Gangwon National University Law School Dean: "Hiring Discrimination by Law Firms Should Not Occur Solely Because of Regional Universities"

Published 20 Dec.2023 18:00(KST)

[15 Years of Law School, Asking the Way]
"Stop School Ranking and Focus on Specialization by Law School"

In January 2008, a total of 25 universities?15 in the metropolitan area and 10 in the provinces?received preliminary approval for law schools. Kangwon National University was assigned 40 students as it was categorized into the metropolitan area along with Inha University and Ajou University. Chuncheon, which is just an hour away from Seoul by subway, is gradually becoming part of the metropolitan living area. According to a survey announced last month by Chuncheon City, 72.7% of Seoul and metropolitan citizens responded that they feel Chuncheon is close, and 59.3% said commuting (to work or school) is possible.

Moon Byung-hyo, Dean of Kangwon National University Law School, said, “Although Kangwon National University was categorized as part of the metropolitan area when the law schools were introduced, graduates with strong capabilities are not receiving fair evaluations simply because the school is located in the provinces. We need to stop hierarchical ranking and consider specialization for each law school as intended when the system was introduced.”

Moon Byung-hyo, Dean of Kangwon National University Law School [Photo by Legal Times]

The following is a Q&A.

Q. How do you evaluate the 15 years since the introduction of law schools?

A. It is still difficult to definitively say whether it has been successful, but I believe it is settling in steadily. It seems hard to switch to another system, so we must humbly accept criticisms and work on improvements. Although the introduction of law schools has increased opportunities to become legal professionals compared to the previous judicial examination system, there is clearly an advantage for middle-class or higher students who have easy access to information and early education benefits. It is not easy for someone working to take three years off and enter a law school that costs tens of millions of won. Naturally, the age of students is getting younger. The system needs to be supplemented so that more opportunities can be given to socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Some low-income students receive full tuition waivers, but living expenses remain an issue. Some students work part-time during vacations. Naturally, this reduces their chances of passing the bar exam on the first try. Expanding support for living expense scholarships is necessary. Support such as ultra-low interest loans for middle-class students who do not receive tuition waivers is also needed.

Q. What difficulties do you face as a provincial national university?

A. As a provincial national university, there are difficulties such as budget constraints. Rather than increasing, the budget is being cut, making it insufficient to provide necessary support to students. Professors and alumni continue to donate despite difficult circumstances, but support is crucial for further advancement. From the students’ perspective, Kangwon National University is just an hour from Seoul, and facilities such as libraries, reading rooms, and dormitories are well-equipped, providing an environment focused solely on studying. That is why it was categorized as part of the metropolitan area when the law schools were introduced, but it is quite regrettable that it is undervalued simply because it is located in the provinces. Among our graduates, some have won the top prize at the Supreme Court-hosted ‘Gain Moot Court Competition,’ and although the number of students is small, some consistently pass the judicial research and prosecutor appointments. However, even these outstanding students find it difficult to get jobs at large law firms. They are disadvantaged under a distorted employment structure. Law firms should consider various factors rather than making premature judgments based solely on the school.

Q. What parts of the system need improvement?

A. Because quantitative factors are emphasized, the LEET (Legal Education Eligibility Test) score has become the deciding factor in admissions. Ultimately, ranking has been done based on LEET scores, but the correlation between LEET scores and bar exam pass rates is not clear. I do not deny LEET itself, but I believe this score does not guarantee professionalism or job performance ability as a legal professional. Rather, bar exam success closely aligns with law school grades. How well academic management is conducted is an important criterion to gauge whether someone is qualified as a lawyer. This is not about raising bar exam pass rates unconditionally. Pass rates need to be improved based on strict academic management. Although it is challenging to cover both theory and practice within three years, the law school curriculum is quite advanced. However, students have no time to focus on anything other than exam subjects due to low bar exam pass rates. Basic law subjects such as legal philosophy and history of legal thought are at risk of disappearing. Improvements to the bar exam system and others are necessary. Although the Computer Based Test (CBT) has been introduced, it only replaces handwriting with typing. Providing materials such as case law for reference would better align with practical work.

Moon Byung-hyo, Dean of Kangwon National University Law School [Photo by Legal Times]

Q. What support is needed for the development of law schools?

A. Budget is the biggest issue. We are unable to engage in overseas university exchanges due to budget cuts. Of course, the school headquarters, local governments, and companies have supported us, allowing us to maintain operations so far. However, with low birth rates and population decline in provinces, concentration in the metropolitan area and imbalance are expected to worsen. National-level support is needed so that provincial national universities can properly fulfill their roles for regional balanced development. Even the regional talent allocation system imposes no obligations on metropolitan universities. Kangwon National University is categorized as metropolitan but has obligations for regional talent allocation. I hope people recognize that provincial universities bear more duties and responsibilities. Also, although the 25 law schools initially pledged specialization, this is not being maintained now. Instead of ranking, support should be provided so that each school can have its own strengths through specialization. Thanks to its proximity to Seoul, Kangwon National University attracts many excellent students. If evaluated fairly based on ability, students are performing well enough to become a prestigious school in the eastern region. I hope graduates are not discriminated against by ranking schools.