Hyojung (Kelly) Shin hjshin@somalaw.co.kr

Kelly has extensive experience in helping clients through her expertise in international arbitration and cross-border litigation. She has delivered successful outcomes in disputes across multiple sectors, including M&A, construction, energy, intellectual property, and public procurement. She also has experience handling inbound and outbound matters, including cross-border inheritance, disputes involving the acquisition of a cryptocurrency exchange, and athletes’ contract disputes. 

Kelly was the first Korean attorney appointed as Co-chair of Arb40 Subcommittee of the International Bar Association. Her expertise is recognized by the leading legal directories, including Benchmark Litigation, where she is listed as ‘Top 40 Under 40’ and a ‘Future Star.’

She was previously a partner at Shin & Kim LLC, one of the leading law firms of Korea. 

Professional Career

Partner, Shin & Kim LLC
Legal Counsel, SK Innovation Co., Ltd.
Legal Counsel, SK geo centric Co., Ltd.
Co-chair, Arb40 Subcommittee of the International Bar Association (IBA)
Regional Representative, Young International Council for Commercial Arbitration (Young ICCA)
Member of the International Affairs Committee, Seoul Bar Association

Education

University of California, Berkeley School of Law (LL.M.)
Seoul National University School of Law (J.D.)
Yonsei University (B.A. in Political Science and Economics, summa cum laude)
Korean Minjok Leadership Academy (early graduation)

Professional Accolades

Top 40 under 40, Benchmark Litigation (2024)
Future Star, Benchmark Litigation (2024)
"Rising Star" for International Arbitration, Legal Times (2023)

Professional Activities

KCAB International, Korean Arbitration Review (12th Issue) – The Use of Virtual Hearings in Korea-Seated
Arbitration Proceedings: Are There Risks to Enforcement? (April 2021) (Co-authored)

Key Experience

Represented clients in international arbitration matters involving M&A, construction, intellectual property, public procurement, and product liability
Advised on the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards
Advised on overseas plant construction and joint venture projects
Advised on overseas inheritance proceedings and the disposition of inherited assets
Advised on the sale of shares in a cryptocurrency exchange
Advised on disputes related to entertainment contracts