The Korea In-house Counsel Association (KICA) celebrated its 10th anniversary on 2 November, and to commemorate this milestone published a digital book providing a glimpse into the growth of domestic in-house lawyers in the country.
The celebration was held online to prevent the spread of covid-19. “The past decade is a time when in-house lawyers, who were relatively unfamiliar jobs in Korea, have grown into businesses and legal circles in earnest,” the KICA president, Lee Wan-keun, told Asia Business Law Journal.
“When the KICA was established, the number of lawyers working for companies and public institutions was estimated to be only hundreds, and it has reached 20% of registered lawyers of the Korean Bar Association, and is still growing rapidly.” Lee said that lawyers’ areas and roles in companies had also continued to expand. Meanwhile in-house counsel have firmly established themselves as an important partner in business within companies, and as one of the major positions in the legal profession.
“In this process, the KICA has worked hard to share various experiences and insights as an in-house legal expert, and tried to present an accurate role model of in-house lawyers who contribute to society beyond the company and legal circles,” said Lee.
“In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to various sponsoring corporations and co-operative organisations who have always supported the KICA with affection, and sent congratulations to our association despite their busy schedule.”
The digital book, titled The 10th Anniversary Celebration Book, explains the history of the KICA and its activities in supporting the development of in-house counsel, as well as remarks from past presidents.
