A lawyer from the JBNU Law School is serving the country and the people to help realize social justice. As part of that vision, he donated ten million won to the development of his alma mater. The JBNU Globe interviewed Choi Jae-won, who practices ‘nobility obliges’ as a lawyer.

• Special Memories from JBNU Law School

“I participated in the first Korea Moot Court Competition ever held. This competition was established by the Supreme Court of Korea in 2009 to challenge law school students to develop their defense skills. At that time, I represented JBNU Law School and was second place in the criminal category. I was very honored for the opportunity to uphold the reputation of JBNU Law School students nationwide.”

• Process of Connecting Aspirant Lawyers and Law Firms

People who wish to join law firms often apply for internship programs at the law firm they want to work for while attending law school. It can be an opportunity to prove their experience when applying for employment. If they maintain involvement with law firms, it will lead to an eventual job offer. There are also many law firms that offer practical training opportunities for those who pass the bar exam. If applicants make an active effort to seize this opportunity, the chances of getting a full-time job in the long term will increase.

• Distinctions of Courts, Bar Associations and Law Firms

“I worked as a standing commissioner at the court, and I am currently working as a standing director at the Bar Association. In the case of the court, I felt that I was doing a fixed task because the work was standardized and the system was clear. On the other hand, with the Bar Association, I do a lot of rewarding work. The standing director is a service job for the members. In law firms, there is no room for boredom because law firms receive a lot of diverse and active commissions.”

• Qualifications to be State Attorney and Inner Workings of U.S. Law Firm Atmospheres

“Bar exams are conducted by state, so passing it is the first priority. To get into the U.S. Attorney's Office, students usually apply for an internship program or are recruited as new prosecutor assistants. After passing them, they start gaining experience. Usually, this process will lead applicants to work as an attorney at the Public Prosecutor's Office. When I observed the successful applicants succeed in getting a job at the prosecutor's office, there were many cases where they had been interested in the public sector since they were law school students. In the case of business processes, there seems to be no bureaucratic atmosphere in the United States law firm, and a culture of freely sharing opinions seems to be established. In particular, I was impressed with the atmosphere in which new lawyers and new prosecutors actively expressed their opinions to their superiors.”

• Advisable Attitude for Lawyers

“I believe that lawyers should always remember the premise of a profession that serves the country and its people. Although a number of lawyers are surging and the competition between them is increasing, lawyers have a special commission in the Constitution. According to the Attorney-at-law, lawyers have a mission to defend basic rights and realize social justice. Therefore, if lawyers do not forget these fundamental values and faithfully fulfill their responsibilities, meaningful results will be obtained both for him/herself and for clients.”

• Future of Lawyers

“In the future, I think the lawyer industry will enter an era of endless competition both domestically and abroad. Well-known foreign law firms have already opened offices in Korea, and Korean law firms are also active in overseas expansion. In addition, it will be a time when human lawyers need to think about whether to compete with A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) lawyers or to collaborate. To survive in this era, lawyers will have to become a specialist, not a generalist. Lawyers who have developed their own field of expertise will continue to gain an advantage. Those who have not will continue to have a tough competition. I sincerely hope you will pioneer your own field of expertise and become a leader amidst the competition.”

• Advice for Aspirant Lawyers

“I'll leave you with two pieces of advice. The first one is a related to the bar exam. In order to improve your study efficiency, you need to develop your physical strength. You should also take mock exams frequently to improve your understanding of the formal bar exam. Second, I hope you do not forget the humble attitude of a successful lawyer based on my experience. I hope you become a lawyer who makes a positive influence on the community.”

| Ha Yae-one Reporter