Law firm Pacific has announced the launch of its 'AI Infrastructure Strategy Center' to enhance its integrated advisory capabilities for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and digital infrastructure projects.
The competition in AI is expanding beyond models and semiconductors to include securing data centers and power infrastructure. AI data centers, in particular, are complex projects that involve various legal issues from development to operation, requiring significant investment and power procurement.
As integrated legal responses are needed across various sectors, Pacific has gathered over 100 experts in real estate, construction, M&A, foreign investment, finance, project financing, energy, infrastructure, environmental law, AI, data protection, and international trade to respond effectively.
The center will provide one-stop legal services throughout the entire project process, including data center development, domestic and international investment and M&A, project financing, power procurement, construction and operation contracts, various permits, data privacy, cybersecurity, and compliance with global regulations.
Lee Jun-ki, a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in M&A, energy, infrastructure, and foreign investment, will lead the center.
The energy and infrastructure sector includes several experts, such as Kim Jeong-gwan, a former deputy minister of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, and Song Myeong-dal, a former deputy minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, along with attorneys Park Jin-pyo, Lee Kwang-min, Ahn Hyun-cheol, and Nam Won-cheol.
In the data center development and real estate sectors, attorneys Jeon Eun-jin, Song Chi-young, Park Seong-tae, and Ji Seung-eun, along with foreign attorney Byeon Hyun-seo, will be involved. The M&A and foreign investment sectors will be handled by attorneys Lee O-ryeong, Jeong Jae-yong, and foreign attorneys Hwang Yu-jin and Jang Ye-seung.
The finance and project financing sectors will include attorneys Lee Ji-young, Ryu Myeong-hyeon, Kim Geon-ho, Kim Ho-jin, and Jeong Min-hee, while the regulatory and environmental sectors will feature experts such as Jeong Yeon-man, a former deputy minister of the Ministry of Environment, Kim Jong-moon, a former first deputy minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and foreign attorney Woo Byeong-ryeol, along with attorneys Kwon So-dam, Koo Do-hyeong, and Jeon Hyeon-kyu.
As AI infrastructure emerges as a critical asset linked to national and economic security, the importance of responding to global regulations, including export controls, has increased. To support global regulatory compliance, the center will also include Kim Seong-nam, a former first deputy minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hwang Ho-seong, head of Pacific's Export Control Response Center, and attorney Kim Ji-ina. In the data privacy sector, attorneys Kang Tae-wook, Yoon Joo-ho, and Lee Kang-hye will contribute.
Prior to the center's launch, Pacific has advised on numerous projects, including the establishment of the national AI computing center in Haenam and the AI infrastructure development for Shinsegae Group and Reflection AI, as well as projects involving domestic conglomerates and global tech giants in the AI infrastructure sector and the entry of global companies and funds into the domestic data center market. The firm has accumulated experience in various areas, including domestic and international data center development, AI infrastructure investment, strategic partnerships, and project financing.
Lee Jun-ki stated, "AI data centers require not only expertise in individual fields but also the ability to coordinate interconnected issues such as development, power, investment, finance, and regulation in a timely manner to ensure stable project advancement. We will leverage Pacific's specialized knowledge and collaborative capabilities to proactively assess risks from the early stages of projects and support our clients' AI infrastructure initiatives from development through investment, financing, and operation."
Pacific is composed of over 900 professionals, including more than 600 attorneys, foreign attorneys, and certified public accountants. Established in 1980, it is the first law firm in Korea and has formed specialized teams to address various fields, including corporate law, M&A, securities finance, and fair trade.
Recently, it became the first domestic law firm to implement the global legal AI 'Harvey' across its operations to provide efficient legal services.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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