Sean Hayes has honed his legal and commercial insights over 20+ years across Asia and the U.S. As the go-to counsel for cross-border deals, IP protection, regulatory compliance, and contentious matters for individuals and companies, Sean is known for his street-smart advice and aggressive advocacy. IPG Legal’s attorney, Sean Hayes, was rated the highest ranking by AVVO.
Recognitions & Rankings for Sean Hayes
- Named a Top 100 Lawyer for international and Korean legal expertise by Asia Business Law Journal.
- One of only two non-Korean attorneys recognized as a leading lawyer in Korea by LawAsia.
- His firm, IPG Legal, earned Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year (Korea).
- Holds a perfect 10/10 AVVO rating
- Frequent “Top Attorney” spotlights in arbitration, IP, franchising, litigation, and compliance.
Core Expertise of Sean Hayes
International Dispute Resolution
Represented and advised corporate clients in arbitration and court proceedings across Asia and in New York courts, including multi-million-dollar commercial and trade disputes.
Startup & Franchise Law
Leads IPG’s startup group, advising foreign founders entering Korea on structuring, compliance, licensing, and fundraising.
IP, Employment & Investment
Authored chapters for Thomson Reuters’ Practical Law and Global Legal Insights on franchising, labor, and employment.
Regulatory and Corporate Compliance
Guides clients through local regulatory regimes (FSS, FTC, ministry approvals), customs, tax audits, and corporate governance.
Complex International Legal Disputes for Individuals and Families
Represented and advised individual clients and families on complex international legal disputes involving inheritance, estates, family offices, and family law.
Sean’s guidance in regulatory and corporate compliance is particularly invaluable for multinational companies looking to establish a presence in Korea. His proactive strategies help clients navigate the often-complex environment of local laws, ensuring not only compliance but also the opportunity to leverage legal frameworks for competitive advantage.
Academic & Thought Leadership
In addition to his legal practice, Sean Hayes is deeply invested in the community, often participating in legal workshops and seminars aimed at educating emerging entrepreneurs about their rights and responsibilities. He understands that knowledge is power and seeks to empower individuals and businesses through education, ensuring that they have the tools necessary to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Sean Hayes frequently analyzes global trends that impact international business, providing his clients with insights relevant to their operations. His ability to connect the dots between local legal issues and broader global movements allows him to offer strategic advice that considers both immediate and long-term impacts.
- Former professor at Kookmin University and Seoul National University
- Dean at UPeace (UN-recognized institution)
- Columnist/Ombudsman for The Korea Times.
- Authored numerous scholarly works, including:
- U.S. Political Question Doctrine Defined (American Journal of Constitutional Law, 2015)
- Contributions on Korean constitutional issues, employment frameworks, franchising, and labor law in leading international journals.
- Over 100 articles published in newspapers.
- Gave speeches to the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, MIPCOM, for Bar Associations and at leading trade shows.
In the Media
- Frequent commentator to New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, France 24, and Arirang, especially on U.S.–Korea–China regional issues and business start-up issues.
- Advises a startup incubator helping second‑chance entrepreneurs scale businesses internationally.
Client Testimonials
From his Avvo profile:
“Best lawyer I have ever spoken with. He is strategy focused and a heck of a nice guy. But tough as nails in court.”
“A great international arbitration lawyer … tremendous in advocating for his clients and achieving the best possible outcomes.” Avvo
Why Retain Sean Hayes and IPG Legal?
- Deep legal and business insight and contacts – Korea, China, the Philippines, and the U.S..
- Street-smart advice and aggressive advocacy – non‑conflicted, outcome-driven counsel.
- Global perspective – experience across Asia and North America.
- Academic credibility & real-world execution – scholarly depth and hands-on leadership.
- High rankings – consistently top-rated by peer and client-reviewed authorities.
- Connections – the only non-Korean attorney to work for the Korean court system.
- Reputation and Experience – works with retired senior judges, retired government officials, international lawyers, and top-rated litigators at IPG Legal.
Sean Hayes’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by numerous awards and recognitions over the years. These accolades are a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the high regard in which he is held by both peers and clients. Sean Hayes’s experience and commitment to his clients make him a standout choice for anyone seeking legal guidance in international law matters.
You can schedule a call with Sean Hayes at: Schedule a Call with Sean. To learn more about IPG Legal, please see IPG Legal Law Firm. Sean Hayes offers a free 15-minute consultation and accepts meetings with the media.