Watson Farley & Williams opens Seoul office
24 February 2023
WFW Seoul will have a particular focus on maritime, aviation, energy and disputes work.
Watson Farley & Williams has opened its 18th international office in Seoul with the arrival of new partners Eugene Chang and Philip Kim. Chang joins from K&L Gates, and Kim from Herbert Smith Freehills.
WFW Seoul will offer services across the firm’s core sectors with a particular focus on maritime, aviation, energy and disputes work and will expand the firm’s offering across Asia and worldwide, according to a firm statement.
“Having a dedicated office in South Korea will also enable the firm to develop its existing South Korean-based relationships and will provide an excellent launchpad for establishing a strong presence in the country,” the statement said.
Philip Kim is an international arbitration practitioner with expertise in post M&A, technology and public international law disputes. Based in Korea, Kim has established a thriving disputes and technology practice and has developed strong relationships with several major South Korean companies, with key clients in the energy, insurance and technology sectors.
Eugene Chang’s practice focusses on cross-border energy and infrastructure project developments, structured and project finances, and mergers and acquisitions. His expertise includes both conventional and renewable power projects and he has significant experience in representing both lenders and borrowers in relation to a variety of cross-border financings. Both California-qualified and a Registered Foreign Legal Consultant in Korea, Chang has notably represented a number of major Korean developers and sponsors including Korea Development Bank, KEPCO, POSCO, SK, Hanwha and Hyundai Heavy Industry in connection with their outbound energy projects. Chang will split his time between WFW’s Seoul and New York offices.
“We are excited to be opening an office in Seoul with such a dynamic team of talented lawyers,” said WFW senior partner George Paleokrassas. “Having an office in Seoul is crucial to maintaining and growing our Korean business and is key for boosting integration across our other offices in Asia. With South Korea having one of the strongest economies in Asia and being one of the largest shipbuilding nations in the world, as well as a renewed focus on energy transition, there has never been a better time for WFW to open in Seoul.”
