A Common Challenge: When a contract dispute arises with a business partner in Southeast Asia, an intellectual property issue surfaces in Europe, or a regulatory question emerges in Latin America, the first challenge is always the same: how do you find a trusted local lawyer in a foreign country? Internet searches alone cannot verify a firm’s competence or reliability. That is exactly where global legal networks make a decisive difference.
Key Answer: Atlas Legal in South Korea is a member of two global legal networks: ADVOC (90+ firms across 70+ countries) and the JTJB Global Network (9 countries). Together, these networks provide access to vetted local law firms worldwide with no referral fees, covering corporate, dispute resolution, shipping, IP, real estate, employment, and tax matters.
Why Two Global Legal Networks?
This article is based on publicly available information from the ADVOC official website (advoc.com) and the JTJB official website (jtjb.com).
ADVOC was founded in 1989 by Ashfords LLP in England as a European network of independent law firms. It expanded to Asia in 1994, Latin America and the Caribbean in 2003, and North America in 2010, growing into one of the largest independent law firm networks in the world. The JTJB Global Network, built around Singapore’s Joseph Tan Jude Benny LLP (established in 1988), brings specialized expertise in shipping, maritime, and international trade law, with particular strength across the Asia Pacific region. Atlas Legal is the only law firm in South Korea that belongs to both networks, enabling clients to access the most suitable local counsel for any international legal matter.
1. What Is ADVOC?
ADVOC is a global network of independent law firms where each member is selected for its extensive experience in commercial law within its jurisdiction. A distinguishing feature of ADVOC is that no referral fees or commissions are charged when member firms introduce clients to one another.
ADVOC Practice Groups
| Practice Group |
Key Areas |
| Corporate, Banking & Finance |
Company formation, M&A, investment advisory, financial regulation |
| Dispute Resolution |
Litigation, arbitration, mediation |
| Employment and HR |
Employment law, labor relations, HR compliance |
| IP and Tech |
Intellectual property, technology law, data protection |
| Real Estate |
Property transactions, development, leasing |
| Shipping and Maritime |
Maritime law, shipping, logistics |
| Tax |
Tax advisory, tax disputes, international tax planning |
History of ADVOC
ADVOC was established in 1989 by Ashfords LLP in England as a cooperative network for European law firms. The trade mark was registered in 1990, and Advoc Limited was incorporated in 1991. The Asia Chapter was founded in 1994, followed by the Latin America and Caribbean Chapter in 2003 and the North America Chapter in 2010. Today, ADVOC comprises more than 90 member firms across over 70 countries on five continents, and is recognized by Chambers as a leading international legal network.
2. What Is the JTJB Global Network?
The JTJB Global Network is an international legal network built around Joseph Tan Jude Benny LLP (JTJB), an award-winning law firm established in Singapore in 1988. JTJB is recognized by Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, and Asialaw for its expertise in shipping and maritime law, international trade, and dispute resolution.
JTJB Areas of Expertise
| Practice Area |
Key Areas |
| Shipping, International Trade and Logistics |
Maritime disputes, cargo claims, charterparty disputes, trade finance |
| Dispute Resolution |
Commercial litigation, arbitration |
| Conveyancing & Real Estate |
Property transactions, development |
| Corporate & Commercial |
Company formation, M&A, commercial advisory |
| Regulatory & Compliance |
Regulatory compliance, government investigations |
The JTJB Global Network spans 9 countries with a strong focus on the Asia Pacific region. JTJB itself is also the Singapore member of ADVOC, making the two networks complementary. Atlas Legal in South Korea serves as the Korean member of both networks.
3. ADVOC Member Firms in Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific region is one of ADVOC’s most diverse chapters, covering East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East since the Asia Chapter was founded in 1994.
Australia
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Colin Biggers & Paisley |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping |
| Cooper Grace Ward |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Tax |
| McWilliams Davis Lawyers |
– |
| Norman Waterhouse Lawyers |
Employment |
Bangladesh
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| A.S & Associates |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Tax |
China
| Firm |
Location |
Practice Groups |
| Fred Kan & Co |
Hong Kong |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Tax |
| Jincheng Tongda & Neal Law Firm |
Beijing |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
| Shanghai United Law Firm |
Shanghai |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
| Zhuoxin Law Firm |
Guangzhou |
Dispute Resolution |
Fiji
India
Indonesia
Japan
South Korea
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Atlas Legal |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Real Estate |
Kuwait
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| NEN Law Firm |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
Malaysia
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Cheang & Ariff |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
Myanmar
New Zealand
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Hesketh Henry |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Real Estate, Shipping |
Philippines
Singapore
Sri Lanka
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| D N Thurairajah & Co. |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
Thailand
United Arab Emirates
Vietnam
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Sonnan Law |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Tax |
4. ADVOC Member Firms in Europe
Europe is where ADVOC was born and remains the chapter with the most member firms. The network covers nearly every major jurisdiction from Western Europe to Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean.
Austria
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Aschmann & Pfandl |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Tax |
Belgium
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| KMS Partners |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Tax |
Bulgaria
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| AP Law Firm |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Tax |
Croatia
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Macesic & Partners |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
Cyprus
Czech Republic
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| UEPA |
Corporate, Employment, IP, Real Estate |
Denmark
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| INTERLEX Advokater |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate |
Estonia
England
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Ashfords LLP |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
Finland
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Lindblad & Co |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Tax |
France
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| AVOXA |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Tax |
| Cornet Vincent Segurel |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
| Ydes |
Corporate, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Tax |
Germany
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Dr. Schackow & Partner |
Corporate, Employment, Real Estate, Shipping |
| SELTING Attorneys at Law |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, IP |
| SEUFERT RECHTSANWALTE |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping |
| Snuszka Herzog Unternehmeranwalte |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate |
Gibraltar
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| ISOLAS |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| J.W. O’Donovan |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Real Estate |
Israel
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| RNC |
Real Estate, Tax |
Italy
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| COCUZZA |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate |
| Palma Boria |
Tax |
Latvia
Lithuania
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| EUROLEX |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
Luxembourg
Malta
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| GTG |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, IP, Shipping |
Netherlands
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Boels Zanders NV |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate |
| Brantjes Advocaten |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate |
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Scotland
Serbia
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Law Office Milosevic |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping |
Slovakia
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| UEPA (Bratislava) |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate |
Slovenia
Spain
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| AF Tax & Legal, S.L. |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Tax |
| Ceca Magan Abogados |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
| Ilagoson International Lawyers |
– |
Sweden
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| MORE Evander KB |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP |
Switzerland
Turkey
5. ADVOC Member Firms in Africa
ADVOC provides coverage across key African economies including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco, enabling businesses with interests on the continent to access trusted local legal counsel.
Cameroon
Egypt
Kenya
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| CFL Advocates |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Tax |
Morocco
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| I&I Law Firm |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
Nigeria
South Africa
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Adams & Adams |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Tax |
Zambia
6. ADVOC Member Firms in Latin America & the Caribbean
The Latin America and Caribbean Chapter, established in 2003, covers major jurisdictions across South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. This network is valuable for South Korean businesses expanding into or resolving disputes in the region.
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Nassar Abogados |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Real Estate, Shipping |
Dominican Republic
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| MESA ABOGADOS |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, IP, Real Estate, Shipping |
Ecuador
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Apolo Abogados |
Corporate, Employment, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
Mexico
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela
7. ADVOC Member Firms in North America
The North America Chapter was established in 2010, providing coverage for the United States.
United States
| Firm |
Practice Groups |
| Robinson & Cole LLP |
Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP, Real Estate, Shipping, Tax |
8. JTJB Global Network Member Firms
The JTJB Global Network is built around Joseph Tan Jude Benny LLP in Singapore and spans 9 countries across Asia, Europe, and North America. The network has particular strength in shipping, maritime, and international trade law.
| Country |
City |
Firm |
Website |
| Singapore |
Singapore |
Joseph Tan Jude Benny LLP (JTJB) |
jtjb.com |
| South Korea |
Incheon |
Atlas Legal |
atlaw.kr |
| Malaysia |
Kuala Lumpur |
Rahayu Partnership |
rahayupartnership.com |
| Indonesia |
Jakarta |
Hadromi & Partners Law Firm |
hadromi.com |
| Taiwan |
Taipei |
JTJB Taipei |
– |
| Thailand |
Bangkok |
JTJB International Lawyers Co Ltd |
jtjb.co.th |
| Greece |
Piraeus |
P. N Karydakis & Partners Law Offices |
pklaw.gr |
| United States |
Los Angeles (Costa Mesa) |
McKasson & Klein LLP |
mckassonklein.com |
| Germany |
Hamburg / Munich |
Endemann.Schmidt |
es-law.de |
A notable advantage of the JTJB Network is its coverage of Taiwan (Taipei), which is not included in the ADVOC network. Countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Germany, Greece, Thailand, and the United States are covered by both networks, giving clients the flexibility to choose the most suitable local firm based on their specific legal needs.
9. How to Access International Legal Services Through Atlas Legal in South Korea
As a member of both ADVOC and the JTJB Global Network, Atlas Legal in South Korea can connect you with the most suitable local law firm based on your jurisdiction and the nature of your legal issue.
Which Network Should You Use?
| Situation |
Recommended Network |
Reason |
| Legal issues in Europe, Africa, or Latin America |
ADVOC |
Extensive member firms across these regions |
| Shipping, maritime, or international trade disputes |
JTJB Network |
Specialized shipping and maritime network |
| Southeast Asian investment or company formation |
ADVOC + JTJB |
Both networks have Southeast Asian member firms |
| Legal matters involving Taiwan |
JTJB Network |
ADVOC has no Taiwan member; JTJB has a Taipei office |
| Multi-jurisdictional cross-border disputes |
ADVOC |
Coverage across 70+ countries |
How It Works
Simply contact Atlas Legal in Incheon, South Korea. After understanding your jurisdiction and legal issue, we will identify the most appropriate network and local law firm, and introduce you directly to the relevant lawyer. There are no referral fees charged between ADVOC member firms, so you only pay the standard fees of the local firm providing the service.
10. FAQ
Q1. What is the ADVOC global legal network?
A. ADVOC is a global network of independent law firms founded in 1989 by Ashfords LLP in the United Kingdom. It spans over 70 countries across five continents with more than 90 member firms. No referral fees or commissions are charged for client introductions between member firms.
Q2. What is the JTJB Global Network?
A. The JTJB Global Network is an international legal network centered on Joseph Tan Jude Benny LLP (JTJB) in Singapore, spanning 9 countries across Asia, Europe, and North America. It specializes in shipping, international trade, dispute resolution, and corporate law.
Q3. Which firm represents South Korea in the ADVOC and JTJB networks?
A. Atlas Legal is the official South Korea member firm of both ADVOC and the JTJB Global Network. Located in Songdo, Incheon, the firm provides international legal services in corporate law, dispute resolution, and real estate.
Q4. Are there referral fees when using the global legal network?
A. No referral fees or commissions are charged for client introductions between ADVOC member firms. Clients only pay the standard fees of the local law firm providing the legal services.
Q5. How many countries are covered by both networks combined?
A. ADVOC covers over 70 countries and the JTJB Network covers 9 countries. Combined, with some overlap, you can access local legal services in over 70 countries worldwide. Notably, Taiwan is covered only by the JTJB Network, complementing ADVOC’s coverage.
Q6. What is the difference between ADVOC and the JTJB Network?
A. ADVOC is a large-scale global network with 90+ firms across 70+ countries operating through 7 practice groups. The JTJB Network is a more focused network centered on Singapore with particular strength in shipping, maritime, and international trade law across Asia Pacific. Atlas Legal in South Korea is a member of both networks, providing complementary coverage.
Q7. How can I access international legal services through Atlas Legal in South Korea?
A. Contact Atlas Legal in Incheon, South Korea. The firm will identify the most appropriate network and local law firm based on your jurisdiction and legal issue, and connect you directly with the relevant lawyer at no referral fee.
As a member of both ADVOC and the JTJB Global Network, Atlas Legal in South Korea connects clients with vetted local law firms across more than 70 countries. Whether you need assistance with international transactions, shipping and maritime disputes, or cross-border legal matters, we are ready to help you find the right local counsel.
This article is based on publicly available information from the ADVOC official website (advoc.com) and the JTJB official website (jtjb.com) as of February 2026. Member firm listings and practice areas are subject to change. Please visit the respective official websites for the latest information.
About the Author
Taejin Kim | Managing Partner
Corporate Advisory, Corporate Disputes, White-Collar Crime
Former Prosecutor | 33rd class, Judicial Research and Training Institute
LL.B, LL.M. in Criminal Law (Korea University), LL.M. (University of California, Davis)
Atlas Legal | Incheon Songdo, South Korea
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