[Joining a Law Firm] Law Firm Sejong, "Hint on Sejong Instagram"

Sending coffee trucks during law school exam periods, installing life-sized photo booths at 'welcome ceremonies for prospective hires'...

These are all ideas that came from the associate lawyers of the recruiting committee at Law Firm Sejong (Managing Partner Oh Jong-han). On the 12th of last month, we met with lawyers Park Jun-hyun (46, Judicial Research and Training Institute Class 37), Jeong Eun-young (40, Bar Exam 1st class), and Hwang Tae-sang (41, 3rd class), who are in charge of hiring new lawyers at Sejong's headquarters in Cheongjin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. They unanimously said, "Sejong is a law firm where communication is free."

Lawyers in charge of recruiting new lawyers at Sejong Law Firm. From the left, Lawyers Hwang Tae-sang, Jung Eun-young, and Park Jun-hyun. [Image source=Legal Times]

Lawyer Park said, "The managing partner once said, 'Because we are all the same professionals, even junior lawyers should come to meetings with their own opinions.'" He added, "At Sejong, junior lawyers can actually express themselves sufficiently and have plenty of opportunities to lead cases and contribute." He continued, "Therefore, attention is drawn to those who have lived proactively and autonomously."

Lawyer Jeong said, "Having a system that guarantees communication makes a big difference compared to not having one." Sejong has a system called the 'Asso Committee.' Junior associate lawyers organize themselves into a committee to voice their opinions. When issues affecting the treatment of all associates arise, they hold town hall meetings with management. Recently, they discussed many matters including the 52-hour workweek system. A representative case was the revision of the overseas study regulations. Since many associates become pregnant or give birth during their associate period, there was a case where pregnancy and maternity leave periods affected overseas study evaluations. After discussing this in the Asso Committee, they improved the system to prevent disadvantages during overseas study evaluations due to pregnancy and childbirth.

The culture of 'free communication' at Sejong is also evident in their hiring process. Usually, associate lawyers support work but are excluded from decision-making, but at Sejong, even associate lawyers have one vote each when deciding on confirmed hires. Lawyer Park said, "However, senior lawyers bear the responsibility," adding, "As a result, junior lawyers take a more active role and propose ideas."

Hwang Tae-sang · Jeong Eun-young · Park Jun-hyun, Attorneys [Image Source=Legal Times]

As Lawyer Park described Sejong as a "young law firm," it is the only large law firm operating an Instagram account. Park recommended, "Since Instagram is used a lot for recruiting promotion, you can find many useful stories there." He added, "I was surprised to see an applicant who even looked up the '2024 Law Firm Consumer Report' by the Legal Times recently," and said, "Continuously updating the latest information and showing interest in the company is a behavior I view positively."

Lawyer Hwang said, "Quantitative factors are already available, and qualitative factors include the applicant's strengths and interest in Sejong." He recommended, "Rather than correlating grades and strengths that can be identified through data, it would be good to honestly and plainly write about how you have lived." He also said, "It is good to explain any shortcomings revealed by quantitative indicators." He noted, "Lawyers usually read self-introductions late at night after work," and added, "Even though they are tired, I hope applicants express their strengths straightforwardly so they can be immediately recognized."

He also emphasized the importance of experiences and attitudes overcoming adversity. Lawyer Hwang explained, "Colleagues are trusted enough to watch my back on the battlefield." He added, "It doesn't have to be a grand experience that anyone would consider difficult. Even if difficulties beyond what I can handle arise, just talk about how you managed your emotions and the situation at that time." Lawyer Park said, "Lawyers are professionals who need to make their names known in the market, and inevitably face difficult periods in the process," adding, "Attention is drawn to those who have the will to overcome and succeed."

Through this process, 38 people, including 4 military legal officers, joined Sejong this year. Their ages range from 25 to 35, with an average age of 27.8.

These lawyers also emphasized Sejong's enthusiasm to attract talent. Lawyer Jeong said, "We continuously improve and expand treatment, such as the newly established 4th-year overseas workshop." He explained, "We plan Sejong Day, where law school students and recruiting committee members have meals before receiving applications, and we also send coffee trucks to law schools," adding, "It is a law firm that recognizes the importance of attracting talent and spares no investment." Sejong's treatment is among the best in the industry.

Starting with the 2026 hires, Sejong will switch from an internship-based hiring system to an interview-based system. Previously, they conducted internship programs and hired based on evaluation results, but now they will select prospective hires through interviews and then provide similar training programs for them. The focus will be more on education and programs that increase familiarity with Sejong rather than evaluation. Lawyer Park said, "Just because it's rolling recruitment doesn't mean experienced hires are preferred; we hire new lawyers equally," adding, "You can think of it as the hiring process being half a step faster."

Reporter Jo Han-ju, Legal Times

※This article is based on content supplied by Law Times.

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