Welcome

On behalf of the International Association of Korean Lawyers [IAKL), it is our great pleasure to invite you to this year’s Annual IAKL Conference in Seoul, South Korea.

This will be our 30th Annual IAKL Conference, and will be held from September 14, 2023 to September 17, 2023. It will be held at the historic Sungkyunkwan University School of Law, which has kindly invited us to host our conference at their beautiful campus, just in time for the Gingko leaves to turn their colors.

The IAKL currently has more than 3,500 members in over 23 countries and has served as a valuable platform for legal professionals of Korean descent throughout the world since its inception in 1988. In addition to providing a venue for members around the world to connect, share ideas and build friendships, the IAKL has provided important opportunities for legal education and professional growth for legal professionals, while also working closely with the local Korean legal professionals and the IAKL Foundation to contribute to the local community in each conference city.

The past three years have provided us with a new perspective on the world, and the importance of the network of people we work and socialize with. The pandemic made evident the importance of togetherness, and demonstrated how we can thrive in the midst of challenging times by working together. To that end, we have set the theme of this year’s conference as “Defying Gravity and Soaring Together – Toward a Sustainable Future” “도전을 이겨내고 다함께 비상 – 지속 가능한 미래를 향하여”. We hope this theme will inspire and provide a meaningful opportunity for us to reflect, form new friendships, strengthen the bonds we already have within and outside of the IAKL, and work to overcome obstacles and thrive together.

We expect this Conference will present an unparalleled opportunity to exchange knowledge and to create and renew a global network of colleagues and business contacts. The mentoring sessions will be led by experienced legal professionals from around the world who come ready to share their expertise, and the women’s networking event will present a forward-thinking forum to inspire discussion and action for the advancement of women, and for the IAKL as a whole. A conference is never complete without the element of fun. Our exciting social event program this year includes the more casual safari dinner and outings, while the more formal gala will mix things up in true IAKL fashion.

We greatly look forward to your participation in the 30th International Korean Lawyer Conference. Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to the sponsors and to our IAKL members around the world for the support that makes this conference possible.

Yours truly,

ABOUT IAKL

The International Association of Korean Lawyers (IAKL), established in 1988, is a worldwide network for lawyers interested in Korea and Korean legal practice. Since its inauguration, IAKL has operated as a platform to foster professional relationships for over 3,500 lawyers from 23 countries. Currently, IAKL organizes annual conferences that provide valuable opportunity for everyone to meet and network with legal experts practicing in major law firms in Korea, in-house counsels, lawyers of Korean descent practicing in various geographical regions of the world, and international lawyers practicing in fields related to the Korean market.

OUR MISSION

To bring together legal professionals of Korean descent or with interests in Korea throughout the world to build professional relationships and to serve the public interest by promoting social justice.

CORE PRINCIPLES OF IAKL

•  Affinity and Diversity
Celebrate our heritage and the Korean experience. Acknowledge the diversity among lawyers of Korean heritage and respect the contributions our diversity makes to our community and profession.

•  Accomplishment and Guidance
Celebrate the individual and collective achievements of lawyers of Korean heritage around the world. Foster professional development and provide guidance for our younger generations to be involved in legal profession.

•  Social Justice and Public Service
Promote social justice and take appropriate action to prevent injustices in situations where we can make a difference. Understand the sacrifices of others that have made possible the opportunities now available, and serve the public interest consistent with our international focus.