The Korean Bar Association said on the 29th it selected attorney Yang Sun-young (Seoul Bar; 42nd bar exam), attorney Yun Seok-jun (Seoul Bar; 47th bar exam), and attorney Lim I-rang (Gyeonggi Central Bar; 7th attorney exam) as the 33rd outstanding attorneys.
The association held the 33rd Outstanding Attorney Award ceremony on this day at the Korean Bar Association Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The association said it selected through review attorneys who showed excellence in the areas of ▲ justice and human rights ▲ improvement of the legal system ▲ exemplary advocacy ▲ development of legal culture ▲ public interest activities.
Attorney Yang Sun-young was recognized for contributions to the drafting process of an amendment to the Attorney‑at‑Law Act that introduced attorney-client confidentiality. Taking on an appeal in a case where materials of a client's exchange with counsel were seized, Yang led to a Supreme Court decision explicitly recognizing a privilege of confidentiality. Yang also contributed to legal exchange and system improvements through research presentations on the retrial system.
Attorney Yun Seok-jun made major contributions to preventing capital outflow by exemplary advocacy in investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) cases. Notably, Yun handled the international taxes aspect of the Lone Star investment arbitration case and helped secure the full dismissal of Lone Star's claims. Yun then led to the complete annulment of the award in challenge proceedings against an arbitration decision that had partially recognized Korea's responsibility in the area of financial regulation.
Attorney Lim I-rang, a former teacher, contributed to expanding the legal profession beyond traditional attorney work based on expertise in education. Lim also operated mock trials and court tour programs for children and conducted more than 100 annual trainings for teachers and parents. Lim is credited with helping improve legal understanding in the education field and foster a healthy school culture.