Law Firms’ 2026 Focus: Fundamentals, Integration, AI, and Overseas Expansion [Invest&Law]

Law Firms Must Evolve in the Era of 40,000 Lawyers
Integrated Capabilities as Comprehensive Consulting Organizations
Becoming Think Tanks for Policy Response and Strategic Planning
Full-Scale Adoption of AI and Legal Technology as Core Strategies
Presenting Business Solutions for Overseas Expansion
Emphasizing Client Trust, Social Role, and Responsibility

"A year in which the values of justice and the rule of law shine even brighter." (Jung Kyesung, Managing Partner at Kim & Chang)

"Let us overcome obstacles with the vitality and energy of the Red Horse." (Kim Sangkon, Managing Partner at Kwangjang)

As the new year of Byeongo (Year of the Fire Horse) begins, managing partners of major law firms have emphasized key management themes in their New Year's messages: the essence of legal professionals and the rule of law, integrated capabilities as comprehensive consulting organizations, and the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI), legal technology, and overseas market expansion. The major events of the past year-including the impeachment crisis, the abolition of the prosecutor's office, and discussions on judicial reform-along with the simultaneous regulatory changes in labor, fair trade, capital markets, and taxation following the launch of the new administration, have become focal points in these messages.

Jung Kyesung, Managing Partner at Kim & Chang, stated, "We will strive to fulfill our mission and contribute to society." Kim Sangkon, Managing Partner at Kwangjang, said, "Given the political, economic, and social repercussions that began in 2025, we anticipate many challenges and difficulties. I hope this year will be one in which we overcome the many obstacles before us and achieve great accomplishments."

With the legal profession now numbering 40,000 lawyers, there is a shared recognition that law firms must adapt to survive. It is increasingly acknowledged that major corporate decisions involve intertwined risks-fair trade, capital markets, criminal, regulatory, and reputational risks-that cannot be effectively addressed in isolation. This trend demonstrates how law firms are evolving into comprehensive consulting organizations and think tanks by attracting talent from the political, economic, and industrial sectors.

Law Firms as a ‘Talent Black Hole’: Becoming Integrated Problem Solvers

Lee Junki, Managing Partner at Bae, Kim & Lee, remarked, "Corporate legal work now fundamentally requires the ability to simultaneously identify and resolve structurally intertwined risks. Integrated capabilities to interpret policy, market, industry, and regulatory frameworks together are essential." He added, "We will continue to pursue this direction in 2026."

Oh Jonghan, Managing Partner at Shin & Kim, also stressed the importance of talent acquisition and integrated capabilities. "Last year, many experts with outstanding expertise and capabilities joined Shin & Kim, creating synergy in advisory services," he said. "Law firms must be able to proactively anticipate client needs and provide integrated solutions to complex and high-level problems faced by clients."

After the U.S. presidential election in November 2024, the landscape for export regulations and global supply chains changed rapidly. Following the June presidential election and the inauguration of the new administration last year, domestic policy changes also accelerated. Companies turned to law firms to devise new export strategies and regulatory solutions. Law firms have evolved as well, expanding their role from regulatory interpretation to legislative response and strategic planning, becoming core think tanks.

"AI Utilization and Overseas Expansion as New Pathways"

Each law firm views this year as a turning point for AI adoption. Yulchon LLC announced it would fully deploy its proprietary 'Yulchon AI,' positioning legal technology as a core strategy. Kang Seokhoon, Managing Partner at Yulchon, stated, "With a 'first frontier' spirit that being one step ahead is our only competitive edge, we will lead the era of AI-powered legal services." Shin & Kim also highlighted that it is enhancing its in-house AI system to improve both work efficiency and service quality.

Responding to overseas markets was another major theme. Lee Kyuchul, Managing Partner at DR & AJU, plans to further strengthen the firm's U.S. network. He said, "The DR & AJU U.S. Strategy and Policy Office has built a partnership with former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, significantly reinforcing our U.S. network to support clients' overseas expansion. We aim to provide not just legal advice, but practical and multidimensional business solutions."

Emphasizing ‘Client Trust’ and ‘Lawyer Responsibility’

Several law firms placed 'clients' at the forefront of their New Year's messages. Lee Myungsoo, Managing Partner at HwaWoo, said, "We will closely analyze and proactively respond to the new challenges presented by the Lee Jaemyung administration across the corporate, economic, and social spectrum. In new investment areas such as mergers and acquisitions, we will focus on the essence of each issue and provide strategic solutions tailored to client needs." Kang Kyunghoon and Kim Beomhan, Managing Partners at YK, stated, "We will be a 'reliable shield,' offering optimal rights protection for individuals and strategic solutions to mitigate risks for companies."

Some law firms stood out by emphasizing public interest activities. Lee Donghoon, Managing Partner at Barun Law, said, "Since our founding, we have practiced our core values of 'honesty and integrity,' engaging in various activities to contribute to society in partnership with public interest corporations. This year, we will further strengthen our existing support work and explore new areas to fulfill the social role and responsibility of a major law firm."

Lee Haengkyu, Managing Partner at Jipyung, commented, "Amid constant change, the role and essence of a lawyer that transcends the times is to be a 'problem solver.' As social conflict and uncertainty grow, lawyers must present reliable standards based on principles and expertise, and take responsibility for fundamentally resolving issues."