CEO, Bonne Clef
Managing Partner, KIM & KIM
Jason H.J. Kim
Kim Hyun Jong founded MEA LAW FIRM, headquartered in Seoul with an office in Dubai, serving the Middle East and Africa. He has provided legal advice in various fields including overseas construction, corporate commercial matters, investment, company formation, real estate and energy in the Middle East and Africa.
With over 14 years of experience and a network of local law firms and lawyers in more than 30 countries in the Middle East and Africa, he has handled a wide range of cases. His expertise includes contract disputes, litigation, advising companies on labor and human resources issues, dealing with local public institutions, drafting and revising contracts, financial transactions, international arbitration, negotiations and debt collection for local and international clients.
As the first Korean lawyer to enter the Middle East and Africa, Kim Hyun Jong established the legal team for LG Electronics in the region and opened the Dubai office of Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (BKL). He has supported the expansion of Korean companies in the Middle East and Africa. He currently serves as an advisor to the legal advisory boards of KOTRA, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Korea International Trade Association, aT (Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation) and the Korea Tourism Organization.
Achievements
· Represented HD Hyundai Construction Equipment in a commercial agency dispute in the UAE
· Advised POSCO-GSFC on contract interpretation and dispute response, as well as debt litigation
· Advised KCC on debt litigation in Kuwait
· Advised on the establishment of Hyundai Motor Company’s subsidiary in Saudi Arabia
· Provided corporate legal advice to Kia Motors’ UAE subsidiary
· Advised Kolon Global on establishing a subsidiary in Saudi Arabia
· Advised Company D on M&A in Saudi Arabia
· Represented Company L in litigation and litigation management for a distributorship dispute in the UAE
· Conducted asset investigations for Emirate Trading Agency L.L.C. for K Shipping to enforce an arbitration award in the UAE
· Advised Company R on securing and operating collateral for debt preservation due to sanctions on Iran
· Advised Samsung SDS on dispute resolution with the Dubai Health Authority
· Advised H Architects on a design services dispute in Iran
· Represented GS Engineering & Construction in criminal and civil litigation and legal advisory in the UAE
· Advised Hyundai Corporation on debt recovery against a UAE client
· Represented Daewoo Construction in litigation and legal advisory regarding an insurance claim due to a ship accident
· Advised the Korea Tourism Organization on labor contract issues and litigation support for its Dubai branch
· Represented Company P (Iran) in international arbitration against an automotive group
· Advised on medical malpractice disputes in the UAE
· Represented Hi-Lock Korea in debt recovery litigation in the UAE and subsequent recovery upon winning
· Represented Blue Marine in debt recovery litigation in the UAE and subsequent recovery upon winning
· Represented Samsung Electronics’ Dubai subsidiary in criminal litigation regarding a debt incident and advised on local law amendments
· Represented Hyupjin Shipping in debt recovery litigation against a UAE logistics company and subsequent recovery upon winning
· Represented a Chinese construction company, Jiangsu Nantong, in local litigation and advisory for an investment dispute
· Represented Jeonjin Heavy Industry in debt recovery litigation and legal advisory
Practice Areas
Education and Career
· Graduated from Korea University with a degree in Political Science and International Relations
· Passed the 47th Judicial Examination
· Completed the 39th Judicial Research and Training Institute program
· Head of the Legal Team for the Middle East and Africa region at LG Electronics (2010-2015)
· Established BKL Dubai office (2015)
· Legal Director of BKL Dubai office (2015-2017)
· Founded and served as the Managing Partner of MEA Law Firm (2017-2023)
· Received the Young Lawyer Award from the Korean Bar Association (2015)
· Advisor for KOTRA's SME Advisory Committee (2014 - present)
· Advisor for the Ministry of Justice's SME Legal Advisory Committee (2015 - present)
· Commendation from the Ministry of Justice (2023)