Sharing warmth with hands that once wrote legal documents... D&A LLC 'Daon' [After School Legal Professionals 3]

[Financial News] Even for a lawyer handling construction disputes, preparing simple ingredients was an unfamiliar task. This was when Attorney Jeon Jae-gi of the Construction and Real Estate Team, Litigation Group 2 at D&A LLC Law Firm, first participated in meal service as a member of the volunteer club 'Daon.' Having almost no experience cooking, he recalled that he was clumsy even when it came to trimming the ingredients. The sight of the volunteers filling the site, even on a weekday, also felt like a new experience.
The words of an elderly volunteer I met there lingered in my mind. He, who volunteers at least once a week, spoke to the effect that while it feels like he is helping others, he actually receives even greater happiness in return. The sense of fulfillment Attorney Jeon feels while continuing his volunteering aligns with this sentiment: the feeling of being a helpful presence to others.
Attorney Jeon, who serves as the chairman of Daon, was also busy at work during a bread-making volunteer activity on August 29. Participating in the Korean Red Cross’s "Sharing Bread of Love," he sifted flour and shaped red bean paste into balls for the sweet red bean buns. He also took charge of dividing the dough into uniform sizes, filling them with red bean paste, and shaping the bread. On that day, 17 employees from D&A LLC gathered to make sweet red bean buns and cupcakes, which were then delivered to vulnerable groups and child welfare facilities.
The bread-making process was not merely a leisurely experience. A large quantity had to be completed within a set time. Attorney Jung Yu-jin, a coordinator at Daon, recalled, "The most memorable moment was the delightful one where everyone moved in perfect coordination under the guidance of the 'scary teaching assistant.'" After the dough, baking, and packaging were finished, they even worked together on washing dishes and cleaning up.
In the process, sides of colleagues rarely seen in the office were revealed. Senior lawyers, usually reserved in their work, donned aprons and sweated it out. Some moved heavy dough and molds, while others skillfully prepared ingredients. Helpers also stepped forward to take on the dishwashing and menial tasks first. People who were usually busy with their own work came together to lend a helping hand to one another.
The image of a colleague at the coal briquette distribution site also stayed with Attorney Jeon. He was moved by the sight of an elderly lawyer diligently carrying briquettes despite the physical strain, and saw the face of a caring parent in an employee who usually appeared gruff but looked after their children with affection.
Daon was founded with the idea of ​​creating such gatherings more frequently. D&A LLC had already been engaged in volunteer activities, such as environmental cleanup and coal briquette distribution. Attorney Jeong and others planned the club to expand these activities into more diverse and sustainable endeavors. Daon, which held its inaugural general meeting on June 20, 2025, currently has 30 members. The name combines 'ON,' signifying turning on the volunteer switch, with '溫,' meaning warmth.
Attorney Jeong, a lawyer on the Family and Inheritance Team and the secretary of the Public Interest Committee, is also responsible for free legal counseling for victims of domestic violence and legal education for youth. At Daon, Jeong takes on the role of preparing and connecting activities to enable members to easily participate in on-site volunteering. She recognized the need for a space where interested individuals could gather first and build bonds, moving beyond the practice of simply sending announcements to all employees.
For Attorney Jeon as well, the club lowered the barrier to participation. Although Jeon had never volunteered alone, the club's efforts to find activities to join made it much easier to step forward with colleagues.
Attorney Jeong, who is preparing the gathering, also has concerns. Before recruiting participants, Jeong wonders, "What if there aren't enough applicants?". However, the staff members were the first to raise their hands and encouraged other colleagues and acquaintances to join. These are moments when the person encouraging recruitment actually gains strength from the members' enthusiastic response.
The same was true for the first bazaar prepared jointly by the Public Interest Committee and Daon last year. Employees donated items, and on the day of the event, customers began lining up in the morning. The proceeds were used to help neighbors. As the end of the year approached, employees were the first to express their anticipation for the next event, saying, "Let's definitely hold it again this year."
The stories gathered at the volunteer site continue even after returning to the office. In the hallway or elevator, Jeong asks colleagues, "Did you sign up for the upcoming Autism Race?" or "Are you going to the next baking volunteer event?" Through brief greetings, shared experiences and future plans have been established. Attorney Jung stated, "The scope of conversation in my work life has broadened, and my relationships with colleagues have become much more comfortable."
The corporation provides financial and practical support to enable members to contribute their time and helping hands. Activities are planned in conjunction with the Public Interest Committee, and Public Interest Manager Ha Eun-young assists with preparation and execution. The corporation also covers the cost of baking ingredients and post-activity meal expenses. The participation fees for employees in the 'Autism Race,' scheduled for October 31, are also supported by corporate social contribution donations.
Daon is not the only club at D&A LLC that fosters social interaction outside of work. 'DA SINGLEBUNGLE,' a screen sports club chaired by Attorney Lee Wang-min, has 55 members and holds a screen golf tournament once a month. 'DA:RUN,' led by Attorney Cho Yong-ki, is a group with 52 members who participate in regular running and marathon events. The spectator club 'DA Rak Bang,' chaired by Managing Partner Lee Kyu-chul, has 50 members who enjoy sports matches, movies, performances, and exhibitions together. Although their interests may differ, they all share the common goal of creating time to spend with colleagues.
Daon is also preparing for its next activities. Following the Autism Race, which involves employees and their families, they plan to continue the bread sharing initiative and attempt a kimchi-making volunteer activity at the end of the year. Attorney Jeong said that the cost of ingredients and physical strain must be considered, but hopes to proceed with the initiative with the members' support.
Attorney Jeon also looked forward to the next volunteer activity, noting that there were still many things he had not yet tried. When asked what kind of work he would like to do together, he gave an answer befitting a lawyer handling construction cases.
Since it is a job that requires using your head, I think it would be even better if it involved physical work.
[email protected] Yoo Seon-jun Reporter