A Personal Journey Through Four Decades of Legal Practice
Changes in the Legal Profession
The last 38 years have seen extraordinary transformations in the legal profession. I witnessed the evolution from early desktop computers in 1986 – heavy, monochrome-screened machines that were both cumbersome and ground-breaking to the sleek, powerful laptops and devices we use today. Filing court papers once involved physically queuing at the court registry, while now, with a few clicks, we can e-file complex documents from anywhere. Technology in communication has also drastically shifted; we went from pagers to brick-sized mobile phones, and today we have ultra-thin, advanced smartphones that allow us to manage cases, emails, and calls effortlessly. With each new technological leap, there have also been revisions to the rules of court, demanding that I, along with my peers who started practice in that earlier era, continuously adapt and relearn.
Motherhood and Law: A Delicate Balance
For nearly four decades, I have dedicated my life to litigation work, navigating both the intricate world of legal battles and the personal journey of marriage and raising two sons. The path has not been without sacrifices, rushing to court for an injunction the morning after my wedding dinner, cutting short many family holidays to attend to urgent matters (which fortunately since the advent of virtual hearings and meetings had ceased), or facing a critical hearing just seven days after delivering my first child. I have also had moments of high tension, like appearing in court the day after spending a night in an ambulance to the hospital with my son during the H1N1 outbreak and weekends split between case preparations and family time. Being a mother of two children while maintaining a demanding litigation practice presented its set of challenges. Despite this, even if the clock is turned back, I would choose this path all over again.
The juggling act between motherhood and career is undeniably demanding but achievable. The key lies in resilience, efficient time management, and having the courage to define success on your own terms. One does get better at doing things the more one does them – that is why they call it the “practice”.
I found being a mother actually enhanced my professional capabilities – it taught me empathy, multitasking, and the art of prioritization. These skills have proven invaluable in my practice, particularly in family law cases where understanding human dynamics is crucial. The experience of balancing these dual roles has not only made me a better lawyer but has also given me unique insights into the challenges many of our clients face.
Learning Through Every Challenge
Throughout my years of practice, I have had the privilege of working on an incredible variety of cases, each offering lessons that extend far beyond the courtroom. When handling disputes between shareholders or directors, I gain intimate insights into how companies operate and how business relationships evolve. In property disputes, I witness how legal principles directly impact people’s homes and livelihoods, particularly in landmark cases before the Court of Appeal of Huang Ching Hwee v Heng Kay Poh & Anor [1990] SLR 1220, where new principles about unauthorised works constituting defects in title were established and resulted in new terms being incorporated into options to purchase.
What makes litigation particularly fascinating is watching how our legal system adapts to serve justice better. I have been fortunate to be at the forefront of several benchmark cases that have shaped Singapore’s legal landscape. Most notably, I appeared before five judges of the Court of Appeal in UDA v UDB [2018] SGCA 20, a landmark decision that fundamentally transformed how we approach family cases involving civil issues. As counsel for the appellant, I witnessed firsthand how this case redefined the jurisdiction of the Family Justice Courts, demonstrating the profound impact litigation can have on our legal framework.
In intellectual property law, I appeared in early landmark cases such as Karrimor International Ltd v Ho Chong Fun t/a Ah Hwa Trading Co [1989] SLR 801, which set important precedents for trademark disputes in Singapore and proud to see it being cited in many text as a precedent.
Property law has been a significant component of my practice with cases that have influenced how we understand property rights today. In Court of Appeal case, Payna Chettiar v Low Meng Seng & Ors [1998] 2 SLR 289, the principle that fraud vitiates all but not a judgment in rem relied on by bona fide purchasers of real estate without notice was confirmed for property law in Singapore.
The landscape of collective sales was explored in depth through cases like Tan Siew Tian and Others v Lee Khek Ern Ken [2008] SGCA 25 and Thurairatnam Kirupakaran and Others v Wong Juan Tiang / Lee Lai Kew and Others [2008] SGSTB 1 (Enbloc litigation) , where crucial issues in en bloc sales were canvassed .
In Kenneth Koh & Anor v Koh Ah Leng & Anor [2020] SGHC 131 involved a dispute over a shophouse involving principles of resulting trust and constructive trust.
Commercial litigation has provided opportunities to shape business law. In Lambias (Imported & Exported) Co. Pte Ltd v Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation [1993] 2 SLR 751, I dealt with intricate issues involving letters of credit that impacted international trade practices. Maritime law came into focus with Dong Yuan Hang Trading Pte Ltd v Sunko (S) Co Pte Ltd [1994] 3 SLR 603, addressing critical shipping matters. Corporate governance and directors’ duties were extensively examined in cases like Law Chin Eng & Anor v Hiap Seng & Co Pte Ltd [2009] SGHC 223 and Low Hian Chor v Steel Forming & Rolling Specialist Pte Ltd [2012] SGHC 10.
Estate matters have formed a substantial part of my practice, revealing the complexities of family relationships. In The Matter of The Estate Of Pakirisamy Vengadasalam, deceased [1990] SGHC 130 and Banque Indosuez v Madam Sumilan Awal & Ors [1996] SGHC 172 both dealt with intricate estate disputes that required careful navigation of both legal principles and family dynamics. Estate disputes reveal complex dynamics between siblings, parents, and children.
Environmental law cases have led to legislative changes, demonstrating how litigation can drive regulatory reform. In one notable case, Toh Teong Seng v PP [1995] 2 SLR 273, involving the Environmental Public Health Act, my arguments highlighted a legislative gap that subsequently led to amendments in the Act, with the judgment being reproduced in an eminent publication of then-Chief Justice Yong Pung How namely “Speeches and Judgements of the Singapore Chief Justice Yong Pung How”.
Family law has been rewarding. In UNE v UNF [2018] SGHCF 12, I successfully advocated for a homemaker wife’s right to an equal share of matrimonial assets worth over $20 million, helping to establish the value of non-financial contributions to a marriage. In VHA v VHB [2020] SGFC 31 and VUR v VUS [2021] SGFC 89, care and control of a three-year-old child was secured for the father in highly contested custody battles, which is against the usual inclination of awarding care and control for young children to the mother.
Through various cases, I have seen how legal principles intersect with the most intimate aspects of people’s lives. These cases remind me that behind every legal argument lies a human story that deserves to be heard and understood. This understanding has been crucial in my approach to all my cases, whether I am handling a multimillion-dollar corporate deal or a sensitive family matter.
Each of these cases represents not just legal precedents, but real human stories and business relationships that needed resolution. From multinational corporations to individual families, from complex financial instruments to personal relationships, each matter has contributed to my understanding of both law and humanity. This diverse exposure has been invaluable in developing a holistic approach to legal practice, enabling me to see connections across different areas of law and better serve clients’ needs.
Mentoring the Next Generation
To young lawyers starting their journey, particularly women who may be concerned about balancing career and family life, I share this personal insight: embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow. I remember my own early days in practice, when each case seemed daunting and the path ahead uncertain. Today, I understand that those challenges shaped my capabilities. Whether you are preparing for your first trial or managing your first major corporate transaction while planning a family, remember that both your legal skills and personal strength will grow with each experience.
Finding Joy in Practice
My days continue to be filled with diverse activities from reviewing research, drafting documents to advising clients, discussions with my associates and appearing in court. Each day brings new challenges, whether it is a complex trademark or commercial dispute that might set new precedents or a family/estate case that requires careful handling of emotional dynamics. It is this variety, coupled with the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, that keeps me passionate about our profession.
Dealing With the Stress
Legal practice is inherently stressful, and I find balance by making exercise an integral part of my life. Hitting the gym daily is not just physical for me, it is a form of meditation that counterbalances the heavy mental demands of meeting with clients, drafting documents, vetting legal papers, reviewing in-depth research, and making arguments in court. Physical movement clears the mind, deepens breathing, and provides a rejuvenating escape from the relentless mental exertion the job demands.
I often take leisurely walks with my poodle at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Gardens by the Bay, and Jurong Lake Gardens. There is something profoundly uplifting about immersing myself in these green spaces, taking the time to pause and truly observe the world around me. The rustle of leaves in the breeze, the expanse of the open sky, and the earthy fragrance of vegetation all work together to ground me in the present. I find joy in watching the chickens and birds as they forage on the ground or soar gracefully into the air, a reminder of the simple beauty of life. These moments in nature fill me with gratitude – for the ability to breathe in the fresh air, to witness such quiet wonders, and to simply be alive.
Looking Back and Forward
After nearly four decades of practice, I find myself still learning from each case. From the cases cited above to countless other cases that touched individual lives, each matter has added depth to my understanding of both law and humanity.
To those building their careers in law today, I would say this: view your practice not just as a profession, but as a journey of personal growth. The challenges you face, especially when balancing multiple life roles, will ultimately enrich both your professional expertise and your understanding of the human experience. With determination and passion, it is possible to excel both as a legal professional and as a parent.
