ESG / Environment

Overview

ESG and environmental issues are no longer matters for the compliance function alone. They are critical risks that affect every aspect of business management. We advise clients on environmental approvals and regulatory compliance, ESG disclosure and supply chain due diligence, climate and carbon regulation, environmental claims and advertising, and environmental disputes, investigations and enforcement, aligning our advice with each clients business operations and commercial priorities. Our approach does not stop at legal analysis. We work with clients to develop practical and commercially workable solutions, taking into account their business model, plant and site operations, transaction timetable, regulatory interface and stakeholder risks. Environmental regulation and ESG standards continue to evolve rapidly, both in Korea and internationally. At the same time, information requests at the supply-chain and product level are becoming increasingly sophisticated. We work closely with clients to help them stay ahead of these changes, establish effective internal controls and documentation systems, and respond swiftly in administrative, criminal or civil proceedings when legal issues arise.

ESG disclosure, supply chains and ratings

We advise on legal issues relating to sustainability reports, domestic and international ESG disclosure standards, supply chain due diligence, supplier codes of conduct and ESG ratings.

Environmental approvals and regulatory compliance

We advise on approvals, regulatory review and response strategies across air emissions, water quality, waste, soil contamination, chemical substances and environmental impact assessment.

Environmental compliance and internal controls

We help clients review site-level regulatory compliance, develop internal standards, reporting structures, training materials and response manuals, and build effective environmental compliance systems.

ESG due diligence for transactions and projects

We conduct ESG and environmental due diligence in M&A, fundraising, listings, project finance, and energy and infrastructure projects. We also advise on transaction documentation, including representations and warranties, conditions precedent, indemnities and post-closing remediation or follow-up measures.

Environmental disputes, investigations and enforcement

We assist clients in responding to environmental complaints, administrative investigations, administrative sanctions including surcharges and suspension orders, criminal complaints and investigations, civil and administrative litigation, and environmental dispute mediation proceedings.

Key Experience

Advising on issues under the Motor Vehicle Management Act and conducting due diligence on documents relating to vehicle emissions certification.
Advising in relation to humidifier disinfectant matters.
Advising on K-REACH and the Chemical Control Act in connection with factory establishment.
Advising on M&A transactions and due diligence involving waste management and incineration businesses.
Advising on and conducting due diligence in relation to environmental regulatory compliance.
Advising waste management businesses on administrative sanctions.
Advising on the establishment of a joint venture between a major Korean conglomerate and a specialist hydrogen company.
Acting in damages litigation relating to soil contamination.
Advising on chemical products and environmental advertising claims.