Overview
Taejin Um, Esq., is a seasoned international business lawyer with nearly 20 years of experience providing comprehensive legal counsel to global corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and public institutions. Known for his deep understanding of cross-border business dynamics, Taejin has successfully guided numerous South Korean companies in navigating the complexities of the U.S. government and private markets during his tenure in Washington, D.C. In addition to his expertise in government procurement in both South Korea and the U.S, Taejin has developed extensive hands-on experience across emerging industries and issues such as biotechnology, climate change, and artificial intelligence. His ability to deliver strategic, actionable legal advice has helped clients achieve tangible business outcomes in highly competitive environments. In particular, Taejin’s nuanced understanding of South Korea’s regulatory landscape, combined with his expertise in government policy and stakeholder communications, enables him to provide comprehensive advisory services to international clients operating in South Korea. Whether assisting businesses in navigating local regulations or overcoming complex challenges, Taejin is dedicated to crafting innovative and effective solutions that drive success.
Experience
- 2004 Admitted to the Bar in Washington, D.C.
- 2005–2007 In-house Counsel, POSCO
- 2013–2015 Government Procurement Consultant, KOTRA Washington D.C. Office
- 2015–2018 In-house Counsel, LIG Nex1
- 2020–2021 Adjunct Professor of Law, Soongsil University
- 2019–2021 Senior Foreign Attorney, Hankyul Law Group
- 2023 Member of the Council of State's Governmental Affairs Evaluation Committee, Office for Government Policy Coordination of Prime Minister’s Secretariat (Economics Division, 2023)
- Present Adjunct Professor and Head of the Public Contract Policy Research Lab, Yonsei University Graduate School of Public Administration
- Present Senior Foreign Attorney, ClassHankyul
Education
- 1992 Graduated from Daewon Foreign Language High School (Seoul)
- 1998 Bachelor's degree from Yonsei University, Department of Public Administration (Seoul)
- 2001 Master's degree from Yonsei University Graduate School of International Studies (Seoul)
- 2004 Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law (DC)
- 2008 LLM from The George Washington University Law School (DC)
- 2011 LLM in Law & Government from American University Washington College of Law (DC)
Representative Matters
- - Advised foreign companies and organizations on relevant laws and government policies in S. Korea, while presenting tailored strategies to support their business operations.
- - Advised multinational conglomerate subsidiaries on U.S. market entry, covering company formation, governance structuring, contract negotiations, and labor law issues.
- - Guided corporations in establishing strategic alliances and joint ventures with overseas partners.
- - Managed government procurement projects abroad.
- - Advised government agencies and investors on blockchain projects.
- - Developed corporate compliance systems.
- - Consulted on copyright and AI policy in the music industry.
- - Advised startups on investments and international market expansion.
Publications
- - "Final Regulations and Policy Implications of the U.S. SEC Climate Disclosure," Yonsei University Institute of Governmental Affairs Management Brief (2024)
- - "ESG and Government Procurement: Strategic Insights into U.S. Federal Procurement Policies," co-authored, GTR Review, Yonsei University Department of Public Administration (2024)
- - "Climate Change Response and International Cooperation," co-authored, "Challenges of Transformation and Policy Tasks," Yonsei University (2024)
Taejin Um
Advisor
T. +82-2-3487-3000
F. +82-2-538-2232
E. tum@classhklaw.com