At the Crossroads: Navigating Toward “Structural Transition” and “Trust Economy” in 2026 

BKL has been awarded the “Maritime Law Firm of the Year” and the “International Arbitration Firm of the Year” at the ALB Korea Law Awards 2025. 

For the 17th consecutive year, BKL has been recognized as the “Employer of Choice 2025” by Asian Legal Business (ALB), a leading provider of expert legal intelligence across the Asia-Pacific region.

I. THE APRIL 4 VERDICT: 8-0 TO IMPEACH

A. Key Issues in the Impeachment Trial

BKL announced the joining of Chris Mainwaring-Taylor as a Senior Foreign Attorney in its International Arbitration Group. Mr. Mainwaring-Taylor joins from the UK-based global law firm Allen & Overy (now A&O Shearman), where he served for over 23 years, including more than 12 years as a partner.

Mr. Mainwaring-Taylor has worked in four of the world’s major arbitration hubs—London, Paris, Dubai, and Singapore—bringing extensive experience in both mature and emerging markets. He was Allen & Overy's first dedicated international arbitration partner in the Middle East, where he played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding the firm’s arbitration practice in the region. He is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts in the field, with consistent recognition from leading international legal directories such as Chambers and Legal 500. 

With a distinguished career spanning key sectors, including construction, energy, natural resources, power, infrastructure, M&A, and finance, Mr. Mainwaring-Taylor is particularly noted for his expertise in construction disputes. He has represented clients in high-stakes matters involving large-scale projects such as LNG facilities, power plants, refineries, petrochemical complexes, ports, and commercial buildings across global jurisdictions.

In addition to his practice as counsel, Mr. Mainwaring-Taylor is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and frequently sits as an arbitrator. Most recently, he served as President of an ICC arbitration tribunal in a Singapore-seated case concerning the supply and installation of manufacturing equipment in Asia.

This recruitment marks a significant milestone for the Korean legal market, as it is the first instance of a Korean law firm bringing on board a partner with almost 25 years of experience from a leading UK-based global law firm. With large-scale international disputes frequently governed by English law, Mr. Mainwaring-Taylor’s expertise is expected to strengthen BKL’s International Arbitration practice as it continues to expand and address the growing demand for world-class arbitration services.

I. IMPEACHMENT MOTION AGAINST PRESIDENT YOON: ANALYSIS AND IMPLICATIONS

Failed Impeachment Motion Due to the Ruling Party’s Absence

On November 6 (Korean time), Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election has been confirmed.

For 7 consecutive years, Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (“BKL”) ranked among “The Global 200” law firms selected by the ALM Media (“ALM”) which publishes leading legal publications including the American Lawyer.