/or Litigation | This session explores key questions in cross-border disputes resolved through arbitration and/or litigation. Current and former Korean judges, academics, and practitioners in cross-border arbitration and litigation from various jurisdictions will share their perspectives on a wide range of topics, including insolvency, discovery, IP and enforcement. The panellists will focus on the main differences between procedural options and the factors to consider when choosing a forum for dispute resolution. The session will cover the following sub-topics: • View from the bench: Recent Korean court practice in relation to international arbitration proceedings, with focus on insolvency • Comparative analysis of collection of evidence and disclosure in international commercial arbitration and litigation • Convergence between legal systems: Korean IP court’s adoption of common law features and cutting-edge technology • Leveraging judicial remedies to enhance recoverability of arbitral awards • Does the choice between arbitration and litigation influence the outcome of the dispute | Hye Won Mok | Korea University | |
| Young Seok Kim | Supreme Court of Korea | ||||||
| Hojun Yeom | Bae, Kim & Lee | ||||||
| Sub-Joon BYUN | Kim & Chang | ||||||
| Kunhee Cho | Kobre & Kim | ||||||
| 3 | 25th Sept. 13:30~15:00 CJ Law Hall B101 | Career | The Braiding of Legal Education and Legal Professions Across Multiple Jurisdictions | The goal of this session is to foster a transcontinental dialogue on how Australian, South Korean, U.S. legal education and legal professions inform one another. Kenneth Hong will provide an overview of the legal education in Australia, covering key aspects including structure, pathways, institutions, and professional qualification. Furthermore, they will provide their thoughts on the several structural and practical challenges that impact students, educators, and the legal profession in Australia. Dean Hwang Lee will share a Korean law school dean’s perspective on the impact of the 2007 South Korean law school education reforms on the education, training, and career decisions of aspiring lawyers. Professor JaeWon Kim will provide his insights on impact of the “Americanization” of the South Korean legal education system on traditional Korean values like filial piety and family harmony. Professor Summer Kim will share preliminary findings from UC Irvine Korea Law Center’s Korean Lawyers in America Project (KLAP). KLAP is a longitudinal study which will combine survey data and in-depth interviews to trace the career trajectories of legal professionals of Korean descent who received their legal education and/or license to practice law from the United States. Sophie Paeng will share her experience working in public interest law as a Korean-American immigrant in the United States. She will also discuss her perspective on how public interest lawyers can change the legal landscape and perception thereof in the United States, South Korea, and beyond. At the conclusion of the session, the KLAP team will invite audience participation in the KLAP survey. | Summer Kim | University of California Irvine | |
| Sophie Paeng | Squire Patton Boggs | ||||||
| Hwang Lee | Korea University | ||||||
| Jae Won Kim | Sung Kyun Kwan University | ||||||
| Kenneth Hong | H & H Lawyers | ||||||
| 4 | 25th Sept. 10:30~12:00 CJ Law Hall 512 | Cryptocurrency | Cryptocurrency: Legal Frameworks, Regulatory Challenges, and Best Practices | This panel discussion, featuring attorneys specializing in cryptocurrency and digital assets, will examine the evolving global legal landscape of virtual currencies by 2025. Through in-depth discussions on complex regulatory challenges, enforcement trends, and best practices in cross-border transactions, panelists will provide practical guidance for in-house counsel and law firm practitioners. Attendees will gain critical insights into shaping robust compliance strategies and effectively advising clients in a rapidly transforming market. | Oh Hoon Kwon | Cha & Kwon | |
| Moses Park | Liberty Chambers | ||||||
| Minyeong Park | Sedam Law | ||||||
| Tae Joon Bae | Lin | ||||||
| Dong Hoo Sohn | Daeryun Law Firm | ||||||
| 5 | 25th Sept. 13:30~15:00 College of Law (New Building) 401 | Immigration | The Trump Gold Card and its Impact on U.S. Immigration | This session will explore the recently introduced Trump Gold Card and its potential impact on U.S. immigration pathways for high-net-worth individuals. The discussion will cover how the Trump Gold Card process operates, its practical implications to date, and what it means for Korean lawyers advising affluent clients with cross-border interests. Panelists will compare the program with the existing U.S. EB-5 investor visa scheme and similar high-net-worth immigration programs offered by other jurisdictions, offering valuable insights for practitioners navigating this evolving area of immigration and investment law. | David Lee Mundy | Handong International Law School | |
| Jeong-Hwa Lee | Nelson Mullins | ||||||
| Jongmee Song | Song Law Firm | ||||||
| Jennifer Chun | Jennifer Chun Immigration Law | ||||||
| Christin Han | Han Law Group | ||||||
| 6 | 25th Sept. 13:30~15:00 CJ Law Hall 512 | Custom/Tariff | Recent Development in US customs and Tariff Policies | This session should cover key regulatory changes in US Customs laws, enforcement trends, and policy shifts affecting importers in the US.The session will also offer practical guidance on navigating compliance challenges, identifying duty-saving opportunities, and implementing effective risk and cost mitigation strategies. Ideal for attorneys and in-house counsel working in international trade, this session aims to equip attendees with the tools needed to stay ahead in today’s rapidly shifting customs landscape. | Jay Cho | Aprio Advisory Group, LLC | IAKL Customs&Tariff_Jay Cho 9.8.25 |
| Richard Lee | Foley & Lardner LLP | IAKL Presentation - Tariffs and Antitrust | |||||
| Helen Byon | EY Canada | ||||||
| Mike Lowell | Reed Smith | ||||||
| Maria Chang | Shin & Kim | ||||||
| 7 | 25th Sept. 13:30~15:00 CJ Law Hall B102 | AI-1 | From Hollywood Hijinks to AI Criminal Fraud - Deepfakes, IP, and the Law” | This is an entertainment panel—and we promise to entertain. AI has captured the public imagination, with deepfakes leading the charge.From machine learning-powered voice dubbing to synthetic videos of celebrities, AI agents, chatbots, and related tools are reshaping how content is created, distributed, and consumed. These advances raise complex legal questions: What does it mean to be human? Who owns the data? Are companies liable for AI hallucinations? On the darker side, bad actors are using AI to drive fraud, misogyny, and even national security threats. As the technology evolves, so must the law. In keeping with this year’s theme, “Towards the Future,” this fast-paced session will deliver timely insights and practical tips to help digital lawyers thrive in an AI-driven world. | Jeewon Serrato | Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP | |
| Robert Kang | Loyola Law School | ||||||
| Jiwon Park | LAB Partners LLC | ||||||
| Son- U Paik | GC of Babl | ||||||
| 8 | 25th Sept. 15:30~17:00 College of Law (New Building) 401 | Litigation-1 | What Are the Considerations in Multijurisdictional Litigation–JV & Investment Structures Involving Cross-Border Corporate Structures? | Multijurisdictional litigation presents unique challenges in joint ventures (JVs) and investment structures with cross-border frameworks. This session will explore key legal and strategic considerations for managing disputes across multiple jurisdictions, including conflict of laws, enforcement of foreign judgments, and the complexities of navigating diverse regulatory environments in international business ventures. | Joseph Kim | Lee & Ko | |
| Robin Baik | Kobre & Kim | 2025 09 15 (IAKL 2025) Considerations in Multijurisdictional Litigation-c | |||||
| Jared Kok | Rajah & Tann Asia | ||||||
| Myung An Kim | Yoon & Yang | ||||||
| Brian SONG | Demarest | ||||||
| 9 | 25th Sept. 15:30~17:00 CJ Law Hall B102 | AI-2 | AI - Exploring risks and liabilities | As AI continues to evolve, the legal risks associated with it are becoming increasingly complex. International businesses face a rapidly changing landscape of regulations, risks, and potential liabilities. This panel will bring together distinguished legal experts from the U.S., South Korea, and in-house counsel to offer a comprehensive discussion on the legal challenges of AI, focusing on strategies to mitigate liability and ensure compliance in a global context. | Jooyoung Ha | Scatter Lab | |
| Abigail Kwon | SK Hynix | ||||||
| Seth Erikson | Troutman Pepper Locke LLP | ||||||
| Dahye Ok | Mission Law Firm | ||||||
| Kumsun Kim | Microsoft Korea | ||||||
| 10 | 25th Sept. 15:30~17:00 CJ Law Hall 512 | Litigation-2 | Korean Dispute Lawyers: Challenges and Opportunities in International Arbitration & Litigation Practices | In the past Korean lawyers with an international practice were primarily focused on transactional law. But more and more Koreans are now experiencing success in dispute practices such as U.S. litigation and international arbitration. This panel would be an opportunity for experienced Korean dispute lawyers to share their experiences - from preparing for your first English oral argument to overcoming the cultural preconceptions of U.S. juries - and to offer advice and support to aspiring dispute lawyers. | Christopher Jumin Lee | Birdmarella | |
| Hyunyang Koo | Lee & Ko | ||||||
| Dongdoo Choi | Barun | ||||||
| Hyun Ah Park | Yulchon | ||||||
| Pui-Ki Emmanuelle Ta | KCAB International | ||||||
| 11 | 25th Sept. 15:30~17:00 CJ Law Hall B101 | International Business Regulations | Regulatory and trade requirements for conducting international business | This session will examine key developments and challenges in commercial and company law affecting international businesses across multiple jurisdictions. With a focus on cross-border operations, the discussion will cover issues relevant to companies operating in or across regions such as the EU, the United States, and Asia. Featuring perspectives from legal professionals with diverse jurisdictional expertise, the session will highlight both common trends and jurisdiction-specific considerations, offering practical insights for navigating the evolving global legal landscape. | Habbine Kim | Arche SELARL | |
| Maciej Plotka | Morgan Lewis | ||||||
| Mark Gundvig | Foley & Lardner LLP | ||||||
| JinHyo Kim | Bae, Kim & Lee | ||||||
| Jun Lee Lee | TMI Associates | ||||||
| 12 | 26th Sept. 14:00~15:30 CJ Law Hall B101 | IP-1 | Global IP Issues for Practitioners - Trends, Protection and Investigation | This session will explore a range of IP law topics relevant to practitioners. Jieon Kim will discuss the IP protection policies and strategies of the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Mandy Kim will share insights on global IP strategies in today’s international trade environment. Da Yoon Shin will discuss IP and entertainment law issues and trends with respect to AI technology. Hongjoon Byun will address AI-related content issues in the US and their implications for Korean practitioners, and Hojoon Choo will provide an overview of Korea’s national core technology regulations. | Ho Joon Choo | Yulchon | |
| Da Yoon Shin | Shin & Kim | ||||||
| Jieon Kim | Korea Intellectual Property Office | ||||||
| Mandy Kim | McDermott Will & Emery | ||||||
| Hongjun BYUN | Lee&Ko | ||||||
| 13 | 26th Sept. 09:30~11:00 CJ Law Hall B101 | Finance | Finance; Corporate Transactions (Proposed Title: Beyond Traditional Collateral: Innovative Approaches to Structure Financing) | This panel will discuss innovative approaches to structuring financing transactions, increasingly led by private credits in response to today’s market volatility and emerging market trends. Heightened regulatory scrutiny, economic uncertainty, and the imperative to mitigate risks and diversify portfolios are propelling private credits--often more agile than traditional banks--to pursue bespoke solutions and alternative financing structures. Asset-based lending is gaining traction as an attractive alternative for its structural flexibility and risk-adjusted returns. | Allison(Yoon Hyun)Cho | Morrison Foerster | |
| Young Woo Park | Yoon & Yang | ||||||
| Hyunjung Kim | Bae, Kim & Lee | ||||||
| Jeonghoon Ha | Ha Law PLLC | ||||||
| William Lee | McCarthy Tetrault LLP | ||||||
| 14 | 26th Sept. 09:30~11:00 CJ Law Hall 512 | M&A-1 | Market trends in cross-border M&A taking into account FDI regulations | FDI regulations have become ever more important in doing cross-border M&As recently. This session will cover recent global and regional trends of cross-border M&As from the perspective of FDI regulations. The panel members will share their experience in and outside of Korea, including the US, China and the Middle East, in terms of how and to what extent FDI regulations have become a key factor in structuring, executing and consummating cross-border M&A transactions. Also, this session will touch on such interactions in renewable energy project M&As. | Dongho Lee | White & Case LLP | |
| Bohyung Kim | King & Wood Mallesons | ||||||
| Jiwon Ha | Al Tamimi & Company | ||||||
| Sun-Yul Lee | Kim & Chang | ||||||
| Seung Kyo Lee | Barun | ||||||
| 15 | 26th Sept. 11:30~13:00 CJ Law Hall 512 | AI-3 | The Global AI Race | This panel explores worldwide AI trends and their impacts on cost and accessibility. We discuss, with reference to real-life examples, R&D investment surges in the US, Middle East, and Asia, and how businesses tackle AI risks – hallucinations, transparency, data privacy – through governance frameworks and mitigation strategies. We also analyse how nations balance innovation with regulation to drive economic growth and digital leadership, revealing the diverse philosophies shaping AI governance. | Wesley Pang | Eversheds | |
| Paul Nam | Bluefin Payment Systmes | ||||||
| Wan Kim | SK Telecom | ||||||
| Kyung Shin Park | Korea University | ||||||
| Kris Kisoon Ahn | Law & Company | ||||||
| 16 | 26th Sept. 11:30~13:00 CJ Law Hall B101 | IP-2 | IP: Building Robust Patent Portfolios and Litigating Successfully Across U.S., Germany, and China for Korean Manufacturers | In this session, panel members will explore how Korean tech companies can strategically build and leverage their patent portfolios to both protect their innovations and strengthen their global market presence. The discussion will focus on best practices for securing, managing, and asserting intellectual property rights in key jurisdictions, with an emphasis on aligning IP strategy with business growth and international expansion. The panel members will include one or more in-house experts from tech companies in Korea. | J. Kenneth Oh | Kim & Chang | |
| Kyle Choi | Shin & Kim | ||||||
| Edward Kang | Rowland LLP | ||||||
| Yongseok Kwon | Hyundai Motors | ||||||
| Yongjoo Kim | LG Energy Solution | ||||||
| 17 | 26th Sept. 11:30 ~ 13:00 CJ Law Hall 508 | Geopolitical Risks | Navigating Geopolitical Risks in the Trump Era: A Cross-Border Legal Perspective | This panel will bring together legal practitioners and political analysts from multiple jurisdictions to examine the geopolitical risks posed by the Trump Administration’s policies and rhetoric. Covering issues ranging from trade disputes and sanctions to national security concerns and regulatory fragmentation, the discussion will assess how these developments affect cross-border legal practice. Panelists will offer insights on managing legal uncertainty, addressing compliance challenges, and adapting to politicized enforcement environments. The session is designed to equip international lawyers with practical strategies for navigating a shifting geopolitical landscape while maintaining legal and ethical integrity. | David H. Yang | Lin | |
| Woojin Shin | Nelson Mullins | ||||||
| David McArthur | Yulchon | ||||||
| Bagya Nambron | Bracewell LLP | ||||||
| Dmitry Letunov | Lee & Ko | ||||||
| Jeongmin Kim | Korea Risk Group | ||||||
| 18 | 26th Sept. 09:30~11:00 CJ Law Hall B102 | ESG | How to deal with ESG factors embedded in business | Despite shifting political landscapes around the world, ESG remains a significant factor in real-world business operations. This has led to what some refer to as the "ESG hushing" phenomenon—where companies continue to prioritize ESG compliance quietly, even amid political pushback or public skepticism. Corporations operating within global supply chains are increasingly expected to align with the ESG policies and standards set by their buyers. As legal professionals, it is essential for us to understand this evolving environment in order to effectively advise our clients on compliance, risk management, and long-term strategic planning. | Ji Heon Oh | One Law Partners | |
| So Jin Park | ESR Kendall Square, Inc. | ||||||
| Bella Cho | H & H Lawyers | ||||||
| Jin-Sa John Jun | NOERR | ||||||
| Alex Lee | LAB Partners LLC | ||||||
| 19 | 26th Sept. 11:30~13:00 CJ Law Hall B102 | In House | It's Not You, It's AI: Rethinking the In-house Legal-Law Firm Relationship in an AI Age | In-house legal teams and law firms have long shared a strong partnership—but now a cheaper, faster, and less argumentative associate has arrived: AI. As legal departments explore AI tools for tasks like contract review, compliance, and even litigation, the traditional dynamic is shifting. Are law firms adapting fast enough, or at risk of being replaced? What do in-house teams still need from outside counsel—and are they themselves safe from disruption? This session will feature candid insights from panelists with experience on both sides, examining how AI is reshaping expectations, workflows, and collaboration. | Moses Sye | Ocean Winds | |
| Kwang Wook Choi | Citi Bank | ||||||
| Shin Young Choi | Cha & Kwon | ||||||
| David Waters | Kim & Chang | ||||||
| Dohee Kim | Lee Anav Chung White Kim Ruger & Richter LLP | ||||||
| Jungha SUL | TMI Associates | ||||||
| Daekyum Kim | Korea University | ||||||
| 20 | 26th Sept. 09:30~11:00 CJ Law Hall 508 | Pro bono | Title: International Adoption and the Rights of Adoptees: Past, Present and Future | International adoption has seen many changes over the years. Lawsuits have been filed against the state and an adoption agency for human rights violations during the adoption process to the U.S., and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has found the state liable for the grievances of hundreds of international adoptees. Additional lawsuits seek information about deceased adoptive parents, with a related Constitutional Court case pending, and a movement is underway in the U.S. to change the law to provide relief for adoptees without citizenship.This session will examine these national and international developments and explore the challenges and solutions ahead. | Pillkyu Hwang | GongGam Human Rights Law Foundation | |
| Peter Møller | Danish Korean Rights Group | ||||||
| Minkyeong Jeon | Onyul | ||||||
| Yeaji Lim | Law Firm Duksu | ||||||
| Hyung-Joon Kim | Registered Attorney for the District of Columbia | ||||||
| 21 | 26th Sept. 14:00~15:30 CJ Law Hall B102 | Exclusive Session For In-House Counsels | TBD | We invite you to participate in an exclusive session tailored for in-house counsel at the 2024 International Association of Korean Lawyers (IAKL) Annual Conference. This event provides a dedicated platform for legal professionals within the Korean diaspora to connect globally, share knowledge, build mentorship and peer relationships, and strengthen a collaborative professional community. Session Highlights • Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Engage with fellow in-house counsel from diverse industries and regions in a private and focused environment. This session offers a valuable opportunity to develop a robust network with colleagues who share similar backgrounds and professional interests. • Global Insights: Attend discussions led by distinguished industry experts addressing emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities relevant to in-house legal teams worldwide. Obtain insights on managing the complexities of corporate law in an international context, and benefit from shared best practices and innovative strategies that can be implemented within your organization. • Interactive Discussions: Participate in dynamic roundtable sessions specifically designed for in-house counsel. Discussion topics will cover critical areas such as risk management, compliance, corporate governance, and advancements in legal practice. • Peer and Mentorship Relationships: Forge meaningful connections with peers and prospective mentors, supporting your ongoing professional development and career growth. | |||
| Cristina Hwang | Hanmi Financial Corp. | ||||||
| Light Go | Engineers Canada | ||||||
| Wade Pyun | Altura Credit Union | ||||||
| 22 | 25th Sept. 10:30~12:00 College of Law(New Building) 401 | Session for First Timers | Meet and Greet First Timers | This first-time exclusive seesion is intended for new conference participants to interact with IAKL board members and other first-time attendees. The gathering is structured to facilitate informal discussions and enable attendees to connect and exchange information within the international Korean legal community. The event provides an opportunity for participants to establish professional relationships that may extend beyond the three-day conference. Individuals interested in collaboration or expanding their network are invited to attend this reception for first-time participants to the IAKL network. | |||
| 23 | 26th Sept. 14:00~15:30 CJ Law Hall 512 | M&A-2 | Global trends in Share Purchase Agreements | To effectively negotiate M&A transaction and properly advise the client, it is essential that the counsel has detailed knowledge of the latest trends and developments affecting the M&A. In this session we would like to discuss key considerations, developments, newest trends, regional variations and best practices regarding the negotiation and contractual issues of SPA in different jurisdictions. | Junghae Kang | Lee & Ko | |
| Currie Lee | Bun & Associates | ||||||
| Min Gon Kim | Demarest | ||||||
| Jong Kwon Ryoo | Yulchon | ||||||
| Se-Jeoung Kim | SSW | ||||||
| 24 | 26th Sept. 14:00~15:30 CJ Law Hall 508 | labor | Korea’s Labor Landscape: International Alignment, Union Pressures, and Reinstatement Risks | Alignment with International Standards: Is Korea Catching-Up? An overview of Korea’s evolving labor law framework in light of international standards, including ILO Core Conventions and global best practices. The presentation will explore Korea’s historical legal tensions between business and worker rights, recent reforms like the Yellow Envelope Act, and implications for stakeholders including foreign investors and multinational employers. Major Union Issues and the Yellow Envelope Act : A high-level analysis of collective bargaining and unfair labor practices in Korea, with a focus on subcontractor unions and the impact of the Yellow Envelope Act. The presentation will examine legal risks for employers, including refusal to bargain and potential industrial action, and offer compliance recommendations. Fired but Not Gone: Wrongful Dismissal in Korea : A deep dive into Korea’s civil law approach to wrongful dismissal, emphasizing reinstatement and back pay obligations. The presentation will highlight the burdens on employers, especially multinational corporations, and explore the intersection of labor law with sovereign immunity in cases involving foreign sovereigns. | Brian Rho | Littler | |
| John JungKyum Kim | Dentons Lee | ||||||
| Tae Eun Lee | Yulchon | ||||||
| Sohyun Yoon | DR & AJU | ||||||
| IAKL 2025 Seoul Women’s Retreat (Friday September 24, 12:30-16:00 & Shin & Kim) | The Women’s Retreat will consist of panel discussions by diverse women attorneys from Korea and overseas on topics such as overcoming challenges at various stages of a legal career, leadership and professional growth, and achieving work-life balance. The panel discussions will be followed by facilitated small group sessions designed to foster connection, encouragement, and mutual support among women in the legal profession. The Retreat will be held at Shin & Kim in Gwanghwamun, and lunch will be provided. |