[Exclusive] Byunhyeop Delays Disciplinary Notices to Lotok Lawyers for 2 Weeks... Controversy Over 'Intentional Delay'

Legal service platform "Lotok," which received disciplinary decisions for its affiliated lawyers from the Korean Bar Association [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Korean Bar Association (KBA) has sparked considerable controversy within the legal community for failing to notify lawyers registered on the legal service platform 'Lotoc' of disciplinary actions for two weeks.

According to our investigation on the 1st, the KBA decided on the 17th, through its disciplinary committee, to impose disciplinary measures including fines up to 3 million KRW on nine lawyers registered and active on Lotoc. However, as of the morning of this day, the KBA had not yet notified the individuals involved. A KBA official explained to us, "Disciplinary notifications are usually sent 7 to 10 days after the committee's decision," but this period has already been exceeded.

Ro & Company, which operates Lotoc, plans to actively support the lawyers by filing objections as soon as the disciplinary notifications are received. However, due to the KBA's delayed notification, they have no choice but to wait without taking any action.

According to Article 33, Paragraph 2 of the 'Lawyer Disciplinary Rules,' the disciplinary committee must promptly deliver the decision document to the subject of the discipline without delay. Furthermore, under Article 34, Paragraph 1, the disciplined party may file an objection with the Ministry of Justice Lawyer Disciplinary Committee through the association within one month from the date of receipt or notification. After filing an objection, they may also review and copy the disciplinary records and evidence.

Various interpretations have emerged within the legal community regarding the delayed decision and notification of the disciplinary actions. One analysis suggests that, ahead of the KBA presidential election scheduled for the end of the year, the current KBA executive is intentionally delaying notification to prolong the conflict with Lotoc until just before the election. With rumors that KBA President Lee Jong-yeop is considering re-election, it is believed that the current executive, including President Lee, needs to highlight the conflict with Lotoc to reinforce the perception among members that they are working for a fair legal market in order to secure their positions in the upcoming election.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice, which must review the disciplinary content if an objection is filed by Lotoc, is reportedly committed to balancing both sides' positions and making decisions according to proper procedures. Regarding this, Minister Han Dong-hoon reportedly stated, "When the disciplinary committee is held at the Ministry of Justice, we will handle it as usual."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.