April 27, 2026
Daisy Joo, an associate in Kobre & Kim’s New York office, discusses early ownership of complex litigation, the firm’s conflict-free model, and day-to-day life at a trial-ready disputes firm.
What inspired you to join Kobre & Kim, and how did the firm’s focus on disputes and investigations influence your decision?
I knew Kobre & Kim’s focus on disputes and investigations would mean consistently sophisticated and high-stakes work, but what drew me in was the unique law firm model. As a “conflict-free” firm – without repeat institutional clients – each case is a new opportunity to solve a complex client problem. This structure encourages a fast-paced and collaborative environment where we’re in constant dialogue about strategy and arguments. It also attracts the kinds of lawyers I consider ideal colleagues: sharp, strategic-minded attorneys who view law as a practical tool and bring zeal to their work. Working at Kobre & Kim reminds me of my time earlier in my career clerking in S.D.N.Y., which was the exact professional environment I’d been searching for.
What’s been the most unexpected aspect of working at a conflict-free firm focused exclusively on litigation?
Kobre & Kim is comprised of more than just attorneys – we have business strategists across finance, marketing, and other disciplines. I find that this mix of expertise benefits clients in unexpected ways. We keep current with changes in the legal industry including new technology (like AI) or trends in litigation financing. We focus on delivering concise, practical insights focused on real-time developments in the legal market, rather than lengthy academic commentary. Simply put, Kobre & Kim is unlike a stereotypical lawyer’s guild – we’re forward-looking, business-focused, and embrace change.
Can you walk us through a typical week in your role as an attorney at a global disputes firm?
There’s no such thing as a “typical” week, which is part of what I enjoy most about being a Kobre & Kim lawyer. As a trial-ready firm, my work since joining has touched every phase of litigation: dispositive motion practice, fact and expert discovery including depositions, settlement discussions, and pre-trial and trial matters through jury verdict. While the substantive casework varies week to week, what remains constant are the ongoing conversations (on Slack, during weekly team meetings, and in the hallway) testing potential legal arguments and developing case strategy, and the real ownership we’re able to take of our work every day.
What types of matters have you worked on early in your career at Kobre & Kim, and what hands-on experience have you gained?
My focus has been complex commercial litigation and matters involving government enforcement issues. It’s been an exciting mix of cases – a trade secrets dispute between software competitors, a multi-million-dollar breach of contract case arising out of the bankruptcy of a restaurant chain, class actions brought by cryptocurrency investors, and the defense of a white-collar criminal prosecution culminating in a six-week trial.
Attorneys here can have a real stake in their cases regardless of their seniority or time with the firm. Within a month or two of joining, I worked one-on-one with an industry expert to prepare a trade secret disclosure. Soon after, as part of a criminal trial team, I focused on pre-trial motion strategy and second-chaired examinations of government witnesses at trial. More recently, I helped to prepare dispositive motions that led to an early dismissal of a putative class action, and in the throes of discovery in another case, deposed a fact witness and defended a deposition of our accounting expert.
How has working on cross-border matters and collaborating with colleagues across jurisdictions shaped your legal perspective?
Working with colleagues across borders has broadened how I think about litigation strategy and problem‑solving. Seeing how we can effectively deploy experts in a variety of jurisdictions has made me appreciate the value of having a truly integrated global team rather than siloed offices.
What mentorship or career development opportunities have helped you grow at Kobre & Kim?
I think the firm excels in cultivating a culture of learning. For example, lawyers of all jurisdictions, no matter their level of seniority, are encouraged to participate in various virtual training sessions tailored to Kobre & Kim’s approach to advocacy. Attorneys are curious and open with timely guidance and feedback—not just on written work, but also in debriefing client calls, meet and confers, and oral argument.
More importantly, working closely with partners who are excellent leaders and have incredible judgment has shown me that effective advocacy and leadership can come in all shapes and forms, which has really encouraged me to take hold of my own professional career.
In your view, what makes Kobre & Kim different from other firms you've encountered?
Kobre & Kim stands out for how much trust it places in its lawyers early on, combined with a culture that values strategic thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. The firm’s conflict-free model, focus on disputes, and openness to innovation creates an environment where younger lawyers can develop quickly and meaningfully. It’s a unique place where you’re encouraged to think critically, take ownership, and progress your career, alongside excellent lawyers who are truly invested in your career path.