Partner
Languages spoken
English | Korean (Conversational)
Sam Song is a partner in the firm’s International Dispute Resolution Practice Group and the head of the firm’s Korea Desk.
He specializes in international commercial arbitration, with a focus on disputes arising out of engineering/construction, infrastructure, hospitality and energy projects. He also frequently advises clients on government investigation/white collar defense and public policy matters.
Sam has extensive experience in arbitrations in the Middle East, as well as Asia and Europe, conducted under ICC, LCIA, DIAC, HKIAC and other institutional rules, as well as ad hoc UNCITRAL rules. He regularly serves as advocate in arbitration and advises clients on the enforcement or annulment of international arbitral awards.
Sam represents parties on disputes arising from major projects, including oil and gas facilities, major international airports, rail systems, water/power plants, roads and highways, as well as commercial/residential developments. His clients include governments, developers, manufacturers, design/architecture firms, utilities, contractors and subcontractors/suppliers. He also acts as project counsel, advising clients on contract negotiation and project execution-related work, as well as assisting clients manage potential disputes efficiently and effectively, or avoid them outright.
In addition to his construction and arbitration work, Sam works with the firm’s Government Investigations & White Collar Practice Group in advising clients on matters relating to white collar defense, regulatory enforcement, government or internal investigations, economic sanctions, money laundering and bank/securities fraud. He also works with the firm’s Public Policy Practice Group in advising clients on matters relating to public policy strategy.
Before joining the firm, Sam worked in leading international firms in Dubai and London, and at the office of the Los Angeles County District Attorney.
Advising, representing and acting for:
International construction equipment and services provider in an LCIA arbitration arising out of a services agreement in the Middle East
Developer in an ICC arbitration arising out of a hospitality agreement in Europe
Software company in an ICC arbitration arising out of a software licensing agreement
Government entity in a major rail development project in the Middle East
Joint venture contractor in an ICC arbitration with a government entity concerning the delay and variations arising out of a rail project in Middle East
Conglomerate in Central Asia in respect of an internal investigation in relation to compliance with sanctions
International conglomerate in an LCIA arbitration arising with its joint venture partner in a rail project in the Middle East
Multinational bank in an internal investigation in relation to OFAC sanctions
Government entity in an arbitration arising out of a military equipment servicing facility in the Middle East
Government entity in a dispute with the main contractor arising out of a power plant project in the Middle East
International oil and gas developer in a dispute arising from a major project in Australia
Major developer in Saudi Arabia in an ICC arbitration with the main contractor arising from a power plant project
Government entity in the Middle East in an ad hoc arbitration with its contractor arising from a construction project for water distribution network
Government entity in the Middle East in an ad hoc arbitration with its engineer arising from a consultancy agreement in an airport construction project
Employer in a dispute arising out of an LNG pipe construction project in Mexico
International accounting firm conducting an investigation into a member firm in East Asia for allegations concerning bribery, independence and insider trading issues
Hong Kong private equity firm in a tortious fraud and misrepresentation case arising from an M&A transaction of a Korean target company
Contractor in a dispute against its joint venture partner concerning funding and payment in relation to a water storage facility construction project in Abu Dhabi
Joint venture contractor in relation to a significant disputed final account concerning the construction of a major transport project in Dubai
Contractor in relation to a significant dispute concerning the delay and variations arising out of a major transport construction project in Qatar
Joint-venture contractor in relation to an arbitration with the employer of a dispute arising from a construction project in Algeria
Government entity in an ICC arbitration with respect to a dispute over defects and delay arising out of a power and water purchase agreement in relation to a multibillion-dollar power and water facility
Developer in drafting an amendment agreement in relation to an ongoing real estate construction project in Dubai