Baker McKenzie and KL Partners Law Firm Expands Through Joint Venture

Baker McKenzie recently welcomed a new partner, Sung Woo (Sean) Lim, to their joint venture law firm in Seoul. With over 30 years of experience in international arbitration, Sean is a top practitioner in the field and has worked on a variety of disputes for Korean companies and multinational corporations. His expertise spans across numerous industries, including finance, construction, intellectual property, and sports.
Sean’s reputation in the international arbitration community is stellar, given his involvement in shaping the practice of arbitration in Korea. He has led high-profile cases, set major legal precedents in the country, and handled complex arbitrations in various jurisdictions worldwide.
As a valuable addition to the Baker McKenzie team, Sean’s arrival further solidifies the firm’s position as a leader in the legal landscape of Korea. With credentials that include past roles in industry bodies and acknowledgments by the Ministry of Justice for his contributions to commercial arbitration, Sean is well-respected in the legal and business community.
Both Won Lee, the head of Baker McKenzie’s Korea Practice, and Beomsu Kim, the head of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group for Baker McKenzie KLP JV, expressed enthusiasm for Sean’s joining the team. They highlighted his experience and knowledge as assets that will enhance the firm’s international arbitration capabilities, supporting clients with cross-border disputes effectively.
Nandakumar Ponniya, the Asia Pacific chair of Baker McKenzie’s Dispute Resolution Practice Group, emphasized that this hiring aligns with the firm’s strategic focus on expanding their dispute resolution and international arbitration services. By adding talents like Sean, Baker McKenzie can better assist Korean and multinational clients in managing their complex disputes across the region.
Steven Sieker, Baker McKenzie’s Asia Chief Executive, shared his excitement about Sean’s appointment, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to bolstering its Asia platform with top-tier talent. Sean reciprocated the enthusiasm, expressing eagerness to collaborate with his colleagues and leverage the firm’s global network to deliver exceptional results for clients.
Before joining Baker McKenzie KLP JV, Sean co-headed the international arbitration practice of a Korean law firm. A seasoned practitioner admitted to practice in both Korea and New York, Sean holds advanced degrees from Cornell University and Seoul National University. His addition to the firm follows a pattern of significant lateral partner hires since the JV’s inception in 2023, demonstrating Baker McKenzie’s commitment to expanding its capabilities in Asia.