The number of female lawyers in South Korea has surpassed 12,000, representing approximately one-third of all practicing attorneys, according to recent data. Simultaneously, a survey of eleven major South Korean law firms revealed that six now have a female representation exceeding 30% of their total attorney headcount.
This shift in demographics comes as the legal profession experiences a gradual but notable increase in female participation. In 2024, women comprised 43.61% of those passing the bar exam, a figure steadily rising towards parity. However, advancement within firms remains uneven, with a significant drop-off in female representation at senior levels. According to a 2020 survey of eighteen large firms, while women made up 36.95% of junior associates, that number fell to just 12.31% among partners.
The appointment of Lee Jung-ran as representative attorney at Law Firm Dae륙Aju in January 2022 marked a watershed moment, making her the first woman in her forties to lead a top-ten South Korean law firm. Lee, a graduate of the 47th bar exam, previously held partner positions at Barun Law and Hwawoo Law before joining Dae륙Aju. Her appointment is viewed by some as a potential catalyst for change, offering a visible role model for aspiring female lawyers.
Despite the growing number of female lawyers entering the profession, systemic challenges persist. A recent symposium hosted by the Korean Bar Association highlighted the need for improved institutional support for women, particularly regarding maternity leave and career advancement opportunities. Several firms acknowledged the need for better systems to support women navigating pregnancy, childcare, and career progression, with eleven out of eighteen surveyed identifying the need for improved institutional arrangements to support these issues.
Samsung Electronics currently employs the largest number of in-house legal counsel among the top 100 South Korean companies, with 26 lawyers on staff. KT follows with seven, and NCSoft with five. 180 lawyers are employed by the 100 largest companies in the country, representing 2.72% of all executive-level employees. The number of law school graduates entering corporate legal departments has also increased significantly in recent years.
The increasing presence of female lawyers in corporate leadership roles is also being noted. A recent review of the 100 largest companies in South Korea found 34 female legal executives, a significant increase from previous years. This trend is partially attributed to recent revisions in capital markets law, which have created new opportunities for legal professionals within the financial sector.
