Major large law firms are competing to secure defense industry experts. With the aftermath of war in the Middle East and growing expectations for expanded K-defense exports, they judge that demand for related legal services will surge. As the defense boom has taken root as a structural growth trend rather than a short-term variable, law firms are accelerating a "first-mover competition."
◇Recruitment fields diversify… building a "one-stop advisory" system
According to legal sources on the 30th, Shin & Kim LLC hired Kang Jung-hee, a former brigadier general in the Air Force who headed the Aircraft Business Department at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, as an adviser.
After graduating from the Air Force Academy, Brig. Gen. Kang served as a logistics officer, establishing the C4I concept and handling fighter and helicopter contracts. Kang then spent 20 years at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, taking charge of core defense tasks including international contracts, acquisition planning, aviation programs, and offset trades. Shin & Kim also brought on Jang Sung-ki, a former investigative team leader at the Ministry of National Defense Prosecutor's Office's Defense Acquisition Investigation Division, as a senior expert.
Gwangjang hired Kang Eun-ho, a former head of the defense agency, as an adviser early this year. Kang worked at the agency since its early days and, in 2020, became the first internal appointee to rise to Administrator, bringing experience overseeing defense export policy and major programs.
Jipyung expanded its organization by launching a Global Defense and Security Team, and DR & AJU recruited Jeong Kyeong-doo, a former Minister of National Defense, as an adviser. By securing experts with defense policy and top military leadership experience, the firms strengthened their advisory capabilities.
HwaWoo hired attorneys Lee In-hee and Kim Min-kyu, who have experience at the defense agency, while Barun brought on attorney Lee Chae-jun, who worked as an executive for 10 years in the defense sector at Samsung Techwin and Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Ocean.
YulChon in May last year hired attorney Kim Nan-hyung, who has experience handling guided weapons programs at the defense agency, along with Moon Seung-wook, a former Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, as an adviser.
Taepyeongyang in Aug. 2024 hired Lee Chang-ho, a former head of the Defense Policy Division at the defense agency, and Sim Gyu-chan, a former head of the Navy and Air Force Capability Division in the Defense Industry Office at the Defense Security Command, as advisers. Attorney Choi Da-mi, who handled statutory interpretation at the defense agency, also joined. YK signed a business agreement with a defense-specialized research institution, strengthening its external network.
Recruitment targets are also diversifying. Those from the defense agency and the Ministry of National Defense complement policy and procurement structures; those with investigative and prosecutorial backgrounds handle defense corruption and sanctions; and former corporate executives bolster contracting and business operations. This is seen as a move beyond simple staffing to build a "one-stop" system covering exports, regulation, investigations, and investment advisory.
◇Defense exports jumped 60% last year… structural growth trend
Behind this competition lies the growth of the defense industry. According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, last year's defense exports totaled $15.4 billion, up more than 60% from a year earlier. With global demand expanding due to the Middle East war, analysis suggests Korea's defense standing is also growing.
Unlike general industries, defense remains subject to various regulations even after contracts are signed. Offset trades, policy finance, export controls, licensing, and technology transfer reviews are intricately intertwined. It is difficult for corporations to respond alone, increasing the need for experts who understand both government policy and regulatory structures.
On top of this, the government's policy to foster defense startups is expected to further expand legal demand. Advisory scopes are widening beyond overseas contract reviews and royalty guidance to include investment and mergers and acquisitions (M&A), regulatory responses, disputes, and investigation responses.
In legal circles, the move is being interpreted not as simple staffing but as a "race to preempt the market." Choi Gi-il, a professor of military studies at Sangji University, said, "The security industry requires astronomical budgets and strict controls, making public-private collaboration essential," adding, "For law firms, securing talent with an understanding of the industry is becoming a core competitive edge."