Five Years Out: Mark Kim JD/MBA ’20

Associate, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Describe your current position. What are the challenges? And what do you like the most about it?

I practice corporate law with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, advising clients on transactions ranging from middle-market deals to large-scale acquisitions. In addition to traditional M&A work, I have developed strong experience in working on special situations, including distressed companies, restructurings, and unusual financing challenges. These deals rarely follow a predictable playbook, and they have taught me to approach problems with innovation and judgment that goes beyond standard transactional work.

Challenges are inherent in any transaction. Clients turn to attorneys to anticipate issues and risks, navigate complexity, and find solutions that move a deal forward. I see this as an opportunity to dive into new industries and businesses. I enjoy learning about different business models and understanding how companies operate, generate revenue, and fit into the broader market.

Is there a particular project or deal that you’ve worked on that stands out to you?

One public matter that stands out was the Chapter 11 restructuring of FORMA Brands, which owned several beauty brands, including Morphe. Their business model relied heavily on influencer partnerships. This case was memorable not only because of the legal and financial complexity involved, but also because it connected directly to products and brands people recognized.

What memory from your Law School days do you recall the most?

What I remember most about my time at NYU Law is the classroom experience. I genuinely enjoyed being cold-called because it pushed me to think on my feet. The debate-driven environment that so many NYU professors fostered was always a highlight of my day. That atmosphere sharpened my legal reasoning and prepared me well for the challenges of practicing law.

During my 1L summer, I interned at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, which helped me realize I was more drawn to corporate and transactional law. My 2L summer at Ropes & Gray confirmed that path. I also spent a year on the NYU Journal of International Law and Politics. I joined partly because of my longstanding interest in foreign policy and government, which had been a focus of my undergraduate years at Cornell University. The Journal gave me a chance to connect those interests with my legal training and broaden my perspective beyond purely domestic issues.

When I applied to NYU, I was drawn to its JD/MBA options. At the time, I was still debating whether to pursue a career in law or pivot toward business. Out of that same curiosity, I earned a business minor during my undergraduate years. Looking back, I am grateful for the business training I pursued along the way. It allows me to approach transactional work not only as an attorney, but also with an eye toward strategy, finance, and the broader business context. This dual perspective, shaped by both my JD and MBA, has been a key differentiator in my skill set.

Are there any lessons from your time at NYU Law that you use in your work today?

The most valuable lesson I took from NYU Law was learning how to think critically in situations where there is not a clear-cut answer. Success often depends on how well you can analyze the problem, review different approaches, and work collaboratively with colleagues and clients to find a solution. Rigorous thinking and dialogue remain central to how I approach my work today.

What piece of advice would you share with current students at the Law School?

When you have the opportunity to be a summer associate, get to know the people behind the work. Each firm, and even each practice group within a firm, has its own personality. Culture matters, and the best way to understand it is by meeting people and building relationships.

I would also emphasize the importance of finding mentors. Even after law school, passing the bar, and starting your career, you are constantly learning. Nothing substitutes for work experience. But a strong mentor can help you navigate challenges, accelerate your growth, and gain confidence more quickly as a new attorney. I have been fortunate to have an NYU Law alum as a mentor, and that connection has been invaluable in shaping my career and to help me to hit the ground running.

What do you enjoy in your leisure time?

I often spend time upstate in the Ithaca-Finger Lakes area, where I enjoy camping, hiking, and being outdoors with my family and dog. It is a little ironic because as an undergraduate at Cornell I tried to avoid nature, but now I have come to really appreciate it. The pace and atmosphere are such a contrast to New York City, but I value both environments. Traveling upstate gives me a chance to step away from work and recharge. I am also an avid tennis player. I enjoy the mix of strategy, focus, and competition that the game requires.

This interview has been condensed and edited.