Senior lawyers stepped in as guides for new attorneys who recently passed the 15th Bar Exam and are beginning their legal careers.
On May 13, the Korean Bar Association's Young Lawyers Committee successfully held the "2026 New Lawyer Mentoring" event at the seminar room of the Korean Bar Association headquarters in Seocho-dong, Seoul.
The event was designed for 120 new lawyers to provide practical strategies for adapting to the rapidly changing legal environment and enhancing their professional skills.
The atmosphere was serious yet vibrant, filled with the enthusiasm of new lawyers and heartfelt advice from their seniors.
In his opening remarks, Kim Jung-wook, President of the Korean Bar Association, assessed the current legal market as challenging due to the surge in the number of lawyers and the rise of legal tech and AI. He encouraged the new lawyers to boldly challenge new areas of work based on their accumulated passion, stating, "If you do so, you will surely achieve meaningful success." He also expressed hope that the connections between seniors and juniors would provide significant support in their long journey ahead.
Jo Soon-yeol, President of the Seoul Bar Association, also urged the new lawyers in his remarks to explore various paths in public service, corporate law, litigation, and international law, while emphasizing the importance of integrity and commitment to the right path.
Kim Ji-soo, Chair of the Young Lawyers Committee, welcomed the attendees by acknowledging the mixed feelings of excitement and uncertainty that come with starting a new career, hoping that the event would help alleviate those feelings.
The highlight of the event was a special lecture titled "Career Seminar for New Lawyers," conducted by Kim Seung-hyun, Vice President of the Korean Bar Association. He shared specific strategies for becoming a "chosen lawyer" in the job market.
He emphasized that when writing a resume, it is crucial to connect work-related strengths with specific examples, rather than relying on common background stories, to create a "unique small difference." He also provided practical tips on interview attitudes, timing for job transitions, and preparation tailored to various institutions such as law firms, in-house counsel, and public agencies, which received a positive response.
Following the lecture, 36 senior lawyers from diverse fields, including employment, private practice, courts, prosecution, startups, and in-house counsel, participated as mentors in group mentoring sessions. New lawyers openly shared their practical challenges and career concerns, while mentors responded with vivid experiences and insights from the field.
One new lawyer expressed satisfaction, saying, "I had many concerns about my career after passing the exam, but hearing specific advice from current seniors has clarified my direction moving forward."
A representative from the Korean Bar Association stated, "We plan to continue providing various support programs and networking opportunities to help new lawyers develop their expertise with pride."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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