Criminal Defense | LAWFIRM LEAP

When you are under investigation,
no ally is better than someone who once conducted them

POINT 1

We Understand How Investigations Work

Our experience on investigative teams handling violent crime, economic crime, and white-collar offenses gives us a practical understanding of what investigators focus on and how investigations unfold. We translate that insight into a strategy tailored to each case.

POINT 2

Expertise Honed at Leading Law Firms

Drawing on experience gained at leading law firms such as Kim & Chang and Bae, Kim & Lee, we craft written submissions that address the core issues of each case and prepare persuasive courtroom arguments.

POINT 3

Both Managing Partners, Personally Involved Throughout

Every case is personally reviewed by our managing partners, Sunho Ha and Myeongjae Cha. From start to finish, both partners work together to assess the key issues and review the case strategy.

POINT 4

Thorough Analysis of Case Materials and Evidence

We carefully cross-check statements and evidence to verify the facts, examining the case record for inconsistencies and issues that might otherwise be overlooked. We use our findings to substantiate our arguments and build a persuasive case.

POINT 5

A Tailored Strategy at Every Stage

We prepare written submissions and supporting evidence for each stage of the investigation and trial, presenting them at the appropriate time. As the case progresses, we carefully review and refine our guidance on statements and our approach to advocacy.

POINT 6

Strict Confidentiality, from Consultation to Conclusion

We protect our clients’ privacy and sensitive information through private consultation rooms and systematic case-file management. From information shared in consultations to materials obtained during representation, we handle every detail with care and maintain confidentiality even after the case has concluded.

When the Case Differs, So Does the Response

Even for the same charge, preparation depends on the facts, evidence, and investigation stage. Drawing on experience inside investigative agencies, we build a response fitted to your case from the earliest stage.

CRIMINAL

Criminal

The early response
changes the outcome.

In a criminal case, the early investigation, before statements and evidence pile up, is what matters. Intent and knowledge, the nature of the evidence, and restitution decide liability and disposition, so we first find each case's points of dispute.

Timeline ReviewInspect & Copy RecordsAttend QuestioningTrial Advocacy

DRUG

Drugs

Taken lightly,
it turns into heavy liability.

In drug cases, the initial response can greatly change the level of punishment.

Managing Early StatementsLab Result ResponseTreatment & Rehab ReferralSentencing Materials

SEX CRIME

Sex Crimes

We start from the point
where statements diverge.

In sex crime cases, a single statement can decide the outcome, making the initial response especially critical. Consent, intent, and the nature of the evidence determine liability and disposition.

Consent IssuesStatement CredibilityForensic DefenseCollateral Order Review

PROPERTY · CORPORATE

Property · Corporate

In the records,
we find what to contest.

In fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust, and corporate crime, analysis of account records and documents decides the outcome. From countless records, we select and prove what can clear you of the charges.

Document AnalysisComplaint ResponseIndustrial Tech LeaksSerious Accidents

From sorting out the facts to after the disposition,
we respond in 4 steps

STEP 1

Organizing the Facts and Setting Initial Direction

We first lay out the circumstances and relationships, setting an early direction on what to contest and what to concede.

Timeline ReviewInitial ResponseRelationship Review

STEP 2

Evidence & Statement Analysis

We inspect and copy investigation records, weigh the evidence and statement credibility, and prepare written opinions.

Inspect & Copy RecordsStatement AnalysisDrafting Opinions

STEP 3

Strategy Toward Investigators

We join your questioning to read each question's intent and scope your answers, and where settlement is needed, we set its timing and terms.

Attend QuestioningSettlement TalksOpinions by Stage

STEP 4

Trial Defense and Sentencing Materials

After indictment, we handle trial and sentencing materials, then follow through to civil liability once the case ends.

Trial AdvocacySentencing MaterialsCivil Follow-Up

The Members of LEAP

Experience built at investigative agencies and major law firms sets the direction of early response. Attorneys Sun Ho Ha and Myeong Jae Cha review each case in person, start to finish. That is the LEAP way.

LAWYER

Sun Ho HaViolent Crime (Narcotics, Sex Offenses) · Embezzlement / Breach of Trust · Corporate Criminal Litigation · Serious Industrial Accidents

CAREER

2023 - PresentManaging Partner, LAWFIRM LEAP
2021 - 2023Kim & Chang
2019 - 2020Seoul Mapo Police Station
2017 - 2018Personnel Management Bureau, Ministry of Personnel Management
2015 - 2016Police Administration and Human Resources Planning Office, Korean National Police Agency
2014Criminal Investigation Division, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency
2012 - 2014Economic Crime Investigation Team / Violent Crime Investigation Team (Narcotics, Sex Offenses), Seoul Jungbu Police Station
2010 - 2012Korean National Police Agency

EDUCATION · ACTIVITY

Korean National Police University
Sogang University Law School (cum laude)
Instructor, Narcotics Response Team, Seoul Metropolitan Government
Advisory Committee Member, Korean National Police Agency
Commissioner General's Award, Korean National Police Agency (Management of Assembly-Related Offenses)
Commissioner's Award, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (Arrest of Election Offenders)
Commissioner General's Award, Korean National Police Agency (Arrest of Major Offenders)
Commissioner General's Award, Korean National Police Agency (Police Officer Training)
Minister's Award, Ministry of Personnel Management (Advancement of Personnel Administration)
Author of “Investigation Manual for Corruption and Bribery Offenses”

Detailed Profile

LAWYER

Myeong Jae ChaIndustrial Technology Protection · Corporate Criminal Litigation · Violent Crime (Narcotics, Sex Offenses) · Embezzlement / Breach of Trust

CAREER

2023 - PresentManaging Partner, LAWFIRM LEAP
2021 - 2023Bae, Kim & Lee LLC
2015 - 2017Intelligence Bureau, Korean National Police Agency
2014 - 2015Economic Crime Investigation Division, Songpa Police Station
2012 - 2013White-Collar Crime Investigation Team, Songpa Police Station
2010 - 2012Korean National Police Agency

EDUCATION · ACTIVITY

Korean National Police University
Probation Committee Member, Ministry of Justice
Juvenile Guidance Review Committee Member, Songpa and Dongdaemun Police Stations
Minor Offense Review Committee Member, Suseo Police Station
Information Disclosure Review Committee Member, Gangnam and Jongno Police Stations
President's Award, Police Human Resources Development Institute (Top Trainee)
Commissioner's Award, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (Police Officer Training)
Chief's Award, Songpa Police Station (Best Investigation Team)
Chief's Award, Songpa Police Station (Outstanding Investigator)
Chief's Award, Songpa Police Station (Arrest of Key Suspects)

Detailed Profile

View All Members →

The saying that lawyers go silent once retained
does not apply at LEAP

The attorney on your case personally tracks progress, from questioning to post-disposition steps, and explains each development as it comes.

Attorney Assigned Upon Intake

We first confirm the stage and key issues, and the assigned attorney takes the case in person.

Sorting Issues · Evidence

We review the records and statements obtained together, separating issues to contest from points to concede.

Progress Updates

We relay questioning and trial dates and results as they come, so we can prepare the next step together.

Beyond the Disposition

Even after the disposition, we map out remaining procedures and next steps to help you return to daily life.

Directions to LEAP

Address: 8F KM Tower, 16 Seocho-jungang-ro 24-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul(Postal Code 06606) · Exit 4, Seoul National University of Education Station
Main Line: 010-4683-750024-hour phone consultation · Nights and weekends by phone
Office: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Parking: We provide visit directions when you book a consultation.

Naver Map Kakao Map Google Maps

Route — About a 1-Minute Walk

Please confirm your consultation time by phone or online first. We will also tell you what materials to prepare.
Take Exit 4, Seoul National University of Education Station (Lines 2 & 3), and go straight toward Seochojungang-ro 24-gil.
Turn into the side street and go straight to find KM Tower. The address is marked on the front of the building.
Take the elevator to the 8th floor, and we will show you to the consultation room at your scheduled time.

The First
72 Hours
Shape the Outcome

When you are under investigation,
no ally is better than someone who once conducted them

We Understand How Investigations Work

Expertise Honed at Leading Law Firms

Both Managing Partners, Personally Involved Throughout

Thorough Analysis of Case Materials and Evidence

A Tailored Strategy at Every Stage

Strict Confidentiality, from Consultation to Conclusion

When the Case Differs, So Does the Response

Criminal

Drugs

Sex Crimes

Property · Corporate

From sorting out the facts to after the disposition,
we respond in 4 steps

Organizing the Facts and Setting Initial Direction

Evidence & Statement Analysis

Strategy Toward Investigators

Trial Defense and Sentencing Materials

We Prove It with Our Case Records

The Members of LEAP

Sun Ho HaViolent Crime (Narcotics, Sex Offenses) · Embezzlement / Breach of Trust · Corporate Criminal Litigation · Serious Industrial Accidents

CAREER

EDUCATION · ACTIVITY

Myeong Jae ChaIndustrial Technology Protection · Corporate Criminal Litigation · Violent Crime (Narcotics, Sex Offenses) · Embezzlement / Breach of Trust

CAREER

EDUCATION · ACTIVITY

The saying that lawyers go silent once retained
does not apply at LEAP

Attorney Assigned Upon Intake

Sorting Issues · Evidence

Progress Updates

Beyond the Disposition

Directions to LEAP

Route — About a 1-Minute Walk

Now Is the Earliest Moment

The First72 HoursShape the Outcome

When you are under investigation,no ally is better than someone who once conducted them

We Understand How Investigations Work

Expertise Honed at Leading Law Firms

Both Managing Partners, Personally Involved Throughout

Thorough Analysis of Case Materials and Evidence

A Tailored Strategy at Every Stage

Strict Confidentiality, from Consultation to Conclusion

When the Case Differs, So Does the Response

Criminal

Drugs

Sex Crimes

Property · Corporate

From sorting out the facts to after the disposition,we respond in 4 steps

Organizing the Facts and Setting Initial Direction

Evidence & Statement Analysis

Strategy Toward Investigators

Trial Defense and Sentencing Materials

We Prove It with Our Case Records

The Members of LEAP

Sun Ho HaViolent Crime (Narcotics, Sex Offenses) · Embezzlement / Breach of Trust · Corporate Criminal Litigation · Serious Industrial Accidents

CAREER

EDUCATION · ACTIVITY

Myeong Jae ChaIndustrial Technology Protection · Corporate Criminal Litigation · Violent Crime (Narcotics, Sex Offenses) · Embezzlement / Breach of Trust

CAREER

EDUCATION · ACTIVITY

The saying that lawyers go silent once retaineddoes not apply at LEAP

Attorney Assigned Upon Intake

Sorting Issues · Evidence

Progress Updates

Beyond the Disposition

Directions to LEAP

Route — About a 1-Minute Walk

Now Is the Earliest Moment

The First
72 Hours
Shape the Outcome

When you are under investigation,
no ally is better than someone who once conducted them

From sorting out the facts to after the disposition,
we respond in 4 steps

The saying that lawyers go silent once retained
does not apply at LEAP