If you are living abroad but need legal assistance in Korea, you may wonder: How do I find and hire an English-speaking Korean lawyer? Can I hire a lawyer without going to Korea? This guide explains how foreigners and overseas Korean citizens can find and hire an English speaking lawyer in Korea. Learn about consultations, power of attorney, and the steps to secure your legal representation in Korea.
Why You May Need a Korean Lawyer While Living Abroad
Many overseas clients require legal help in Korea for issues such as:
- Corporate & Business Law: Contract disputes, setting up a corporation, shareholder disputes, or intellectual property.
- Inheritance & Estate Law: Managing the inheritance of property or assets located in Korea.
- Real Estate Law: Purchasing, selling, or litigating over property in Korea.
- Family and Divorce Cases: International divorce, child custody, or adoption.
- Criminal Complaint and Related Matters: When involved in or accused of a crime in Korea.
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Filing or defending a civil lawsuit.
If you are not fluent in Korean or cannot travel to Korea, hiring an English-speaking Korean lawyer is the most effective way to protect your rights.
Finding an English-Speaking Korean Lawyer
When searching for a lawyer in Korea, focus on the following:
- Language Ability – Choose a lawyer who communicates fluently in English and can explain Korean law clearly.
- Experience with Foreign Clients – Not all lawyers are familiar with the unique concerns of foreigners or overseas Koreans. Look for a firm with a proven track record.
- Remote Communication – Ensure the lawyer can handle consultations by video conference (e.g., Google Meet or Zoom) and manage documents digitally.
- Transparent Fee Structure – Ask for a written retainer agreement that explains hourly rates, flat fees, and contingent fees.
The Engagement Process from Overseas
You’ve chosen your lawyer. How do you formalize the relationship from another country? This process is straightforward and typically involves three key documents.
- Legal Engagement Agreement: This is the official contract between you and your lawyer. It will outline the scope of the work, the fee structure, and other terms. The law firm will draft this and send it to you for review and signature. This can be handled via email.
- Power of Attorney: This is the most important document for an overseas client. A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants your lawyer the authority to act on your behalf in legal proceedings, sign documents, and appear in court in Korea.
- The Notarization & Apostille/Consular Legalization Process: For a Power of Attorney signed abroad to be legally valid in Korea, it must undergo authentication. This may be accomplished by signing the document in the presence of a consular officer at a Korean Embassy or Consulate. If the country in which the POA is executed is a party to the Apostille Convention, the process may instead be completed by signing before a local Notary Public and then obtaining an Apostille certificate from the relevant authority. In countries that are not members of the Apostille Convention, the POA must first be notarized, then legalized by the competent government authority of that country, and finally legalized again by the South Korean Embassy or Consulate in the country of residence.
Your chosen law firm will guide you through this specific process, as it is a routine part of representing international clients.
Secure Communication and Payment
Once engaged, your law firm should establish a clear and secure line of communication, whether through email or video conferencing.
For payment of legal fees, most Korean law firms catering to international clients are equipped to receive international wire transfers. They will provide you with the necessary bank details (e.g., SWIFT code) to make the process smooth.
Conclusion: Distance is Not a Barrier to Justice
Hiring a lawyer in Korea while living abroad is entirely manageable with the right professional guidance. By choosing an experienced, English speaking attorney and understanding the key steps of remote engagement, you can ensure your legal rights are protected. Don’t let geography prevent you from getting the expert legal representation you need.
At Kang & Shin, we will act as your dedicated advocate on the ground, bridging the distance and navigating the complexities of the legal system on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you, no matter where you are in the world.