Creative Thinking Also Requires Basics
If Possible, Limit Questions to Civil Law
If Basics Are Not Established
Only Unrealizable Ideas Emerge
Proficiency in Foreign Languages Expands Your Scope
What 'points' should one focus on to enter Kim & Chang Law Office (Managing Partner Jeong Gye-seong)? At the Crescendo Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, newly hired lawyer recruiters Jang Ji-woong (43, Judicial Research and Training Institute Class 40), Lee Woo-joo (40, Class 40), and Kim Gye-jeong (43, Bar Exam 2nd) emphasized the 'basics.' Lawyer Jang said, "We try to ask only the most basic Civil Law questions."
Lawyers in charge of hiring new attorneys at Kim·Jang Law Office. From the left, Lawyers Wooju Lee, Gyejeong Kim, and Jiwoong Jang. [Photo by Seonghyun Baek stwhite@]
When asked whether creative thinking is more important for Kim & Chang, which often leads new precedents, Lawyer Jang explained, "Creative ideas also come from the basics," adding, "Without a solid foundation, creativity alone produces only impractical results." He emphasized, "What matters is knowledge of fundamental legal principles." He said, "By answering Civil Law questions, you can see how systematically the legal principles are organized." Lawyer Kim added, "It is enough to answer at a level where you have thoroughly studied the basic laws."
The questions mainly focus on legal issues related to relatively everyday problems found in newspaper articles. Lawyer Lee suggested, "It is important to explain the applicable legal principles and the reasons for protecting the best interests of each party," and advised, "It is good to regularly read articles and think, 'If I were the lawyer, how would I handle this?'"
Regarding self-introduction letters, he said, "It is good to prepare so that you can answer thoroughly in the interview." Lawyer Lee noted, "We lightly ask questions based on what was written in the self-introduction letter, but surprisingly many cannot answer their own writings," adding, "At least be prepared to respond."
Lawyer Kim said, "If you exaggerate to appear knowledgeable, it will all be revealed." For example, if you write that you are interested in a certain field or case, additional questions are asked assuming deep knowledge, and failing to answer well often results in point deductions. Lawyer Kim said, "It is a big mistake not to answer even when questions are asked considering the learning level of law school students."
Given Kim & Chang’s characteristic of handling many global projects, foreign language skills are helpful. Lawyer Jang explained, "Being good at English broadens the areas where you can contribute after joining, so it is advantageous for you."
Kim & Chang runs an internship program for second-year students for recruitment. They review candidates through interviews, task performance, and other processes, and accept applications on their website at any time. Lawyer Lee said, "For general recruitment (not internships), since there is no opportunity to observe candidates closely like during internships, we try to understand applicants thoroughly through multiple interviews."
For military legal officers, the recruitment process usually starts around the end of the first year to the beginning of the second year of service. Lawyer Jang said, "Many who applied or participated as interns during law school maintain contact and naturally connect to recruitment," adding, "Even if you did not apply for an internship during school, you can apply anytime during your military legal officer period."
This year, Kim & Chang hired a total of 54 people, including 17 military legal officers. Their ages range from 25 to 34, with an average age of 28.6.
Kim & Chang offers top-level treatment. However, the recruiting lawyers cited the experience and pride of working with 'the best experts' as the greatest benefits beyond material rewards. Lawyer Kim said, "The pride, the opportunity to learn a lot, and excellent role models are intangible assets you gain by joining Kim & Chang."
Lawyer Jang said, "If you are faithful to the basics and can appeal your own life journey and strengths, do not be afraid and apply."
Reporter Jo Han-ju, Legal Times
※This article is based on content supplied by Law Times.
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