Draft:Nicholas Howon Park

Nicholas Howon Park (born December 25, 1974) is an attorney and the Chair of the Global Board of Dentons – the world’s largest global law firm.. Park also serves as senior managing attorney at Dentons Lee in South Korea. Park was previously managing partner of Lee International Law Group prior to its combination with Dentons and is a well-known specialist in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and entertainment

Park is recognized for being involved in a number of philanthropic activities including serving as director of the Snail of Love, founder and director of the Sundukwon Concours d’Elegance, director of the Sunfull Foundation, host committee member of Frieze Seoul, and former director of the Korea Rugby Union.

Education

• American University Kogod School of Business, 2003, M.B.A.
• American University Washington College of Law, 2002, J.D.

• Lafayette College, 1997, B.A.
• Seoul Foreign School, 1993

Business Career

Park began his career working at Doosan Corporation working as a restructuring specialist during the Asian Financial Crisis.  During his time at Doosan, Park interacted with a wide variety of attorneys which inspired him to go to law school and become an attorney.  After working in Washington, DC, Hong Kong, and Paris, Park returned to Korea where he worked for Lee International Law Group later combining with Dentons in 2020.  In 2023, Park was elected by the global advisory committee of Dentons to serve as Global Chair from 2023 to 2026 replacing Xuefeng Peng of China who served in the position in the term prior.

Personal Life

Park is married to entrepreneur and music producer Yujin Lee and together they have two daughters.  Park is a grandchild of Seung-jik Park, founder of Doosan Group.

Other Activities

Park serves as the Vice Chair of Chevalier du Tastevin, Korea Chapter, Chairman of the American University Alumni Association Korea Chapter, Director of Kogod School of Business Advisory Council, Host Committee Member, Frieze Seoul, Chair of Sponsorship committee of Sunfull Foundation, and Director of the Sundukwon Concours d’Elegance.

Awards and Honors

1.Korea Super 30 Lawyers, Asian Legal Business (Thomson Reuters), 2022:

In 2022, Nicholas received the prestigious Korea Super 30 Lawyers recognition from Asian Legal Business, a distinction based solely on client recommendations and ALB surveys. A client praised him, stating, "Nick’s success and connections are so impressive that I believe he is an asset to anyone who has the opportunity to work with him. His honor, respect, and professionalism are unmatched."

2.Young Leader Award by Korea American Association, 2020:

Nicholas was honored with the Young Leader Award in 2020 by the Korea American Association, the largest and oldest foundation promoting Korea and American relations.

3.Minister Award by Minister of Justice, 2019:

Recognized for upholding the rights of the underprivileged in the online community and working with the Sunfull Foundation, which denounces online hate speech and negative comments while promoting the positive use of the Internet.

4.Minister Award by Minister of Health and Welfare, 2018:

Acknowledged for charitable works benefiting orphaned children. Nicholas raised over $10 million in donations to orphanages across Korea within nine years through the creation, hosting, and operation of charity events.

5.Special Advisor to Commissioner of Korea Communication Commission, 2013:

Served as a special advisor to the Commissioner of the Korea Communication Commission in 2013.