Flexible “Innovation Management” Draws Top Legal Talent

Legal Times has published its “2025 Law Firm Directory” in celebration of its 18th anniversary, featuring 46 domestic and international corporate law firms. The directory highlights the activities of 28 Korean firms and 18 foreign firms active in the Korean market, including overseas firms that advise on Korea without maintaining a Seoul office. While U.S. and U.K. firms make up the majority, leading Chinese and Singaporean firms are also introduced.

Amid fierce competition among numerous law firms, LIN LLC is recognized as one of the fastest-growing firms, with a rapidly expanding team and notable achievements in recent years.
 

 

 
As of September, LIN LLC has approximately 180 professionals and operates specialized teams across a wide range of practice areas, from corporate advisory to international arbitration. The firm has grown more than fifteen-fold, from KRW 1.1 billion in revenue and 16 staff in 2017 to KRW 38 billion in revenue and 240 employees in 2024.
 

15-Fold Growth in Just 7 Years

Under the leadership of Managing Partner Jin Seok Lim, formerly of Kim & Chang, LIN LLC continues to accelerate its growth by attracting experienced lawyers through a flexible and innovation-driven management. The firm has introduced initiatives such as a café-style open workspace, a flexible work system, and cost incentives for employees who choose to use the open office.
 

 
LIN LLC’s rapid rise is underscored by a string of high-profile successes. In March, the firm prevailed in a KRW 40 billion receivables-assignment dispute between Korean Shipping and SC Bank. In September, it represented Artist Company and key investors in the widely watched Artist Studio (formerly LaMoon Laine) dispute, succeeding both in the challenge to invalidate the new share issuance and in a subsequent damage claim that resulted in a KRW 5 billion judgment.
 

Leading in K-Beauty M&A

LIN LLC has emerged as a prominent player in the K-Beauty M&A sector, advising on both buy-side and sell-side transactions for major cosmetic companies such as TIRTIR, Laka Cosmetics, Craver Corporation, and Dr. Nineteen. The firm has also handled deals involving Japanese K-Beauty distributors and acquisitions of cosmetics-related businesses including Seoul Fragrance and Nokwon C&I, reinforcing its standing in the industry.
 
LIN LLC is active in cross-border advisory work. Notable achievements include the acquisition of SA Bricks by NV5 in June, working along with U.S. partner Duane Morris, and legal support for the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation’s Washington D.C. office in May. The firm also provides extensive supports for the global expansion of K-Beauty brands.
In the domestic law firm market, LIN LLC recently completed a merger with Daeji Law, and is in discussions with another major firm, and in May converted to a limited liability law firm (LLC) in May to enhance flexibility and limit member liability.
 
This year, approximately 20 domestic and international lawyers with diverse backgrounds, including Nack Song SUNG, Ki Rok CHOI, Soon Young PARK, Byung Hwa LEE, and Jai Wook LEE, have joined LIN LLC, further strengthening its capabilities.
 
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Legal Times
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