NZKLA was first established in 2007 by first-generation Korean lawyers in New Zealand. After a period of inactivity, it was re-formed by 1.5- and second-generation lawyers and formally relaunched in August 2023, with around 70 lawyers attending the launch event.
More than 100 Korean lawyers now practise in New Zealand, many of them 1.5- and second-generation, and more Korean law students graduate every year. As the community goes through this generational change, NZKLA gives lawyers a place to meet and connect across generations. Our members work in law firms, government agencies and companies, and as barristers.
Having adopted its constitution, NZKLA is now registered as an incorporated entity. Our priorities are to:
- support Korean law students in Auckland through mentoring and career seminars as they enter the legal profession
- work with Korean community organisations to run seminars on New Zealand law when needed
- give the Korean community a voice in an increasingly diverse New Zealand.
What we do
Connect
Social evenings and catch-ups that bring members together throughout the year.
Learn
Seminars and panel discussions where lawyers share how they built their careers, here and overseas.
Support
Guidance for students and junior lawyers, and a way for the community to find a Korean-speaking lawyer.
Committee Members
Meet the NZKLA committee.
Executive
President
Joon Yi
이준영
Current positions
- Pōhutukawa ChambersCriminal Barrister
- Tenancy TribunalAdjudicator
Past experience
- Vulcan ChambersCriminal Barrister
- Inland RevenueLitigation Solicitor
- NZ PoliceSenior Prosecutor
- Public Defence ServiceCriminal Defence Lawyer
- Parliamentary ServicesElectorate Agent
Vice President
Julia Leenoh
이주연
Current position
- K3 LegalDirector, Litigation
Past experience
- Glaister Ennor (now Glaister Keegan)Litigation Solicitor
- Edwards Clark DickieLitigation Solicitor
- Stewart & AssociatesSolicitor
Adviser
John Jon
전응철
Current positions
- Law.NZ Limited (t/a Convey Law)Senior Associate
- ADLS Property LawCommittee Member
Past experience
- Queen City LawSenior Associate
- Kenton ChambersSenior Solicitor
Committee
Committee member
Fred Choi
최현규
Current position
- Mātai ChambersCriminal Barrister
Past experience
- Korean Law Students’ Association (KLSA)2023 Co-President
Committee member
Hyeonkyeong Kim
김현경
Current position
- Pōhutukawa ChambersCriminal Barrister
Past experience
- Porsche AGLegal & Compliance Intern
- HenkelLegal Intern
Committee member
Eric Kwon
권혁민
Current position
- Simpson GriersonLaw Graduate, Real Estate
Past experience
- DeloitteConsultant
- Argosy PropertyLegal Intern
- KLSA2023 Co-President
Committee member
Erin Choi-Brown
최애린
Current position
- Dentons New ZealandSolicitor, Corporate & Commercial
Past experience
- TGT LegalDeeds Clerk
- KLSA2022 Co-President
Committee member
Gracie Kim
김나현
Current position
- PortiaStaff Solicitor, Family & Civil
Past experience
- Fairway Resolution LtdFamily Services Resolution Coordinator
- Community LawVolunteer Caseworker