UK law firm Bird & Bird has entered into a cooperation agreement with South Korean firm Hwang Mok Park, marking the first tie-up between an international firm and one of Korea’s top 10 law firms.

The agreement enables Bird & Bird to tap into Hwang Mok Park’s experience in Korea, and gives the Korean firm access to the UK firm’s wider global network.

Korea’s advanced, technology-driven economy is a natural fit for Bird & Bird, said Justin Walkey, the chairman of the UK firm’s Asian region, in a statement.

“We are very excited to be entering into the cooperation agreement with Hwang Mok Park,” said Bird & Bird CEO David Kerr in a statement. “We are impressed with their track record in Korea where they have a strong base of multinational clients and a broad portfolio of interesting work. We have experienced a significant increase in client demand in the region and this agreement reflects our plans to develop an integrated Asia-Pacific offering.”

The arrangement in Korea is Bird & Bird’s latest expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. The firm announced a cooperation agreement with Australia’s Truman Hoyle in March 2013, and has similar arrangements with Lawjay Partners in China and Tay & Partners in Malaysia.

The signing of U.S. and EU Free-Trade Agreements in 2011 allows American and European law firms to open offices in Korea. So far, around 20 international law firms have set up shop in Seoul. While current rules prohibit these firms from hiring Korean attorneys and practising local law, international firms are expected to become more active as the five year restriction period draws to a close.

Kanishk Verghese is North Asia journalist at ALB. Follow us on Twitter: @ALB_Magazine.

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