1. A Korean DUI Matter with Related U.S. Immigration Questions
The client retained SJKP in connection with a Korean DUI matter and the U.S. immigration questions arising from it. Korean criminal representation through the first-instance proceeding was provided by Daeryun, a separate law firm, through its Korean-licensed counsel; an appeal would require a separate agreement.
SJKP’s U.S.-licensed attorneys advised on the immigration component and coordinated with the Korean team. The engagement letter identified each firm’s responsibilities, stated the fee allocated to each, and recorded the client’s written consent to that division and to the sharing of information between the firms.
The Scope of the Client’s Request
The retained matter covered representation in the Korean proceedings and advice on the U.S. immigration consequences of that case. The client authorized SJKP and Korean counsel to communicate and to share the information each needed for its part of the work.
2. Three Responsibilities Defined in the Engagement
The agreement divided the work three ways: Korean criminal representation, U.S. immigration advice, and coordination between the two teams. Each is described below.
Korean Counsel’s Role in the DUI Proceedings
Korean-licensed counsel provided all Korean legal advice and represented the client in the DUI proceedings. The representation extended through the first-instance proceeding; an appeal would require a separate written agreement.
SJKP did not appear in the Korean proceedings and did not advise on Korean law.
SJKP’s Role in Related U.S. Immigration Advice
SJKP’s U.S.-licensed attorneys advised on the immigration consequences of the Korean DUI case, including how the disposition would be characterized for U.S. purposes and what it would require in any future filing. That advice was a separate component of the engagement, assigned to the U.S. team.
Communication between the Legal Teams
SJKP handled communication with the client and served as the point of contact with Korean counsel, passing on the facts each team needed for its part of the work. The client authorized that exchange in writing.
3. A Coordinated Framework Across Two Jurisdictions
The matter required two licensed teams and one agreement. What made it work was that the engagement letter said which firm answered for which question, so neither the Korean proceeding nor the immigration advice proceeded on an assumption about the other.
Discuss Your Matter with SJKP
For a Korean criminal matter with U.S. immigration consequences, contact SJKP to discuss the scope of representation available and which firm would handle each part.
27 Oct, 2026
