[Digital Today reporter Ji-young Lee] Toss Payments, the electronic payment gateway affiliate of Viva Republica, is joining hands with the Korean Bar Association to introduce a members-only payment service for law firms and legal offices.

Toss Payments said on Tuesday it has formed an official partnership with the Korean Bar Association and will begin a payment service for law firms and legal offices affiliated with the association.

The service focuses on expanding legal-service payment procedures that had centred on bank transfers or in-person payments to both online and offline channels.

Clients can pay legal fees by card or bank transfer through a payment link sent by text message or KakaoTalk alert, without visiting a legal office in person. Clients who have difficulty using digital devices can also proceed with payment after a phone consultation, with guidance from staff.

Legal offices can use both a desktop payment terminal and a portable terminal for use during business trips or on-site consultations. Payment records generated through each method can be checked on a single integrated screen.

It also offers reduced card payment fees for Korean Bar Association members. Signup and annual fees are fully waived, and clients can split legal fees into interest-free instalments of up to 12 months.

Toss Payments plans to use the partnership as a starting point to expand payment solutions in specialised service areas that reflect payment methods and characteristics by industry.

A Toss Payments official said, "Through this partnership, we will support both lawyers and clients in reducing inconvenience in the payment process."