A Sixty-Year Calling: Reflections on a Life in the Law
In an era of rapid change, some things remain constant: integrity, diligence, and a profound love for the law. We reached out to one of Singapore’s most senior legal practitioners to share his experiences on a remarkable journey spanning over six decades.
As one of Singapore’s most senior legal practitioners, Mr T.P.B. Menon embodies the virtues of professional dedication and quiet dignity. His career spans much of Singapore’s modern legal history, giving him an almost unparalleled depth of knowledge that is sustained by a lifelong commitment to studying the law reports.
At an age when most have long since retired, Mr Menon still arrives at his office at Wee Swee Teow LLP (WST) each morning by 9am, his passion for the profession as bright today as it was on 26 January 1962 – the day he was admitted to the Singapore Bar.
His is a story not just of personal achievement, but of the evolution of Singapore’s legal landscape itself. It is a narrative woven with threads of mentorship, a commitment to specialisation, and an unwavering belief in the core tenets of the profession.
The Foundation: A Different Era of Collegiality
Mr Menon’s legal journey began in a very different Singapore. “When I got admitted to the Bar, there were fewer than 200 lawyers on the Roll,” recalls Mr Menon. He reminisces about a time when he knew nearly all the partners of the handful of large firms, such as Donaldson & Burkinshaw and Drew & Napier. This intimacy fostered a unique spirit of collegiality and support. Many senior lawyers were incredibly “kind and helpful”, he notes. He fondly remembers the late Justice Punch Coomaraswamy when he practised at Braddell Brothers, who personally helped him with his admission papers – a simple act of generosity that has stayed with him for a lifetime.
At the heart of his formative years was his pupilmaster, the late, great Eric Choa of Oehlers & Choa. “Eric Choa took great pains to teach me the practical aspects of conveyancing like investigation of title and drafting deeds and documents,” recalls Mr Menon. This hands-on mentorship was complemented by the wisdom of other giants of the conveyancing bar, including Wee Eng Lock, K.T. Ooi, and C.C. Tan.
The foundational work instilled a discipline and attention to detail that has served Mr Menon well throughout his entire career.” But Eric Choa imparted more than just technical skill; he bestowed a guiding philosophy. “He always advised me that if you are diligent and honest, the courts will treat you with respect.”
The Evolution: From Broad Base to Deep Specialisation
While his foundation was in conveyancing, his mentor soon opened a new door. “It was Eric who introduced me to the complexities of probate and trust work. This eventually led to a focus on trust litigation.”
His career became a tale of two halves. When Oehlers & Choa merged with Wee Swee Teow & Co. on 1 January 1989, it marked a pivotal moment. The merger laid the groundwork for the modern WST LLP and provided Mr Menon the opportunity to fully embrace his calling. After the merger, “I stopped doing day to day conveyancing work and concentrated on probate work and trust litigation”. This path from a broad base to a deep specialisation was incredibly rewarding. He eventually had the honour of succeeding Po Guan Hock as senior partner of WST LLP, leading the firm with the same values he had learned as a young lawyer. Upon turning 60, he formally retired from the partnership, but his journey was far from over. He transitioned seamlessly into his current role as a Senior Consultant, a position he has cherished for the past 28 years.
Service and Leadership: A Pivotal Time for the Bar
His commitment extended beyond his firm to the profession at large. From 1980 to 1983, he served as the President of the Law Society during what he describes as a challenging but pivotal period of growth.
During his tenure, he and the Council grappled with significant issues that would shape the future of the Bar. These included the globalisation of legal services, with the opening of the profession to an English law firm and practitioners from Hong Kong. Internally, the Society was maturing, discussing the need to hire a qualified lawyer to serve as Secretary and launching its first Law Gazette to replace a simple newsletter.
One of the most spirited debates of the time involved finding a permanent home for the Law Society. Mr Menon recalls a proposal put forward for premises at High Street, which was passionately debated. Though it was ultimately not carried at the time, the process highlighted the growing pains of a profession finding its collective voice and identity. He sees it not as a failure, but as part of the necessary, and sometimes difficult, journey of a developing institution.
Following his presidency of the Law Society, Mr Menon further lent his leadership to the Asean Law Association, being the first Singaporean to be elected President where he served with distinction from 1984 to 1986.
Additionally, Mr Menon has long been a guardian of professional standards, chairing the Disciplinary Committee and shaping legal education for more than 20 years. His contributions also included significant judicial roles on the Military Court of Appeal and the Strata Titles Board. This commitment to the law remains unwavering, evidenced by his ongoing advisory work with Halsbury’s Laws of Singapore. Fittingly, he also served on the Board of Legal Education for some 30 years.
An Enduring Philosophy for a New Age
When asked what has kept him in practice for so many decades, the answer is simple and profound: “I have always enjoyed and loved my work.” His dedication is evident in his hands-on approach. “I drafted my own pleadings, looked up the law, and argued the cases.” This discipline is matched by his unshakeable routine. “After more than 60 years, I still look forward to being in the office every morning. Reading the latest law reports is a habit that has remained with me since 1961.”
He observes the modern legal landscape with a wise, non-judgmental eye. “Technology has transformed how we work, and the Bar has grown from under 200 to over 6,000 members.” He acknowledges that the nature of camaraderie has evolved. “In the 1960s, we would meet for lunch or tea. Today, communication is often through a handphone.”
He also notes the shifting priorities of younger generations, who place a high value on work-life balance and flexibility – a contrast to the all-consuming nature of practice in his time. “Times have changed,” he says with a thoughtful smile. “We are living in a new age.”
His advice for thriving in any era, however, remains timeless. “You do not have to be a top scholar or a star debater to excel at the Bar,” he insists. “What is required is hard work and dogged perseverance.”
His deepest hope is that this perseverance is always coupled with principle. When he speaks of the future, his tone is one of earnest appeal. “The law is an honourable and wonderful profession.” He believes integrity is non-negotiable, a bedrock upon which a successful and fulfilling career is built.
Mr Menon offers a final piece of advice for young lawyers navigating the pressures of modern practice. It is the same philosophy that has guided him for over 60 years. “Work hard, and work smart,” he says. “But above all, be honest in your dealings with clients, with other lawyers, and with the courts. The results will take care of themselves.”
In those simple words lies the wisdom of a lifetime, a legacy of excellence and honour that continues to inspire.
