how to be lawyer in korea

by Ed Jaskolski 7 min read

To become a licensed lawyer in Korea, a candidate traditionally was required to pass the Korean Bar Examination and have completed the two year training course at the Judicial Research and Training Institute. A new qualification system was introduced in 2009 with the enactment of the Law School Act.

Under the new system, to become a licensed lawyer in Korea, a candidate must complete a graduate level law school program (3 years) at an approved university in Korea and have passed the Korean Bar Examination (new). The first candidates seeking to qualify under the new system will graduate from law school in 2012.

Full Answer

How long does it take to become a lawyer in Korea?

Under the new system, to become a licensed lawyer in Korea, a candidate must complete a graduate level law school program (3 years) at an approved university in Korea and have passed the Korean Bar Examination (new). The first candidates seeking to qualify under the new system will graduate from law school in 2012.

Can a foreign lawyer practice South Korean law?

Requirement for becoming a lawyer in South Korea: Bachelor degree. Three years study in a law school (Master of Law degree) Bar exam. Admission qualification for a law school is very competitive. Bar exam is much more easier, over 90% of law school students can pass. However, competitors of bar exam are law school students, but passing the bar exam should be ok

What are the best law schools in Korea?

Jul 31, 2017 · The second largest law firm in South Korea, with approximately 500 attorneys, Lee & Ko offers a wide range of legal expertise. In addition to their main office, they have three offices abroad: Beijing, Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon), and Hanoi. Lee & Ko also has a division specializing in Intellectual Property issues, Lee & Ko IP.

How to become a legal expert/consultant in Korea?

Feb 06, 2021 · Those who have earned ① a bachelor’s degree or higher degree, or a license in a specific field designated by the Minister of Justice, ② have stayed in Korea for at least 3 years, and ③ are hired by a Korean company and receive a certain amount of income specified by the Minister of Justice, at the time of the application. (F-5-10)

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Can a foreigner be a lawyer in Korea?

Registration. While there are limitations and qualification requirements to be met, Korea allows lawyers qualified outside of Korea (and law firms established in another country) to practise law in Korea as registered foreign legal consultants (or foreign legal consultant offices).Jun 1, 2021

How much does a lawyer make in Korea?

Salary rankings by professionJob typeMedian salary (USD)Salary ranking compared to all citiesAttorney$56,220101/265Accountant$53,34353/265Marketing Manager$51,16088/265Chemical Engineer$50,386115/26548 more rows

Can I study law in Korea?

Since the implementation of the 2007 Act calling for reform in legal education, law schools in Korea became graduate schools (similar to the US system) and require a bachelor's degree, a satisfactory undergraduate grade point average, foreign language proficiency, and a satisfactory score on the Legal Education ...

What is the highest paying job in Korea?

Top 10ProfessionAnnual SalaryAirplane Pilot104.7 million wonOphthalmologist104.2 milllion wonPhysician95 million wonKorean Medicine Doctor92.23 million won6 more rows

What is considered rich in Korea?

When it comes to the minimum annual income to be categorized as a rich person, 300 million won topped the list, as chosen by 34.5 percent of those surveyed. People who have more total assets have the tendency of having a higher ratio of debts to financial assets, according to the poll.Nov 14, 2021

Is lawyer a good career in South Korea?

Studying Law in Korea Law is a pretty hot profession with a very high salary. If you gain a degree abroad, your salary will be higher than the general. Many companies and businesses are willing to pay a lot of money for lawyers and legal advisor to protect their interests.

Is Korea good for law?

Across the world, South Korea is well-known for its academic excellence. This statement is especially true with respect to its academic law programs. Obtaining a law degree from a top-tier university in South Korea is considered an achievement in both the country and abroad.Jan 15, 2022

Which country is best for law study?

Best Countries to Study Law AbroadUnited States of America (USA) Reasons: World-Renowned Law Schools, Prominent Faculty, Numerous Law Courses & Seminars, Advanced Clinics, Cross Programs, Home of Renowned Law Firms, Scholarships. ... United Kingdom (UK) ... Australia. ... Canada. ... Singapore. ... Japan. ... China.Feb 13, 2022

How long does it take to become a lawyer in South Korea?

South Korea does not recognize foreign qualifications. Therefore, to be admitted as a local lawyer in South Korea, foreign lawyers must complete a three-year graduate level law school program and pass the South Korean Bar Examination.

How long does it take to become a foreign legal consultant in South Korea?

To register a candidate needs: a license to practice law, a minimum of three years of experience in providing legal services and the candidate must reside in South Korea for at least 180 days each year. The registration process is time consuming ...

Can foreign lawyers practice South Korean law?

However, following the ratification of free trade agreements with the EU in 2011 and the US in 2012, these barriers were broken down. Foreign lawyers still cannot practice South Korean law. But they can act as foreign legal experts/consultants.

What is the oldest law school in Korea?

Korea University Law School is among the oldest and most renowned law schools in Korea. It started in 1905 as a small college called Bosung College and changed its name to Korea University in 1946. When the law education system was materialized in South Korea, the Korea University law school was officially created in 2009.

What is the first legal clinic in Korea?

As a trailblazer of law education, it is known to many firsts such as the Korea University Clinical Legal Education Center, the first legal clinic in Korea, and the Legal Research Institute as the first legal research institute associated with a Korean university. At Korea University Law School, there are more than 20% of subjects taught in English ...

When was the School of Law founded?

The School of Law was founded in the Yi Dynasty in 1895, starting with its first courses in civil and criminal procedures, civil law, criminal law, and contemporary laws, and later added new courses such as international law, constitutional law, and commercial law.

When was Yonsei University founded?

One of Korea’s long-surviving schools, Yonsei University began its history in 1885 as Korea’s first western hospital called Gwanghyewon. Yonsei Law School started during the Japanese colonization in 1915 and continued in 1950, the year when a department of law was officially opened.

What is required to go to law school in Korea?

Since the implementation of the 2007 Act calling for reform in legal education, law schools in Korea became graduate schools (similar to the US system) and require a bachelor's degree, a satisfactory undergraduate grade point average, foreign language proficiency, and a satisfactory score on the Legal Education Eligibility Test (LEET) to be considered for admission (the LEET is modelled after Law School Admission Test ( LSAT) in the US). Additional factors are evaluated through essays, interviews, the school administered essay exams, and other application materials.

How many people can be admitted to the bar in Korea?

Only approximately 1500 people can be admitted to the Bar annually. More and more students who already graduated law school are retaking the Bar exam, which may cause issues with law school system in Korea.

What is a law school in Korea?

In South Korea, a law school was an undergraduate institution where students major in law and are awarded a Légum Baccalaureus, or LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws). Following graduation, candidates must take and pass the bar exam. Under the present judiciary exam (as of 2008), the number of new lawyers admitted each year was limited to 1,000. Successful candidates must then complete the mandatory 2 years of training courses at the Judicial Research & Training Institute (JRTI) in order to join the bar in Korea. The JRTI is managed by the Supreme Court.

What is common law education?

Common Law Education. Several universities have added undergraduate or postgraduate programs in Common Law. Those schools not only teach common law, but also teach most or all of their classes in English.

What is Kangnam labor law?

With 4 English-speaking attorneys, Kangnam Labor Law Firm concentrates on labor law, helping ensure that foreign employees are given the same rights as Koreans. To keep their services reasonably priced, most of their legal cases are taken care of at the Labor Relations Commission and/or the Labor Office rather than in court.

What is Pureum Law Office?

A boutique law firm created specifically to help foreigners with their legal issues, Pureum Law Office (PLO) specializes in handling immigration, divorce and criminal defense. If you are looking for English-speaking lawyers in Seoul, the 3 English-speaking lawyers at PLO have extensive experience handling the kinds of cases foreigners often face.

Is there a lawyer in Seoul?

Lawyers in Seoul who speak English fluently and welcome foreign clients aren’t as easy to find as you may think. We put in the work of finding Seoul-based, English-speaking law firms so that you don’t have to. These firms specifically cater to non-Koreans in need of legal services and have been contacted by our staff to confirm they are foreigner friendly.

What is a Permanent Resident Visa (F-5) ?

The name says it all. The Korean permanent resident visa (F-5) is the Korean green card, the most versatile visa for foreigners who wish to live in Korea for an unlimited period of time and without any restriction on their activities in Korea.

Eligibility

There are several categories which can apply for a permanent resident visa.

Requirements

Any person who falls within any of the following cannot apply for a F-5.

Re-Entry

F-5 holdrs do not need to file any report when leaving Korea so long as he/she is willing to return to Korea within 2 years.

Summary

The Korean immigrartion law has very wide range of possibility to get a permanent resident visa in Korea. That, however, makes the permanent resident visa aplication process more complicated. You have to review the relevant laws and regulations thoroughly in order to raise the chances of getting approved.

How long does it take to become a lawyer in China?

After that, they have to go to the law school for another 6 months. Finally, they have to finish the one-year internship (6 months anywhere in France and 6 months in the law firm). On the other hand, in China, after a three-year law program at University, one needs at least two years of experience working in the legal field before taking an ...

How long does it take to get a law license?

Usually, the competition of law school takes four to five years. To obtain a license for practicing law in this country, a student has to produce a thesis or to pass a final oral or written exam as well as to perform social service tasks voluntarily.

Is it easy to become a lawyer?

It is very hard to define an “easy way” (if there even is such a thing) for becoming a lawyer. Despite the fact that each country has different requirements, anyone who wants to become a lawyer needs to pass the Bar Exam, in Europe as well as in rest of world. Speaking of Europe, some of the easiest countries to become a doctor are on this ...

Do lawyers get paid?

Although lawyers do their jobs for salary, it definitely isn’t easy to balance between professional needs and moral ethics. Of course, there are various fields of law where lawyers can show their knowledge and competence, and some of them are well paid.

What are some things that are illegal in Korea?

10 Things You Didn’t Know Are Illegal in Korea. South Korea is full of surprises, here’s 10 you’ll want to watch out for! 1. Tattooing. Whilst having a tattoo is not illegal in Korea – though may ban you from entering some jjimjilbangs! – a quirk in Korean law means that most tattoos are done illegally.

What is the graduation rate in Korea?

They are, arguably, one aspect of the educational culture which allows Korea to boast a 93% high school graduation rate.

What is a sheer top?

Sheer Tops (indecent exposure) In a recent development, a vaguely worded law was passed that made indecent exposure a fine-able offense. Due to the law’s lack of clarity, many have been drawing comparisons to a similar law drafted in the 1970’s (and later revoked) that banned mini-skirts.

Is it illegal to sell rice cakes on the street?

Believe it or not, that kindly old lady selling rice cakes and soup on the street is breaking the law. In recent interviews, politicians have been quoted saying that up to “24%” of the nation’s GDP is lost through these vendors. Since 2011, it has been illegal to operate a street stall and recent crackdowns have shown that the government has no plans to change their minds.

Is lobbying illegal in Korea?

Government lobbying is completely illegal in Korea which should allow for the government to operate freely of business interests. In theory, this means that any and all politicians are banned from receiving funds from corporations or outside organizations; realistically, companies have found ways around it by offering politicians jobs after leaving office. As such, any attempt of lobbying can be simply categorized as bribery.

Is it legal to eat dog meat?

Dog Meat (보신탕) While not strictly legal, the use of dog meat for consumption lies in a legal gray-zone. Most interpretations of the law make it illegal but no one seems to have told the numerous restaurants that still serve it.

Can you smoke in public?

2. Smoking in Public. Laws passed over the last few years have made it increasingly difficult to smoke in public areas. With a total crack down on bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as many other indoor areas, smokers have been turfed out onto the streets where they’ve been met with further bans.

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Overview

Admission and Law School Ranking

Since the implementation of the 2007 Act calling for reform in legal education, law schools in Korea became graduate schools (similar to the US system) and require a bachelor's degree, a satisfactory undergraduate grade point average, foreign language proficiency, and a satisfactory score on the Legal Education Eligibility Test (LEET) to be considered for admission (the LEET is modelled after Law School Admission Test (LSAT) in the US). Additional factors are evaluated t…

Law School System in Transition

In South Korea, a law school was an undergraduate institution where students major in law and are awarded a Légum Baccalaureus, or LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws). Following graduation, candidates must take and pass the bar exam. Under the present judiciary exam (as of 2008), the number of new lawyers admitted each year was limited to 1,000. Successful candidates must then complete the mandatory 2 years of training courses at the Judicial Research & Training Institute (JRTI) in …

Republic of Korea Law Schools

Universities with their government approved annual enrollment of students:
In February 2008, the Ministry of Education released a final selection of 25 universities approved for the new graduate-level (J.D.-style) law schools. Total enrollment in all law schools is limited to 2,000 students per year.
• Law school with government approved annual enrollment of 150 students

Common Law Education

Several universities have added undergraduate or postgraduate programs in Common Law. Those schools not only teach common law, but also teach most or all of their classes in English. Handong Global University offers a three-year postgraduate degree that parallels an A.B.A.-style J.D. educational program. Soongsil University offers an undergraduate LL.B. that parallels common law educations in English-speaking countries. Both schools have strong moot courtteams that c…

See also

• Legal Education Eligibility Test

External links

• Law Schools under the new "Law School" system
• Colleges of Law offering English language educations in common law