Ministry of Justice Prepares 'Lawyer Search Guidelines'... Bar Association Says 'Improvements Needed'

[Financial News] The Ministry of Justice has prepared guidelines related to the lawyer search service, which was in a regulatory vacuum, while the Korean Bar Association expressed the need for improvements. They argue that some provisions may restrict the right to choose a lawyer.
The Bar Association issued a statement on the 27th, saying "We agree with the basic intent of the guidelines," but also stated "improvements and revisions are needed."
The Ministry of Justice announced the 'Lawyer Search Service Operation Guidelines' on the same day. The guidelines consist of a total of 20 provisions, stipulating detailed operational standards according to the basic principles of related laws that should not undermine the public nature and fair acceptance order of lawyers.
The Bar Association pointed out, "Allowing search results to be displayed according to platform accumulation indicators may result in some lawyers with high advertising expenses and numerous reviews monopolizing acceptance opportunities, thereby restricting the public's fair right to choose a lawyer."
The Ministry of Justice included a provision stating that 'operators may display objectively verifiable indicators accumulated in the lawyer search service in search results or on linked pages.'
Additionally, they pointed out that the provision of displaying only member or paid member lawyers in search results or sorting them in priority conflicts with the Bar Association's regulations and other provisions of the current guidelines.
They argue that it may fall under 'brokerage or mediation' prohibited by the 'Regulations on Lawyer Advertising', and it conflicts with the guidelines' prohibition of 'acts implying the recommendation of specific lawyers' and 'acts giving the impression of an alliance or interest between operators and lawyers.'
The Bar Association stated, "The act of 'connecting non-lawyers with lawyers and consumers' is a service not permitted by the Lawyer Act, and some legal platforms have continued inappropriate business practices for corporate profit by cleverly exploiting gaps in existing regulations," adding that "such behavior infringes on the public's right to choose a lawyer based on objective and fair information."

jisseo@fnnews.com Minji Seo Reporter