Vice-President’s Mass Call Speech
Vice-President Chia Boon Teck delivered this speech at the Mass Call on 20 August 2024.
My warmest congratulations to each one of you on your admission as advocates and solicitors of the Supreme Court. This moment signifies not just the culmination of years of rigorous study and perseverance, but also the beginning of a noble journey in the legal profession. Today, we gather to celebrate a remarkable milestone in your life.
As you embark on your legal careers, remember that the law is not just a career; it is a calling to serve justice, uphold the rule of law, and make a positive impact on society. Your role as lawyers goes beyond representing clients; you are guardians of justice and advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Reflect on what drove you to become a lawyer in the first place. Was it a desire to make a difference in your community, to fight for justice, or to help those in need? Whatever your reason, remember that it is this passion and purpose that will sustain you through the ups and downs of your legal career.
Remember that growth and development will not always be linear.
Setbacks and mistakes are an inevitable part of the journey, but it is how you respond to them that will define your success. By learning from your mistakes and persevering through challenges, you will build the resilience and determination that will serve you well in your legal career.
As you build resilience and determination through your journey, you will need to combine these essential qualities with adaptability and innovation to succeed in today’s fast-paced legal landscape. In this era of rapid change, tools like Generative AI and concepts like ESG are not just trends, but pivotal areas for future growth and relevance. Stay abreast of technological advancements and be open to new ways of thinking and practising law. The legal profession is rooted in tradition, but it is the firms that embrace technology and innovation that will thrive in the future.
Be the lawyer who not only understands the law but also the tools that can drive success. As you embrace technology and innovation in your legal practice, you will need to continually update your skills and knowledge to stay ahead.
The Law Society is here to support your growth through various continuous professional development programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of young lawyers. Take advantage of these opportunities to refine your skills, expand your knowledge, and stay ahead in your field.
As you build your legal career, remember that relationships matter.
Be an active part of the legal community. Network widely. Attend the various activities organised by the Law Society, including talks, luncheons, networking evenings, and social activities. Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards; it’s about genuine connections. Build strong connections with your colleagues, mentors, and clients. Seek guidance from those who have come before you and be willing to pay it forward to those who come after.
In your legal career, you will undoubtedly face challenges and uncertainties. That is where mentorship comes in. I am pleased to inform you that the Law Society has a revamped mentorship programme designed to support young lawyers like yourselves. Our mentorship programme pairs you with experienced practitioners who can offer you guidance, support, and valuable insights.
I strongly encourage you to sign up for our mentorship programme. It is a unique opportunity to learn from the best, to gain valuable insights, and to build meaningful relationships with your mentors. Our mentors are committed to helping you succeed, and we are confident that our programme will be a valuable resource for you as you navigate your legal career.
The legal profession is a noble and honourable one. Joining the legal profession is an incredible privilege that comes with solemn responsibilities. You must uphold the highest ethical standards. In the words of the Honourable Chief Justice, lawyers are ministers in the temple of justice. Each of you is a servant of justice. That is the standard that you should live up to in all that you do as an Officer of the Court.
And if you ever feel lost wondering whether something you are doing is ethical or not, help is just a phone call away. Our newly launched
Ethics Assist helpline is a confidential resource designed to provide you with ethical guidance.
Like a good Jack Neo movie, you will notice that my speech is sprinkled with product endorsements.
As you navigate the complexities of legal practice, remember that your voice can be a powerful tool for change. Use it to advocate for your clients, to champion justice, and to contribute positively to the community. Uphold the highest ethical standards because your actions reflect not only on yourself, but on lawyers as a whole. You know how social media works!
In closing, I leave you with this thought – a lawyer is a wordsmith. In a room full of people, he is the one blessed with the gift of the gab. Everyone can tell anyone to go to hell; but a lawyer can tell someone to go to hell in such a way that the listener actually looks forward to the trip!
Congratulations once again. We look forward to witnessing your achievements and contributions to the legal profession and to society. Let us read your name in the newspapers – but for the right reasons, please.
Welcome to the Bar, and welcome to the Law Society of Singapore.
