Law Firms Ride the Wave of Mega Projects... From Sector-Specific Teams to One-Stop Advisory [Law Firm NOW]

[Financial News] As cutting-edge industries such as AI, data centers and semiconductors move into so-called mega projects with government support, the legal sector is also benefiting from the boom. Law firms have responded by creating specialized teams for each field and offering services ranging from legal advice to tax planning and site selection. As companies seek more legal guidance, advisory work at law firms continues to grow. They are also building one-stop advisory systems and assigning experts to prepare for changes in the industrial landscape.
According to the legal sector on the 28th, law firms are launching dedicated teams to handle industries such as AI, data centers and semiconductors, which are being promoted jointly by the government and companies.
Companies are asking law firms for advice on issues such as eligibility to participate in projects and the likelihood of receiving subsidies or policy financing, trends in special legislation related to semiconductors and AI data centers, site selection and industrial complex development procedures, and ways to secure power and water. One law firm official said, "In particular, companies involved in AI data centers and semiconductor clusters are highly interested in whether fast-track permitting can be applied, the scope of eased environmental, land and energy regulations, and power procurement strategies such as direct renewable PPA use."
Kim & Chang, the industry leader, launched a task force in June to respond to national advanced industries and is currently operating it. In addition to the firm’s existing teams covering semiconductors, AI and energy, experts from finance, environment and real estate, as well as former officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, have joined to provide integrated advice. Based on its experience advising on large-scale national advanced industry projects such as the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster and the National AI Computing Center, the firm plans to address legal issues that may arise throughout future projects.
Pacific Ocean is focusing on AI data centers and digital infrastructure projects through its AI Infrastructure Strategy Center, which was launched this year. The center provides one-stop legal services across the entire project cycle, from data center development and domestic and overseas investment and M&A to power procurement, construction and operating contracts, as well as privacy and cybersecurity. Drawing on this expertise, the center is handling advisory work in the AI infrastructure sector, including KKR's investment advice on SK Ulsan AI Data Center.
Mercy for None has launched a Tech & AI team after expanding and reorganizing its existing teams. The team includes more than 100 experts, not only lawyers but also former regulators, and is regarded as the largest AI-focused organization among domestic law firms. It includes specialists in AI as well as data, IT, digital finance and trade. In fact, the firm said demand for AI-related advice has surged over the past six months. A representative example is the SK Group's Ulsan AI Data Center project, which Mercy for None handled. It is a mega project in which Amazon is investing more than 500 billion won on its own.
Sejong operates an integrated advisory system built around collaboration among specialized groups in areas such as the AI Center, trade and industrial policy, project energy and real estate alternative investment. It provides one-stop advice that covers the entire project, from reviewing policy and regulatory issues at the early stages of a business to site selection and government support. The firm said it is also considering operating a dedicated task force to strengthen cross-sector collaboration in preparation for a full-scale rollout of national projects. Sejong is currently continuing legal advice not only on a lawsuit over an LNG combined-cycle power project permit for power supply to the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster, but also on data center development projects for domestic and foreign companies including Samsung C&T Corporation, Smilegate, Atis and Warburg Pincus.
Yulchon has also set up separate teams for mega projects, AI data response and IP & Tech convergence to support corporate clients. The firm has signed advisory contracts with several companies that have entered Solaseado, a corporate city in South Jeolla Province selected as a candidate site for the national AI computing center. It is also handling data centers for SK Broadband, including spin-offs and new external investment, while advising on numerous national strategic industries and advanced strategic technologies. In addition, it continues to advise on core sectors such as advanced technology and defense technology for clients including Enovix, Korea Zinc Co., Ltd. and Mobile Tactical Cannon program.
One Law Partners, which has been growing rapidly in size, has also launched a specialized team for the data center industry. The firm said it has built a system centered on eight areas, including site selection and permitting, power and grid connection, project financing and taxation.
Law firms plan to reorganize their systems once again when these projects get on track. As client demand becomes more diverse and continues to rise sharply, they are seeking to evolve into integrated advisory platforms that can cover multiple fields.

[email protected] Jeong Kyung-soo Reporter