DongJoo “DJ” Kim
DongJoo (DJ) Kim is an experienced attorney licensed to practice in both Kansas and Missouri, with a focus on Business and Corporate Law. He is committed to providing tailored legal solutions that meet the specific needs of values-driven business owners and their families, helping them safeguard their assets and ensure the longevity of their legacies. DJ understands the complexities and challenges of being an entrepreneur, while also balancing the roles of family leader and active community member. Having immigrated from South Korea on his journey toward the “American Dream”, he recognizes the importance of understanding business and corporate law as a vital step toward entrepreneurial success in America.
DJ earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Kansas School of Law, where he distinguished himself with certificates in Business Law and International Trade Law and the prestigious CALI Excellence for the Future Award, which recognizes exceptional academic achievement. Prior to law school, he completed his Bachelor of Arts at the University of California, Berkeley.
Before joining MSB Law, DJ developed his expertise in business transactional law and tax solutions while working as an associate attorney at a local firm where he collaborated closely with CPAs and tax attorneys to provide holistic legal services to business owners. Before that, DJ refined his skills in business succession planning at an estate planning law firm serving individuals and business owners. His diverse professional experience also extends beyond law, having served in the US-South Korea Alliance Special Forces and as a diplomat for South Korea in Dallas, Texas. These roles equipped him with a unique perspective on service, loyalty, and integrity, which he brings to his legal practice with MSB Law.
In alignment with MSB Law’s passion to give back and be a blessing to others, DJ is personally dedicated to community service, serving on the board of the Pharmacy of Grace, an organization that helps uninsured individuals access essential medications. DJ is also the founder and mentor of Korean Young Adult United in Kansas (YOUNIK), where he is committed to providing guidance and mentorship to Korean international students and second-generation Korean Americans who seek community and support during pivotal times in their lives. Furthermore, he serves as Vice President to the Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City and the Korean Ministers Association of Kansas City, and he is the appointed legal counsel for the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago.
DJ’s passion for serving others stems from his upbringing. As the son of a pastor who led a mission to help homeless elders and a social worker who now operates a faith-based nursing home in South Korea, DJ was raised with a deep sense of compassion and responsibility for the vulnerable. This foundation drives his commitment to his clients and his community.
In his free time, DJ enjoys playing the drums with his church worship band, watching and talking about sports (especially the NFL and NBA), and spending time with his wife, June.
Education
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) – University of Kansas School of Law
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – University of California, Berkeley
Bar Admissions
- Missouri
- Kansas
Practice Areas
- General Business & Corporate Law
- Business Entity Formation & Startups (LLC, LLP, Inc., etc.)
- Business Governance and Operations
- Business Growth & Expansion
- Contracts and Agreements
- Mergers & Acquisitions (Asset Purchase, Member Interest Sale, etc.)
- Business Succession (Transition & Exit Planning, Sale Agreements, etc.)
- Tax Planning and Structuring for Individuals and Businesses
- Estate Planning
- Probate and Trust Administration
- Asset Protection and Wealth Preservation
Awards & Recognition
- CALI Excellence for the Future Award, University of Kansas School of Law
- Army Commendation Medal, the Eighth United States Army
- Recipient of the Bronze Medal for the President’s Volunteer Service Award
Community Involvement
- Legal Counsel, Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago
- Vice President, Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City
- Legal Advisor, Korean Ministers Association of Kansas City
- Board Member, Pharmacy of Grace
- Leader, Korean Young Adult United in Kansas
- Drummer, Legacy Christian Church
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
- Asian American Bar Association of Kansas City
- Kansas Bar Association
- Missouri Bar Association
- Missouri Bar Young Lawyer’s Section