Amicus Agony
Dear Amicus Agony,
As a newly-called disputes lawyer, I find myself increasingly concerned about the sustainability and longevity of my career. I do enjoy certain aspects of the work and want to be a good litigator in the future. However, given the nature of my work, I find myself often sacrificing activities that I find important to my mental and physical health and well-being. How do you cope?
Tired Tanker
Dear Tired Tanker,
Firstly, I must say it is great to see that you enjoy certain aspects of your work. Liking what you do is generally seen as an important aspect in determining the longevity of one’s career.
Balancing the demands of a legal career with personal well-being is indeed challenging, but it’s crucial for sustainability and longevity in the profession.
Personally, below are two strategies I employ that I think is helpful:
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Prioritise Self-Care: Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, spending time with loved ones or travelling.
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Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors or peers for advice and support. Sometimes, just talking about your concerns can provide relief and new perspectives. You are not alone and whatever it is you are feeling, it is likely that your seniors have walked that same path before.
As a fraternity, there are some initiatives that you should also be aware of:
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Guidance Note 8.9.1 – Sustainable Practice Initiative: As a disputes lawyer, it is important that you take note of Guidance Note 8.9.1 issued by the Law Society of Singapore, which introduces seven principles to preserve the mental and social well-being of its members. Broadly speaking, this initiative encourages lawyers to consider their personal commitments when scheduling court dates and deadlines, promoting a more sustainable approach to legal practice.
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Mental Health Wellness Scheme: Starting 2025, the Singapore Academy of Law will offer a comprehensive mental health and wellness insurance scheme for legal professionals. This scheme includes access to clinical counselling, behavioural health coaching sessions, and a self-care platform, all designed to help lawyers manage the mental stress of legal practice.
Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Taking care of your mental and physical health is not only beneficial for you but also makes you a more effective and resilient lawyer in the long run.
Sincerely,
Amicus Agony
Dear Amicus Agony,
I am a young disputes lawyer called to the Singapore Bar, after having done a mid-career switch. In my previous jobs, I never really needed to keep up with technology, or understand the impact it had on me and my industry. Accordingly, given the rapid developments in AI, I find myself struggling to keep up with the developments of AI as well as understand how AI can and/or should be used in the course of our practice. Should I just abstain from using it altogether?
Alienated Author
Dear Alienated Author,
Congratulations on your recent call to the Singapore Bar and your successful mid-career switch! It’s commendable that you are proactively seeking to understand the impact of AI on you as well as on the legal profession.
The rapid advancements in AI can indeed be overwhelming, but it’s important to recognise that AI also offers significant opportunities to enhance legal practice. While there is so much to discuss about the impact of AI, I wish to highlight two points:
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Embrace AI with Caution: AI tools can automate routine tasks, analyse large volumes of documents, and even assist in legal research. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and ensure that any AI-generated work is thoroughly reviewed and verified by a lawyer. In this vein, do consider reading the Supreme Court’s “Guide on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools by Court Users” which sets out general principles and guidance in relation to the use of generative artificial intelligence tools in court proceedings. As a disputes lawyer, I am sure you will find this document a useful starting point.
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Leverage Support Networks: Join professional networks and forums where you can discuss AI-related challenges and solutions with peers. The Law Society of Singapore and Singapore Academy of Law often host events and webinars on technology in legal practice, providing valuable opportunities for learning and networking.
Remember, the key is to stay informed and cautious. With the right approach, AI can be a powerful ally in your legal practice. All the best!
Sincerely,
Amicus Agony
