Civil Litigation Lawyer in Korea for International Clients
Need to bring or defend a civil claim in Korea?
Civil disputes can involve unpaid money, contracts, damages, property, or claims already filed in court. YUSU Lawfirm helps international clients understand the dispute, assess the available documents, and pursue or defend civil claims in Korea.
Civil disputes
YUSU Lawfirm represents foreign nationals and international clients in civil disputes in Korea, from reviewing a claim through filing and court representation. The firm is a Korean law firm and works with international clients in English.
What Kind of Civil Dispute Are You Facing?
How YUSU Lawfirm Can Help
01 · UNDERSTAND THE CLAIM
We begin by identifying what happened, what is being claimed, the amount in dispute, and the available documents.
- Claim value
- Parties involved
- Key events
- Existing court documents
02 · REVIEW THE EVIDENCE
We review the materials relevant to the claim or defense.
- Contracts
- Payment records
- Messages and correspondence
- Court documents
- Other relevant materials
03 · BUILD THE LITIGATION STRATEGY
After reviewing the matter, we determine the appropriate litigation strategy and the scope of representation.
- Claim or defense strategy
- Written submissions
- Evidence review
- Court proceedings within the agreed scope
Clear Fees Based on Claim Value
Civil litigation can vary significantly in duration and complexity. Our initial legal fee is based primarily on the value of the claim, giving clients a clear starting point before deciding whether to proceed.
Draft pricing information for review. The final scope and fee arrangement depend on the matter and the agreed representation.
How the Success Fee Works
Civil litigation can vary significantly in duration and workload. Rather than increasing the initial legal fee simply because proceedings take longer than expected within the agreed stage of representation, the fee structure may include a success fee agreed in advance.
The success-fee rate generally decreases as the value of the claim increases.
Clear Fees Even When Litigation Takes Time
Civil proceedings may take longer than expected. Within the agreed stage and scope of representation, the initial legal fee is not increased simply because the proceedings continue for a longer period.
Separate proceedings or additional stages may require a separate agreement.
Can Attorney’s Fees Be Included in Litigation Costs?
In Korean civil litigation, attorney’s fees may be included as part of litigation costs under court rules. The amount is calculated using the value of the claim and the applicable court-cost formula.
The amount calculated under the court-cost rule is not necessarily the same as the legal fee paid to your attorney.
The amount actually borne by the opposing party can depend on the outcome of the case, the allocation of litigation costs, the amount actually paid or payable, and other circumstances.
KRW 100 Million Claim
This example is for general illustration and assumes a full win for comparison. It does not mean that KRW 7.4 million will automatically be recovered from the opposing party. The actual amount may differ depending on the outcome, the court’s allocation of litigation costs, the legal fee actually paid or payable, and other circumstances.
Why Are Our Fees Based on Claim Value?
The value of the claim is an important reference point in Korean civil litigation. It is also used in the court rules for calculating the amount of attorney’s fees that may be included in litigation costs.
YUSU Lawfirm therefore uses claim value as a clear and predictable starting point for its civil litigation fee structure.
What to Prepare
- A short explanation of the dispute
- Approximate claim value
- Contracts or agreements
- Payment records
- Messages or correspondence
- Court documents, if any
- Important deadlines
- What outcome you are seeking
Civil Litigation in Korea
Can a foreigner bring a civil lawsuit in Korea?
A foreign individual or company may be able to bring a civil claim in Korea when the dispute has a sufficient connection to Korea and the Korean courts have jurisdiction. The appropriate court and procedure depend on the parties, the agreement, where relevant events occurred, and the relief sought. We review those points before recommending a filing strategy.
How much does a civil lawsuit cost?
Our current draft structure uses the value of the claim as a clear starting point: KRW 5.5 million for claims up to KRW 30 million, KRW 6.6 million for KRW 30–50 million, KRW 7.7 million for KRW 50–100 million, and from KRW 8.8 million above KRW 100 million. High-value or complex claims are quoted individually. The final fee depends on the agreed stage, scope, and circumstances of the matter.
Can I recover my attorney’s fees if I win?
Attorney’s fees may be included in litigation costs under the applicable Korean court rule, but the calculated amount is not necessarily the same as the fee paid to your attorney. The amount borne by the opposing party may depend on the result, the court’s allocation of litigation costs, and the amount actually paid or payable.
What happens if the lawsuit takes a long time?
Under this draft fee policy, the initial legal fee is not increased merely because proceedings take longer within the agreed stage and scope of representation. Separate proceedings or additional stages may require a separate agreement, which should be confirmed in the engagement terms.
What should I send you first?
Please send a short account of the dispute, the approximate claim value, any court documents, contracts, payment records, relevant messages or correspondence, and the nearest deadline. This allows us to identify the dispute and assess what further material may be needed.
Civil claim guides
Facing a Civil Dispute in Korea?
Tell us what the dispute is about, the approximate amount involved, whether a lawsuit has already been filed, and any deadline you are facing.