Christopher J. Lee

A native South Korean and first-chair trial lawyer in U.S. Court, Christopher Jumin Lee offers clients top-flight advocacy combined with a unique ability to bridge disparate business cultures.

Recognized as a Southern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine for three consecutive years (2022–2024), Chris has earned a reputation from clients both in the U.S. and from his native Korea for handling high-stakes, complex disputes. In 2022, Chris obtained a complete defense judgment in a copyright infringement case on behalf of several prominent Korean media companies – including Kakao Entertainment, Genie Music, and NHN – and later successfully defeated the Plaintiff’s Ninth Circuit appeal. In 2024, Chris represented a Korean-American apparel supplier in a two-month jury trial against troubled multi-level marketing company LuLaRoe, ultimately securing a $164 million verdict in his client’s favor. 

Other recent representations include Samsung Electronics, SBS, MBC, TV Chosun, TJ Media, Keum Young, and HTX (formerly Huobi). 

Chris also specializes in cutting-edge disputes involving the blockchain industry. His work includes multiple successful lawsuits to recover investor assets lost to fraudulent ICOs, rug-pull schemes, and security exploits. Chris also represents executives from major cryptocurrency firms in both civil litigation as well as regulatory proceedings.

Beyond his commercial practice, Chris maintains an active pro bono docket and is a vocal advocate for many causes. His commentary on social and political issues in Korea has been featured by international media, including BBC and The Economist, as well as major Korean outlets such as Donga Ilbo, TBS, Ohymynews, and Korea Pro. His widely-read book on equal rights legislation in South Korea has been cited by legislators arguing in support of a comprehensive anti-discrimination bill.

Since 2019, Chris has represented a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and human rights activist in extradition proceedings connected to an alleged attempt to rescue defectors from the North Korean embassy in Madrid. In 2021, he received the ACLU’s Humanitarian Award for his role in securing emergency relief for incarcerated persons during a massive COVID-19 outbreak in California’s federal prisons. 

Before practicing the law, Chris worked as an Air Force intelligence officer and high school teacher. He graduated cum laude from Harvard College and Harvard Law School, and was a judicial intern for the Hon. James E. Boasberg in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.