Insights | Kobre & Kim — Disputes and Investigations

Publications June 29, 2021

Edward Bibko on Global General Counsel Role in Interview with Corporate Counsel

Touching on his new role at Kobre & Kim, environmental and diversity initiatives, the future of the legal industry and more, Kobre & Kim global general counsel Edward Bibko sat down with Corporate Counsel for an in-depth interview.

Publications June 24, 2021

Benjamin Sauter, Evelyn Sheehan and Amanda Tuminelli in Brave New Coin: Fighting the U.S. Government in Crypto Cases

The U.S. government relies on an aggressive playbook to police digital asset markets. With the IRS recently serving subpoenas on two major cryptocurrency exchanges to identify users, individuals with substantial digital-asset wealth should understand the playbook from front to back to protect their liberty and wealth. Kobre & Kim’s Benjamin Sauter, Evelyn Sheehan and Amanda Tuminelli outline how they can defend themselves in an article for Brave New Coin.

Publications June 17, 2021

Benjamin Sauter Examines Miami as a Digital Currency Hub in Cointelegraph

With the recent hosting of the Bitcoin 2021 conference, the sprinkling of bitcoin ATMs in the city and even the mayor’s proposal to accept taxes paid in digital currency, could Miami become a digital currency hub? Kobre & Kim’s Benjamin Sauter shared his thoughts when he recently spoke with Cointelegraph.

Publications June 14, 2021

Michael Kim and Daniel Lee Detail South Korean Extradition Laws for Global Investigations Review

Writing in Global Investigations Review’s “GIR Know How: Extradition” guide, Kobre & Kim’s founding partner Michael Kim and Seoul-based lawyer Daniel Lee detail the current landscape and legal requirements for extradition from South Korea.

Publications June 14, 2021

William McGovern and Chang Liu on Obtaining Post-COVID-19 Vaccination Compassionate Release in New York Law Journal

The high risk of COVID-19 infection and death in U.S. federal prisons has led to a wave of court decisions granting prisoners compassionate release under the 2018 First Step Act (FSA). However, with the proliferation of highly effective vaccines, is this door now closed? Pointing to a recent case, Kobre & Kim’s William McGovern and Chang Liu say not yet in an article for New York Law Journal.

Publications June 14, 2021

Calvin Koo Speaks With Financial Times on the Risks of HNWIs Allocating Investments into Digital Currency

The meteoric rise of bitcoin and other digital currencies have made millionaires out of early investors and are attracting many ultra-high-net-worth (UHWN) individuals to join the fray. Kobre & Kim’s Calvin Koo recently sat down with the Financial Times to discuss the trend and the risks.

Publications June 2, 2021

Global GC Edward Bibko on New Role, Leadership and the Legal Profession in Corporate Counsel Business Journal Q&A

Kobre & Kim’s global general counsel Edward Bibko sat down with Corporate Counsel Business Journal for a Q&A on his new role at the firm, his leadership style and his observations of the legal profession.

Publications June 1, 2021

Robin Baik & Daniel Lee Unpack Korea’s Anti-Money Laundering Regime in 2021

Writing in a chapter of the International Comparative Legal Guide’s “Anti-Money Laundering 2021,” Kobre & Kim’s Robin Baik and Daniel Lee, both based in Seoul, explore the landscape of anti-money laundering laws and regulations in Korea.

Client Alert May 26, 2021

When Investments Lead to Investigations: Navigating Korea’s Disclosure Rules for Foreign Investors

South Korea is an attractive destination for investors in private equity and venture capital, but the country’s changing disclosure rules could risk a drawn-out government investigation.
Recent changes, designed to relax disclosure for most investors, adds complexity that could be used by the government against international investors to protect domestic companies.
International parties investing in a Korean company can and should anticipate this risk in a way that maintains both independence and confidentiality.

Client Alert May 26, 2021

Dissolving a Delaware-Registered Joint Venture: A Key Pressure Tactic in Joint Venture Disputes

For parties embroiled in contentious joint-venture disputes, it is advantageous but challenging to find new ways to exert pressure on a counterparty.
If the counterparty is registered in Delaware, however, a pursuing a dissolution proceeding there can prove to be a decisive way to gain leverage.
As our Claim Monetization & Dilution team explains, this tactic saved a client in a recent case valuable time and money in reaching a favorable settlement.

Client Alert May 26, 2021

How SPAC Sponsors Can Protect Themselves and their Investments in a Cooling Market

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (“SPACs”) can provide sponsors—often high-net-worth individuals—with large returns.
However, SPACs are not without their risks—there are growing signals the market may be cooling, which could lead to litigation and government enforcement.
SPAC sponsors and advisors should prepare early in order to reduce their potential exposure.

Publications May 24, 2021

Could NFTs Trigger AML Regulation? Benjamin Sauter, Melisa Ortes Gonzalez and Lara Levinson Examine in Forkast News

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are the latest digital technology trend, but they may not be beyond regulatory oversight. Kobre & Kim’s Benjamin Sauter, Melisa Ortes Gonzalez and Lara Levinson unpack the potential traps in an article for Forkast News.

Publications May 19, 2021

Danielle Rose, Steven Perlstein and Zachary Rosenbaum on Contractual Disputes Triggered by the End of LIBOR

With the end of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) looming, contractual counterparties should prepare for disputes regarding “fallback” interest rates.

Publications May 18, 2021

Benjamin Sauter in WIRED: Can a Tweet be Considered Market Manipulation?

Tesla founder Elon Musk’s tweets have the power to send bitcoin prices crashing and Dogecoin prices soaring. But with Tesla sitting on a pile of bitcoin, some are asking whether Musk’s tweets amount to illegal manipulation.

Publications April 26, 2021

Michael Kim and CSO Gary Singer Speak with American Lawyer on Kobre & Kim’s Approach to Strategy

In an interview with The American Lawyer, Kobre & Kim co-founder Michael Kim and Chief Strategy Officer Gary Singer discuss the impact that strategic leadership from talent outside of the legal services industry can have on a law firm’s growth trajectory.