After the Bar - Stories from the Legal Industry

Is Singapore going extinct? Should we scrap the PSLE?Will flexible work ever be a reality?Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Leader of the House, Indranee Rajah, joins Shulin Lee for a bold, no-nonsense conversation on the biggest challenges shaping Singapore today.Just to name a few - education reform, workplace policies, women in leadership, and the generational shifts redefining success.

Imagine losing everything—could you fight your way back? In Part 2 of this episode, I continue my raw and powerful conversation with Josephus Tan, the "Gangster Lawyer." He reveals how he faced rock bottom and still found the strength to rise. Despite his career success, Josephus hit some brutal low points: Low Points: - Overcommitted to free legal work—almost bankrupt. - Marriage collapsed. - Suffered a mild stroke. - Ended up living in a van. But Josephus didn't just survive—he came back stronger. His Comeback: - Started smoking at 12, quit at 45—his latest victory! - Rebuilt his life from nothing, twice. - Went from a 1-room flat to a penthouse. - Now a top lawyer, fiercely fighting for justice. In this episode, Josephus gets real about the hardest moments in life, the importance of second chances, and the advice he'd give his younger self. You'll also hear critical tips on what to do if you're arrested or caught in a police chase, and how defense lawyers handle client confessions. Josephus Tan's story is your roadmap to resilience. This episode will move you—and leave you believing that no setback is final. Follow Josephus Tan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephus-tan-303352307/ Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for: 00:00 Start of Episode 00:48 Pro Bono Overcommitment Leading to Debt 03:42 Near Bankruptcy and Failure of First Marriage 07:16 Suffering from a Medical Emergency 10:41 Going on Medication for the Rest of His Life 11:44 Becoming Pest Buster for Vessels 13:49 Dangers of Working on Vessels 15:30 Life of Living in a Van 18:38 Moments When Josephus's Pride Is Shattered 22:15 Josephus' Support in Tough Times 23:26 Josephus' Advice for Life Struggles 25:49 From Pest Buster to Penthouse Owner 30:58 Josephus's Take on Embracing Second Chances 34:25 Remarkable Journey to Quit Smoking 40:33 Action Steps for Arrest Situations 42:49 How to Respond to a Police Chase Situation 45:45 How Defense Lawyers Handle Client Confessions 50:02 What Would Josephus Say to His Younger Self? 50:51 Personal Questions for Josephus 55:06 Outro

In this episode, I sit down with an extraordinary guest, Josephus Tan, famously known as the "Gangster Lawyer," whose life story is a compelling testament to the power of transformation, resilience, and redemption.  Josephus shares candidly about his descent into gang life, his struggles with alcohol that led to destructive behaviour, and the moments of darkness that made him question his path.  At his lowest point, he nearly ended it all.  Discover how a profound spiritual awakening and a deep desire to make amends for his past guided him to quit drinking, pursue a law degree, and eventually train under the legendary criminal lawyer Subhas Anandan. Join us as we explore his journey from despair to purpose, learning how he overcame his inner battles and embraced a life dedicated to justice and helping others. Plus, for the first time on After the Bar, Josephus reveals an exclusive update—his decision to quit smoking this year. This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter one's past, change is always within reach. Josephus Tan's story will inspire you to believe in the possibility of redemption and the potential to create a better future. Follow Josephus Tan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephus-tan-303352307/  Connect with me on LinkedIn at   / shulinlee   More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for: 00:00 Start of Episode  00:38 Introduction  01:41 From Bankruptcy to Owning a Law Firm  03:11 Formative Years of Josephus' Life  05:52 Being a Victim of Bullying in School  10:22 Why Josephus Turned to Joining a Gang 11:45 The Reason Most Young People Join Gangs  17:12 Growing up Tough in a Blue-Collar Family 18:30 Understanding the Gangster Lifestyle  22:05 Why Do Gangsters Do What They Do   23:28 Josephus' Epiphany: Moving On from Gang Life 25:38 Experiencing Fulfillment in National Service 27:07 Old Habits Die Hard 31:35 Finding Clarity Through Prayer and Self-Acceptance 36:16 The Journey Through Depression & Seeking Help 41:35 Josephus' Push to Get His Diploma 49:43 Chasing a Law Degree Against All Odds  54:04 A Mother's Love Fuels His Promise to Do Good  58:36 Outro

⛔️ Stop telling yourself you can't pivot your career. Think it's impossible? Meet Lara Quie. She went from: ➨ Lawyer to Montessori Teacher ➨ Teacher to Kitchen Designer ➨ Designer to BD Manager ➨ BD Manager to Coach ➨ Coach to Podcast Host Lara Quie, dubbed the “Queen of Pivots”

Meet the powerhouse behind Psychobitch. Amanda Chong is a lawyer trained in Harvard and Cambridge, with endless accolades. Outside of law, she's an award-winning Poet, Playwright and Advocate for Social Justice. Her play 'Psychobitch' sold out in record time, cementing her reputation as a trailblazer. (Could she be Singapore's answer to Taylor Swift?!) Simply put, she is a powerhouse you absolutely need to hear from. In this episode, explore:

What are some things you must NEVER say in a job interview? How can you effectively negotiate your salary package?  What are the biggest mistakes people make during their job search? How can you turn your career transition into a success story Ten years ago, Tessa moved to Singapore from Spain to embark on a new career in legal recruitment. She went from knowing nothing about the legal industry in Singapore to becoming a director at Aslant Legal.  Tessa's journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, discover how Tessa adapted to a new country, excelled in her career, and balanced starting a family. Hear from a former lawyer and seasoned legal recruiter about navigating the complex landscape of career transitions.  We'll also dive into: How to stand out in an employer's market? What to do if you want to pursue an international career in law? How did Tessa overcome her career transition adversities to thrive in a foreign market? Join us as Tessa shares her invaluable tips and tricks to ace job interviews, adapt to new environments, and advance your career internationally. Don't miss this chance to learn from her incredible journey and get inspired to take your own career to the next level! Follow Tessa Arquilliere: LinkedIn -   / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessa-arquilliere-60b63b21 Videos with Tessa Arquilliere:  https://youtu.be/8CWXO2a-T1Y?feature=shared https://youtu.be/1_egYETbG3s?feature=shared More on Battampore, an inspiring organisation founded to give children in rural Cambodia access to primary education: https://www.battampore.org/  Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for: 00:00 Start of Episode 00:33 Introduction 01:38 Aslant Legal & Tessa's Role 02:38 What She Wishes She Knew As A Young Lawyer  03:36 The Best Career Advice She Ever Received 04:15 How She Resigned To Do A Career Change 05:46 Some Bad Career Recommendations To Ban 07:55 Common Mistakes People Make In Job Interviews 09:48 Expectations On Pay & Salary Negotiation When Moving Companies 11:06 Do We Need A Cover Letter? 12:57 Setting Yourself Up For A Successful First Interview 14:33 Moving From Spain to Singapore: Challenges And Perception On Singlish 17:52 Is There A Division Between Singaporeans And Expats? 19:13 Tessa's Difficulties In Moving To A New Industry 20:25 Advice For A Career Pivot When We Have Children And A Mortgage 23:51 How To Prepare Before Moving To A New Country 24:57 Is Singapore Currently An Employers Market? 25:59 Standing Out In A Crowded Market 27:10 Asking For Internal Transfer 29:19 What Tessa Wishes She Knew Before Making Her Career Change 29:54 Looking Back, What Tessa Would've Done Differently 31:06 Her Reasons Behind Pursuing Real Estate Law 32:31 A Failure That Set Her Up For Success 36:22 Pro-bono Work Setting Up Schools in Rural Cambodia  38:54 How Tessa Manages All Her Commitments 39:46 Rapid Fire Round 41:14 Outro

Why is the mid-life career pivot so daunting? Why does networking pose a greater challenge for women? How can we retain more talented women in the workforce? And is it really possible to eradicate mum guilt? Five years ago, Rachel Eng embarked on what she calls the scariest career move of her life! Amid countless paths, she chose the “hardest” one. Leaving a prominent role at a top law firm to start her very own law firm. What once seemed audacious, has since paid off! Today, she remains the only woman in Singapore to ever head up one of the Big 4 local law firms; honoured in 2014 as the esteemed Her World Woman of the Year. As Managing Director at Eng and Co. LLC, Chair of the Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network, and a Board Member of JTC Corporation, Rachel epitomises success. In this episode, you will hear about how Rachel manages to stay on top of everything. How was she able to break that glass ceiling? What gave her the confidence to make the switch? How did she manage her successful career whilst raising her children – something she did without a domestic helper? Join us as Rachel unveils her blueprint for advancing gender equality in the legal profession and imparts wisdom drawn from her extensive career journey. Topics we discuss in this episode: Reasons for Leaving a Comfortable Job to Starting a Business Balancing your Career and Parenthood without a Helper Building a Company with Female Leadership and Management Join us, whether you are considering shifting careers, embarking on your professional journey, or already experienced in your field, as we discover Rachel Eng's outstanding career path and the lessons she has to offer. Follow Rachel Eng: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-eng-50366319/ Videos with Rachel Eng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-eng-50366319 Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network: https://www.sbf.org.sg/about-us/our-communities/business-networks/singapore-women-entrepreneurs-network Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for: 00:00 Start of Episode 00:57 Introduction 02:35 Forging A Path For Female Leadership and Gender Diversity In Management 04:36 Building A Firm With A Family-Oriented Philosophy To Retain Talented Women 11:00 Implementing Nursing Rooms In The Office 15:32 Balancing Work and Family Commitments Without A Helper 16:50 Struggling With Parental Guilt As A Mother 21:04 How The Advice to Hire A Helper Might Land 23:07 The Road To Partnership As A Female in Law 26:09 Leaving The Comforts Of A Firm To Start A Company 31:49 Whether The Opportunity Or The Decision To Make A Pivot Came First 34:31 The Mission Behind Eng & Co. 35:14 What Rachel Wish She Knew When Starting The Firm 37:17 Advice For Someone Contemplating A Career Change 39:23 What Is Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network (SG-WEN)? 42:26 How You Can Be A Part Of SG-WEN 43:41 Advice To Her Younger Self 44:26 Rapid Fire Questions 46:11 Outro

Would you leave a well-paying legal career to be a pastor? That's what Raymond Fong did. An ex-Deputy Public Prosecutor with a career in the Legal Service, he took a different path to be a pastor. He is now a Pastor-in-Charge at Wesley Methodist Church, a role that he holds with a deep sense of purpose. In this episode, you will hear about his story: a prosecutor turned pastor. We'll explore the challenges he faced during this career shift, the lessons he learned, and the journey that led him to become a pastor. We also discuss: Implications of his transition: significant income loss, working 24/7 His leadership and life lessons His experience as a prosecutor Join us, whether you are considering shifting careers, embarking on your professional journey, or already experienced in your field, as we uncover the unique story of Pastor Raymond's dual careers and the lessons he has to offer. For more about Pastor Ray and his work, check out his newly launched podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wTfH91dRk5bT6VPJ0GuS9?si=c7d7374f8c4e45ae Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for: 00:00 Start of Episode00:39 Introduction 01:29 Pastor Raymond's 2024 So Far 02:45 Transitioning From Law to Ministry03:48 Considerations Through the Different Seasons of Life 05:26 Shifting Priorities with a Lower Salary 07:52 Working 24/7 as a Pastor09:01 Wrestling with Self-Doubt10:20 Advice for Younger Self11:20 Setbacks Which Set You Up for Success14:47 Moving from a Smaller Church to a Bigger Church19:06 Tips on Being a Good Listener21:05 Is Leadership an Inborn or Cultivated Skill?23:50 The Pressure of Having People Look Up to You25:06 How to Comprehend Pain and Struggling on Earth27:42 Pastor Raymond's Experience as a Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP)38:56 What Would Pastor Raymond Be If Not a Lawyer or a Pastor?39:33 What Are You Most Proud Of?41:30 Advice To Those Thinking of Making a Major Career Pivot43:10 Rapid Fire Round45:29 Outro

What if you get retrenched? What if you need to terminate someone? Do you know what your rights are? Or what to do? In this episode, you're going to learn what your rights are if you get retrenched in Singapore. We talk about retrenchment, termination and employment law with two senior lawyers - Amarjit Kaur, Head of Singapore Employment Practice at Withers KhattarWong and Seow Hui Goh, Head of Singapore Employment Practice at Bird & Bird. Hear their views on the recent Lazada layoffs. And how retrenchment can go terribly wrong and also surprisingly well, when handled properly. We also talk about: Repercussions of Remote Work How to Terminate Employees, and Still Preserve Goodwill. Effectiveness of Performance Indicator Plans (PIPs) in the Workplace. Join us, whether you're a leader, experienced professional or just starting out in the workforce, as this episode offers invaluable insights beneficial for both employers and employees. If you know someone who's dealing with employment uncertainty, send them this episode and provide them with the information they will need. Seow Hui Goh LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seow-hui-%E6%99%93%E6%85%A7-goh-%E5%90%B4-a997b66a Videos with Seow Hui Goh: https://youtu.be/HirBFsXP9oo?si=fQR0vcfp_NMLNuaZ Amarjit Kaur LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amarjit-kaur-4b1ba620/ Videos with Amarjit Kaur: https://youtu.be/bdQ3WNBuloM?si=QbzEjtAeq_PN2vg- Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for: 00:00 Start of Episode 00:45 Introduction 01:47 Dealing with Rumours of Retrenchment 04:01 What to do When Colleagues are Offered a Better Retrenchment Package 06:13 Taking a Pay-cut to Stay in the Organisation 07:29 Lazada Retrenchment Exercise 10:32 How can Employers Cushion the Blow of Retrenchment? 14:04 Can Retrenchments Go Well? 15:59 Retrenchment as a Disguise to Let Go of Poor Performers 19:41 Do PIPs Actually Work? 24:36 When to Let Go of a Poor Performer 28:45 Preserving the Relationship When Employees Leave the Organisation 31:10 Should You Reveal at Your Next Interview if You Were Made Redundant? 34:30 Can Organisations Do Anything When an Employee Posts a Bad Review on Glassdoor? 37:01 Disgruntled Employees Sharing Their Opinions Online 39:52 Remote Working in a Public Place 44:23 What's the Best Ratio of Working In Office To Working From Home 47:56 Upcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation 54:06 Rapid Fire Round 57:08 Outro

After the Bar is back with Season 3! And this time, we're delving into the theme of navigating transitions. Join Shulin as she speaks with lawyers from various walks of life – past, present, and future – to explore their journeys in law, with a special focus on the pivotal moments in their careers and personal lives. In our season opener, Shulin is joined by Sophie Mathur, a Mergers and Acquisitions lawyer and the Asia Head of Corporate with Linklaters. Sophie takes us on a journey through her evolution in the legal industry – from starting her legal career in London, to achieving partnership, leadership, and motherhood.  Along the way, she's shattered conventions and forged her own path. You will hear her share invaluable insights into personal branding, business development (without wining and dining!), and she even gives a masterclass on how to give feedback. Sophie opens up about the unique challenges she faced as an Asian woman of colour in the corporate realm. Through her candid reflections, she sheds light on the psychological barriers that often hinder us from realizing our full potential. Join us for the kickoff of Season 3, as Sophie shares her remarkable insights, lessons learnt, and the incredible journey she's charted. Follow Sophie Mathur: LinkedIn - https://sg.linkedin.com/in/sophie-mathur-090356 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c4B56soGrno Videos with Sophie Mathur: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0fbaxYFuu4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfAwRhiYgCE Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for: 00:00 Start of Episode 00:58 Introduction 02:10 What is a Merger and Acquisition (M&A) Lawyer? 02:42 Being an Asian Woman of Colour in the Legal Industry 07:19 Having Self-Confidence 11:19 Being Smiley but Firm 14:23 Being Afraid to Ask for a Favour 19:55 The Problem with Chasing Perfection 21:33 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 24:26 The Feeling of Not Being Good Enough 25:56 Dealing with Negativity 31:24 Good Intentions but Bad Results 35:13 The Feeling of Winning Over the Support of the Team 38:24 Getting Feedback from Your Kids 40:51 Ingraining Giving Feedback in a Team's Culture 44:54 Sophie's Drivers for Career Pivots 48:40 Matching the Right Job to the Right Person 50:40 Knowing When to Pivot 51:44 How Becoming a Mom Affects Your Career Perspective 55:45 Sophie's Surprise Baby 57:26 Networking Without Wining and Dining 1:00:20 Alternative Methods of Business Development 1:01:41 Advice for your Younger Self 1:02:34 Rapid Fire Round 1:04:39 Outro

Roles are reversed, for this bonus episode! For once, I'm in the hot seat, answering your questions on After the Bar. Joined by my coach and mentor, Georgina Chang, I opened up about my journey, after quitting law.    In this episode, you will hear about: Why I started After the Bar How I overcame my Fears How I pivoted from Lawyer to Recruiter Memorable moments on this podcasting adventure And the many Lessons I learnt along the way… You will see a different side to me. One that I've hesitated to show for the longest time. In sharing a piece of my personal story, I hope it inspires you in some small way.   Comment below and let me know! What to listen for: 00:00 Start of Episode 00:39 Introduction  01:21 Why did Shulin Start ‘After The Bar' Podcast 05:55 Transitioning From a Lawyer to a Legal Recruiter 08:43 On Realising That Being a Lawyer Was Not for Her 11:04 Finding Purpose in Being a Legal Recruiter 14:00 Launching ‘After The Bar' 15:07 Overcoming The Fear of Starting The Podcast 16:28 Were There Moments Shulin Felt Unqualified? 18:46 On Owning Your Space 20:50 On The Late Adrian Tan 23:21 Memorable Moments - SC Lok Vi Ming's Episode 27:07 Memorable Moments - MP SPS Rahayu Mahzam's Episode 28:19 Is Asking Questions as a Legal Recruiter Different Than as a Podcast Host? 29:50 Shulin's Guest Wishlist 30:45 Vision For Season 3 of ‘After The Bar' 34:47 Biggest Lesson Learnt From the Podcast 36:13 Rapid Fire Questions Subscribe to our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@AfterTheBarPod  Listen to After the Bar, when you're on-the-go! https://open.spotify.com/show/1WeYGLPfM6n2tnZEodR6aq Follow me here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ Website: https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg My work: https://aslantlegal.com/ Follow my amazing coach! https://sg.linkedin.com/in/georginachang/  My heartfelt thanks to you for your support for After the Bar! As Season 2 comes to a close, we look forward to what the new season will bring. Wishing you an amazing end to 2023, and may we collectively Raise the Bar to new heights in the coming year!

A first in After the Bar history, we speak to Rahayu Mahzam, Senior Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Health, and Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC. Rahayu, a former lawyer and passionate advocate for inclusivity, shares her personal career journey from law to politics, discussing the immediate changes after winning the election and the mindset shift she experienced. She also reflects on her legal career, highlighting the insights gained from practicing civil litigation and family law, as well as her unique experience as Deputy Registrar at the Syariah Court. Rahayu opens up about raising a child with special needs, offering valuable insights into balancing the demands of her high-pressure job and caregiving responsibilities. Throughout the conversation, she emphasises the importance of support networks and shares her ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity for marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Rahayu Mahzam as she discusses her personal missions for Singapore and the legal community while sharing her vision for a more inclusive society. Rahayu Mahzam LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahayumahzam/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rahayumahzam/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RahayuMahzamSG/ Rahayu Mahzam's Speeches: https://youtu.be/8c18fsbaDh8 https://youtu.be/l6Jhg5r2h3w Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for: 00:00 Start of Episode 00:31 Introduction 01:21 Dealing with Being a Public Figure & Public Scrutiny 04:19 Self-consciousness as a Politician 08:31 Journey from a Lawyer to a Politician 13:47 Rahayu's Humble Beginnings & Ability to Empathise with the Regular Citizens 17:54 Caring for a Child with Special Needs 26:17 Creating an Ecosystem of Support for the Special Needs Community 31:46 What Can Be Done to Foster Inclusion in Workplaces 36:16 Compatibility of Legal Careers and Family Life for Women 43:41 Issues in the Legal Sector for Women 46:04 What Would Rahayu Want to Change in the Legal Industry 50:37 Law in AI & Opportunities for Younger Lawyers to Gain New Skills 52:20 Advice for Young & Aspiring Lawyers 55:55 Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode of After The Bar, join us as we delve deep into the world of law with the esteemed guest, Jean Woo, a banking specialist lawyer heading local law firm Ashurst. Jean shares invaluable insights on various aspects of the legal profession from hiring processes and managing the different dynamics of lawyers. Jean begins by discussing the qualities she looks for in a lawyer and how the self-selecting process plays a crucial role in shaping a successful legal career. She sheds light on the importance of ensuring motivation and engagement among younger lawyers, while also addressing the pressing issue of mental health within the legal industry. Work-life balance is a topic close to Jean's heart, and she shares her strategies for managing competing demands and finding harmony between professional and personal life. As a Managing Partner, Jean provides valuable perspective shifts that occur when taking on a higher role and how she navigates the challenges of managing the firm while maintaining a successful legal practice. Exploring the dynamics of different categories of lawyers, Jean offers tips on how homegrown lawyers can secure positions in international law firms. She also delves into the implications of local law firms merging with international companies and the potential loss of legal talent. Throughout the episode, Jean emphasises the importance of transparency in international firms and communicates the significance of setting boundaries and maintaining open communication with family as she shares how she manages the different priorities in her list and life. Don't miss this insightful conversation with Jean Woo, where she shares her experiences, advice, and reflections on the legal profession, providing listeners with a wealth of knowledge to navigate their own legal careers successfully. Jean Woo - http://linkedin.com/in/jean-woo-1b904452 Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for: 00:00 Start of Episode 00:50 Introduction Starts 01:29 New Generation of Lawyers 03:20 Self-Selecting Process 04:36 Qualities to Look for In a Lawyer 05:19 Ensuring Motivation and Engagement for Younger Lawyer 07:52 Tackling Mental Health Issues in a Firm 10:21 Managing a Work-Life Balance 11:29 Learning to Trust your Organisation 12:28 Why Jean Volunteered to be a Managing Partner 13:12 Stepping Up Further into Your Career 15:12 Perspective Shifts after Taking on a Higher Role 17:13 Managing Competing Demands of Managing the Firm and Maintaining a Successful Legal Practice 19:19 What Jean Would Have Done Differently 20:38 Advice to Others in a Similar Position 24:10 Singaporean Lawyers vs Expat Lawyers 24:37 Jean's Experiences as a Lawyer in the UK 26:12 Advantages of Being a Lawyer Who Has Worked Overseas 28:52 Tips on How to Get Hired in an International Law Firm as a Homegrown Lawyer 30:55 Peer Mentoring and Cultural Exchange 33:53 Is the Legal Scene being Dominated by Big International Firms? 35:48 Local Law Firms Merging with International Companies Leading to A Potential Loss of Legal Talent 37:23 What Attracts Local Firm Partners to Global Firms 38:01 Transparency in International Firms 41:22 How to Juggle Work Stress 42:51 Jean's Philosophy on Family 43:50 How to Keep Priorities in Check 46:36 Rapid Fire Questions

Join us on this podcast episode as we speak with Lyn Lee, the Head of Group Legal at OCBC Bank, as well as a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Speaker, Coach, and Trainer. Coming on to After the Bar a second time, Lyn delves deeper into how she finds and maintains balance in life with her faith, family, and friends. While being successful herself, she also maintains that the definition of success takes on a very different meaning for each individual. She also shares what motivated her to get the certification for Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Speaker, Coach, and Trainer, and how this has helped her in her work. Lyn also reflects on some of the challenges of having the ‘Achiever' as one of her strengths on the CliftonStrengths Assessment, and how she went about finding peace with it. Throughout her life, Lyn has continuously tried out new things and is not afraid to learn from people younger than her. This episode is one about understanding one's intentions in life and lifelong learning. If you are feeling lost in your career or life, this might help you to find some clarity. Lyn has previously appeared in Season 1 Episode 9 (https://youtu.be/eRSeYgjq9ac) talking about mentorship and re-defining one's own success. Lyn Lee - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyn-lee-1b7a1713/ Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for: 00:00 Start of Episode 02:14 Finding and Maintaining Balance in Life 04:20 Process of Finding What You Want in Life and Being Intentional About It 06:19 Defining Your Own Success: Two Ladies, Two President Scholars, Two Different Paths of Success 07:58 Lyn's Motivation to Getting Certification for Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Speaker 08:55 Favourite John Maxwell's Books 09:13 Weakness of the ‘Achiever' Strength 14:28 What Else Lyn Hopes To Achieve in the Future 17:23 The Extent of Faith on Lyn's Work 20:42 Lyn's Advice to Her Younger Self 22:50 Tips and Predictions for Future Lawyers 25:10 Rapid Fire Questions

Join us in this episode as we speak with Yingyu Wang, an accomplished Tech & IP lawyer for Simmons & Simmons. Watch as she shares her journey in the legal and business world. Yingyu opens up about her experiences in managing a law firm and the challenges she faced along the way. She also shares her insights on the intersection between the tech world and the legal industry, and how her decision to move into tech has impacted her career.But it doesn't stop there. Yingyu is also a mother, and in this episode, she opens up about the juggle between the responsibilities of being a successful lawyer and being a mother. You'll hear her share her personal struggles and how she manages to strike a balance between work and family life.If you're interested in hearing about the legal industry, the tech world, and the challenges of being a working parent, this episode is for you. Tune in and find out more from Yingyu's valuable insights and experiences.Yingyu Wang - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yingyu-wang/Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sgWhat to listen for:00:00 Start of Episode02:06 Yingyu's Journey in Law & Business06:11 The Juggle between Managing a Firm and Being a Mother 07:24 Overcoming Challenges when Managing a Firm 11:17 The Decision to Close Her Own Law Firm and Joining Another Firm 16:25 Demystifying the Tech World - Crypto, Blockchain, Web3 etc. 19:38 The Move into the Digital Assets World22:21 Legal Complications in Web323:36 Outcome of Investing in Crypto24:12 Yingyu's Thoughts on Crypto26:57 The Next Thing to Look Out for in the Digital Assets World28:43 Yingyu's Main Concern as a Female Lawyer29:51 How Yingyu's Attitude has Changed Towards Her Practice31:26 Yingyu's Thoughts on Being a Mentor to Younger Lawyers35:51 Yingyu's Support Circle in her Career40:30 Moving Away from Toxic Environments42:01 What Yingyu Wished She Had Known About Work and Women Earlier45:01 How Can Support Be Given to Women Aspiring to Venture into Tech47:48 Tips to People Who Aspire to Start a Family and Still Thrive at Work50:12 An Advice to Lawyers Who Dream of Entering Tech50:26 Rapid Fire Questions

Join us on this podcast episode as we speak with Lok Vi Ming, Senior Counsel, about his path to becoming a Senior Counsel and his illustrious legal career. He provides valuable insights into how his personal values have shaped his approach to law and the significant effort he has dedicated to his craft. Most importantly, he sheds light on how he made it a point not to change the kind of person he is, even after achieving the prestigious title of Senior Counsel. We also dive into some of Lok Vi Ming's past high-profile cases, including the SilkAir MI 185 case and the Slim 10 saga, and he shares the challenges and rewards of working on such complex legal battles.Additionally, Lok Vi Ming reflects on his experience striking out on his own and in starting his own law firm. He shares valuable lessons learned from his journey in entrepreneurship, leadership and law firm management. Whether you are an aspiring lawyer or simply interested in the world of law, this episode offers a wealth of valuable insights and inspiration.Lok Vi Ming - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vi-ming-lok-sc-a327071a5/Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sgWhat to listen for:00:00 Start of Episode01:55 Receiving the CC Tan Award02:37 Vi Ming's Approach to His Legal Practice04:23 Thoughts on Being Made Senior Counsel07:24 The Biggest Difference in Vi Ming's Career After Being Made SC 08:53 Alternate Career Trajectory If Not Made SC10:00 Important Values to Vi Ming11:11 Motto of ‘Never Say Never' in Life11:59 High Profile Case SilkAir MI 18516:07 The Role of Faith During the SilkAir MI 185 Case22:34 High Profile Case Slim 10 Saga29:14 Outcome of the Slim 10 Saga 32:29 Overcoming Challenges on Doing the ‘Right' Thing34:02 Why Start A Firm in Your Fifties?36:37 Why Do Lawyers Choose to Apply to LVM Law Chambers?38:38 Thoughts on the Next Generation of Lawyers43:41 Criteria of Hiring Associates45:33 Vi Ming's Role Models46:30 Advice to Lawyers Aspiring to Become an SC47:40 How Vi Ming's Definition of Success Has Changed49:47 Vi Ming's Way Forward as an SC51:50 Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode, we sit down with Maree Myerscough, COO & General Counsel for Aquila Clean Energy Asia Pacific, a clean energy platform that funds, develops, builds and operates solar PV, wind power and battery storage assets across the region. Maree opens up about a traumatic time in her life after she was laid off from her previous company and how it has shaped her approach to professional setbacks. In the wake of so many lay-offs and retrenchments, it's refreshing to hear from a legal leader willing to share about her job loss with such vulnerability. “I was told ‘It's not personal, Maree' – but it was hard not to take it personally when I had poured so much of myself into the role. It was much more than just a job to me.”After embracing support from her strong network, Maree bounced back and has continued her successful career. It's an inspiring story of a humble leader who has been paying it forward to help others facing similar situations. Beyond her work in the renewable energy sector, Maree is also an active proponent of pro bono projects, community service initiatives, and mentorship programs for young lawyers. She speaks candidly about her service leadership within the legal community and her passion for helping others succeed. Throughout the episode, Maree emphasises the importance of mental wellbeing, particularly in high-stress industries like law and energy. She shares her own strategies for coping with stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Gain valuable insights into the world of renewable energy projects, ESG considerations for business, as well as practical tips for navigating challenging career transitions and prioritising self-care. Join us for this inspiring conversation with a true leader in the renewable energy and legal communities.Maree Myerscough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mareemyerscough/Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sgWhat to listen for:00:00 Start of Episode02:06 Life as an Expat 03:31 What is Renewable Energy?06:01 Why Did You Choose In-House?06:48 Managing Relationships with External Counsel09:05 Growing a Team09:47 Challenges Facing the Renewable Energy Market11:46 The Work Involving ESG14:04 Environmental & Social Issues In a Day to Day Work16:04 Being a COO21:08 Dealing With Risks22:14 Coping with Retrenchment29:06 Being a Part Time Legal Recruiter30:08 The Juggle being a Working Lawyer Mum34:04 Being Involved as a Board Member 37:09 Being a Strong Advocate for Mental Wellbeing40:53 Advice for Lawyers43:03 Moving Forward43:51 Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode, we sit down with Ivan Cheong, an experienced lawyer who specialises in family and divorce law. He has helped many individuals navigate the legal system during challenging times, from custody battles to property division.Ivan shares some of the common challenges that people face during divorce proceedings. Why mediation is a better option, instead of litigation and how therapeutic justice is solution-driven for familiesJoin us as we delve deep into the world of family law, and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to resolve disputes between family.Ivan Cheong - linkedin.com/in/ivan-cheong-7528485aConnect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sgWhat to listen for:00:00 Start of Episode02:08 Falling Finalised Divorce Proceedings in 202103:08 Reasons Behind the High Divorce Rates in Singapore04:39 Stigma Among Divorce06:06 Most Common Causes of Divorce07:33 Uncommon Reason of Divorce08:59 Therapeutic Justice13:16 Post Nuptial Agreement15:54 Reasons for Entering Post Nuptial Agreement20:23 High Profile Cases 23:09 Repeal of Section 377A29:28 The Desired Changes in our Family Legal Regime32:31 Pets in Divorce Proceedings34:14 Ivan's Perspective on Marriage36:58 Why Ivan Chose Family Law38:58 The Most Enjoyable Part about Work to Ivan42:30 Important Values for Family Lawyers44:30 Self-Care as a Lawyer45:41 Advice for his Younger Self46:58 Advice for Married Couples49:09 Rapid Fire Questions

In this International Women's Episode Special, we sit down with three female lawyers - Debby, Kimarie, and Seow Hui - to discuss their experiences working in the law industry.As women in a traditionally male-dominated field, Debby, Kimarie, and Seow Hui share their insights on what it's like to navigate the challenges of being a female lawyer. From facing gender biases to balancing work and personal life, they discuss the unique struggles that women in law often encounter.They also shed light on the positive aspects of their careers, including the satisfaction of helping clients and the sense of accomplishment that comes with winning cases. Additionally, they offer advice for aspiring female lawyers, including the importance of finding a mentor and the need to advocate for oneself.This episode provides a glimpse into the experiences of women in the law industry and the ways in which they are striving to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.Debby Lim - linkedin.com/in/debby-lim-43a27a26Kimarie Cheang - linkedin.com/in/kimarie-cheangSeow Hui Goh - linkedin.com/in/seow-hui-晓慧-goh-吴-a997b66aConnect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sgWhat to listen for:00:20 Intro 01:25 Was becoming a partner in law firm part of the plan? 03:45 Becoming Female Lawyers 09:39 Facing Unfairness as a Woman 14:37 Experience Serving Underrepresented Communities 16:11 Being a Female Leader in a Male-Dominated Industry 20:40 Working in an All-Women Team 23:30 Setting the Tone for Your Team 24:22 Impostor Syndrome and Feeling Like a Fraud29:30 Fears and Overcoming Them 31:14 Balancing Children and Work 35:36 Greatest Risks Taken38:03 Doubts and Getting Over Them 40:02 Advice on Building a Book of Business44:15 Advice to Aspiring Lawyers Entering Private Practice46:21 Most Significant Impact/Lesson from Law Practice 48:45 Rapid Fire Round

In this episode, we delve into the world of criminal law with one of the top criminal lawyers in the business, Sunil Sudheesan. With over a decade of experience, Sunil has become known for his successful track record in representing high-profile clients in some of the most challenging criminal cases. From representing clients accused of white-collar crimes to those facing serious charges like murder, Sunil has seen it all.We'll explore Sunil's journey into criminal law, his approach to defending clients, and the unique challenges he faces as a criminal lawyer. Sunil will share some of his most memorable cases, and provide insights into the strategies he uses to ensure the best possible outcome for his clients.Join us as we explore the fascinating world of criminal law with Sunil Sudheesan, and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a successful criminal lawyer in today's legal landscape.Sunil Sudheesan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunil-sudheesan-011ab1a8/Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sgWhat to listen for:00:23 Intro02:11 Being a Criminal Lawyer03:06 Working with the late Subhas Sudheesan04:46 Personal belief as a Criminal Lawyer06:40 Fighting for the Underdogs08:55 Huang Na Murder Case21:50 The One-Eyed Dragon Case27:38 Representing Oneself in a Case28:57 The Kallang Body Parts Case32:18 Dealing with High Pressure as a Lawyer35:31 The Shift away from Sensational Media37:42 What to do when Arrested39:43 First 48 Hours of Getting Arrested40:42 Incriminating Statements44:39 Three Things that Hopefully Can be Changed about Singapore's Criminal Legal System45:47 Clients Beyond Cases46:51 Separating Emotions from Work47:59 Pro-bono Work and Firm Culture50:28 Diminishing Number of Lawyers Joining Criminal Law53:16 Supporting the New Generation of Lawyers54:13 Sunil's Aspirations Going Forward55:38 Rapid Fire Round

Shulin sits down with Jean Voronkova to talk about her journey leaving corporate law and how she built multiple passive income streams to enjoy an early retirement in Bali. Jean also opens up about the pushback she received from her family after leaving the corporate world and how they eventually accepted her new life path. Born in Singapore, Jean Voronkova worked as a corporate lawyer for several years before taking a leap of faith to pursue her passions full-time. With her engaging personality and unique perspective on life, she has since built a large following on social media and YouTube, where she provides insights on travel, surfing, and living a life of adventure.A true inspiration to her followers, Jean's story is a testament to the power of following one's dreams and living life to the fullest.Jean Voronkova - https://www.youtube.com/@JeanVoronkovaConnect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

In our season finale, Shulin Lee speaks with Nan, on her unexpected journey from lawyer to restaurateur. We hear of many professionals who venture into the world of F&B. This isn't exactly a new storyline. Except that this time, we get to hear the rawness of challenging situations and the reality of what goes through the mind of a restaurant owner, in the midst of crisis management. Propelled by her passion for lifelong learning, she empowers her team to contribute ideas. Honouring craftmanship in F&B, and making luxury affordable to the masses, Nan has made and continues to make a significant impact in the restaurant industry.Nan is the co-owner of Empire Eats, a restaurant group with 9 stand-alone restaurants and bars, and Liberty Spirits Asia, an alcohol distribution company. Their companies employ over a hundred full-time staff. Standing Sushi Bar, Tanuki Raw, Salmon Samurai, The Secret Mermaid, just to name a few of their brands. Nan was an IP lawyer for 7 years, before being lured into the glamorous world of food and beverages by her husband, Howard Lo, who started the company in 2009. She joined Empire Eats in 2014. Since then, she has helped to expand the empire from 4 restaurants to 12 at one-point pre-Covid!==Hui Nan Lim - https://www.linkedin.com/in/huinanConnect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sgWhat to listen for:0:00        Intro3:00        Leaving practice to F&B4:00        How she expanded Empire Eats6:20        Exciting start of her journey as a restaurateur 9:30        Honoring craftsmanship in F&B11:10     Empowering her team to come up with ideas 12:00     “Dragon lady” with a soft heart 14:40     Mindful allocation of energy 15:20     Why she's energized by active learning 17:20     The only relevant skill in this world - How to Learn 19:00     Service recovery, when things don't go their way, 19:53     “Mother's Day massacre” in 2020 23:55     Retaining their staff, in the midst of the pandemic 25:20     Communities of practices, during adversity 30:50     Advice to people who wish to open a restaurant? 33:18     What does success look like for Nan?36:50     Being hospitality-centric to meet customers' needs 38:40     Advice to her younger self?40:00     Predictions for restaurant industry 43:35     Rapid fire round

Shulin Lee sits with Lyn Lee to talk about mentorship and re-defining your own success. Having a mentor to support us through our journey, can make all the difference. Lyn shares about how mentorship took such a stronghold, how it's impacted her career and exactly how do we go about finding a mentor? She speaks candidly about a turning point in her career and what drives her to continue paying it forward, to mentor others. Lyn Lee is Head of Group Legal at a large regional Bank. She manages one of the largest legal teams in the finance world, in Singapore.  Not only is she an experienced Treasury and Investment Banking legal specialist, she speaks regularly in industry conferences, and is also a Maxwell Leadership Team certified speaker, coach and trainer. Lyn is passionate about leadership based on diversity and inclusion, coaching and mentoring. Lyn Lee –https://www.linkedin.com/in/Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sgWhat to listen for:0:00 Intro2:03 How mentorship took such a stronghold3:40 How some bosses became mentors4:29 How to go about seeking a mentor?7:08 Reverse mentoring - when the mentee becomes the mentor?8:11 Personal presence and personal brand9:57 Key lessons that set her up for success later on13:00 Turning point of her career14:23 Derive satisfaction from watching people grow15:02 How to start finding a mentor?16:32 What to do when at a crossroad?19:19 Rapid fire round

Shulin Lee talks to Norman Ho about his winning formula to becoming one of the most prolific real estate lawyers in Singapore. How he manages to stay so grounded, humble and down-to-earth, and still remain so driven and passionate about his work, after 35 years of practice. Armed with a philosophy to befriend his clients, it's an ongoing journey to continuously stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market.  Norman Ho is a well-known face in the world of real estate in Singapore. He's regarded by many in the industry, as the “Go-to Real Estate” partner. A career than spans across more than 35 years, he specialises in transactional corporate real estate matters such as commercial buildings, hotels, malls, industrial parks and development projects. Presently a senior partner with Rajah & Tann, he's well known for his astute structuring and commercial acumen, in high profile real estate transactions.Norman Ho – https://www.linkedin.com/in/norman-ho-958442149Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/   More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for:2:18 How his journey started as a real estate lawyer3:50 En-bloc king of Singapore4:45 How he built his reputation as a real estate transactional lawyer 5:40 Harnessing LinkedIn to build his network6:00 Commercial mindset - nature or nurture?7:00 Going above and beyond, in structuring deals8:25 His winning formula in building his reputation10:00 Driving the deal forward10:58 How to develop a commercial mindset14:31 Moving with his team after 31 years with the same firm17:15 What keeps him going ?18:44 When do lawyers get roped in for large scale deals ?20:24 Trends in commercial real estate market22:26 Advice for the next generation of lawyers24:25 Opportunities and threats in the legal market25:52 Staying relevant in a rapidly evolving market27:31 Looking back on his career28:30 Quick personal questions31:20 His motto in life

Shulin talks to high-profile R&I lawyer Meiyen, about her journey to becoming the first female to lead a restructuring and insolvency legal practice in Singapore. In this interview, we discuss how she overcomes imposter syndrome, differentiates herself in a male-dominated industry, and how she's embraced her feminine qualities.Meiyen is the Co-head of R&I with Oon & Bazul. A career that spans across more than 20 years, Meiyen has acted for and advised individuals, multi-national corporations, court-appointed administrators, distressed and special situations funds and banks in Singapore and abroad. Prior to joining Oon & Bazul, Meiyen was a partner at one of the Big Four domestic law practices in Singapore. She is also one of the founding members of the Singapore Network of the International Women's Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC).Mei Yen Tan – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mei-yen-tan-629a4a7Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sgWhat to listen for:2:07  Start of her journey as an R&I lawyer3:44  Transiting from Big 4 to boutique firm5:14  How she decided to make that move7:53  Growing the restructuring practice and team9:25  Differentiating herself in a male-dominated industry10:52  First female lead of a restructuring practice 13:43  Women supporting women?15:33  Men lending a helping hand16:25  IWIRC - Organization providing a platform for women to network20:26  What is R&I? Example of Toys “R” Us restructuring21:38  Covid's impact on R&I23:41  Different segments of R&I law24:54  Singapore's  new reforms to R&I law25:47  Winning work from New York, clients using Singapore instead27:20  Role of mediation in R&I28:37  Embracing her feminine qualities31:41  How cyclical is the work in R&I?34:33  Advice to lawyers looking to do R&I37:59  Social media's impact on business development39:06  Super priority financing - a valuable tool40:19  Rapid fire questions People mentioned on the show:Anantham Kasinather - https://www.sreeharryco.com/partners.phpWong Chee Lin - https://www.skrine.com/people/partners/wong-chee-lin Keith Han - https://oonbazul.com/partners/keithhan Abdul Malik - https://oonbazul.com/partners/abdul-malikIWIRC - https://www.iwirc.com/networks/singapore 

Shulin Lee sits down with John Cordova to talk about how he likens the journey of life to a lottery ticket. As an international M&A lawyer, from landing a coveted spot in a magic circle firm and later moving to Asia, from London, and then to Singapore into his first in-house legal role, he keeps an open mind about where life takes him. In this interview, he shares with us some of his insights, tips and even some of his trade secrets!John is the Deputy General Counsel of Grab and also one of the earliest Grabbers in the legal team. Grab is known as the Southeast Asian “everyday super app” and has just been listed on NASDAQ. John heads up Grab's transactions legal team and has been an integral part of Grab's journey to listing. He started his career in the UK with not one, but two magic circle firms.  He worked with them for more than 10 years across a number of jurisdictions - London, Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong. He was also a Partner with one of the Big4 firms here in Singapore - Rajah & Tann, where he successfully grew their ASEAN platform. John Cordova – https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnacordovaConnect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for:0:00  Intro4:30  Life is like a lottery ticket8:26  Practicing all over the world  10:40  Moving from law firm to in-house 13:40  Moving from in-house back into practice 16:00  Joining Grab as one their first lawyers  18:25  Fund raising journey23:53  The role of Grab's legal team 25:16  His philosophy as an M&A lawyer27:25  Closing the deal - his trade secret 30:50  Favorite country to work in31:36  Advice for junior lawyers 33:18  Advice for senior lawyers moving in-house 35:10  What would he do differently in his legal career ? 36:46  Impact of tech on in-house lawyers39:20  Rapid fire questions People mentioned on the show:Anthony Tan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-tanLee Eng Beng:  https://sg.rajahtannasia.com/eng.beng.leePatrick Ang:  https://sg.rajahtannasia.com/patrick.angDanny Ong: https://sg.rajahtannasia.com/danny.ong

Shulin sits down with Lynette Ooi to talk about her journey in Tech law, how she recently developed her purpose statement and how she pursues other interests. Lynette discusses her leadership lessons in becoming a Head of Legal in a Big Tech company.  A vocal advocate for issues close to her heart and a true multi-hyphenate, Lynette's story is one that is inspirational, as a lawyer with much creativity and passion.  Lynette is the Head of Legal of Amazon Consumer in Singapore. She has spent most of her career advising tech and media businesses, enjoying a front-row seat to a succession of industry trends, including fibre broadband, mobile payments, cloud computing, and e-commerce. She's also a published recording artist and the lead singer of Fool's Decade.   Back in 2017, she founded the Women In Law Circle, a group of women lawyers across private practice and in-house roles who support each other in achieving their professional and personal ambitions. She also provides career and personal development mentoring and coaching within and outside Amazon, and is training to be a certified coach. Lynette contributes articles to various publications and also volunteers for causes related to diversity and inclusion, and youth empowerment.Lynette Ooi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynetteooiConnect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for:0:00  Intro2:35  The start of her legal career4:20  Moving to Hong Kong and beginning in Tech & Media law 6:15  Transiting from an international firm to a Singapore domestic firm 8:28  Her first foray into the world of in-house lawyering 10:33  Diversity in the workplace 11:47 Female representation dropping off a cliff15:37  Starting the Lean in circle for women in law 19:25 Inviting men to be part of the conversion 21:45  How to collaborate with her team whilst working remotely23:28  Questions she asked when onboarding new team members 26:53  Leadership lessons learnt in becoming the Head of Legal  29:45  Developing her purpose statement 34:00  Wearing multiple hats 35:45 Importance of self-care 34:40  Transforming her morning routine40:50  Advice to lawyers who wish to specialize in Tech law 44:42  What would she do differently in her career?46:00  The way forward for in-house lawyers50:21  Rapid fire questions  People mentioned on the show:Damian Bailey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-bailey-161bb5Tan Wee Meng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wee-meng-tan-7a79b6190Recommended books: The Organized MindHow Will You Measure Your Life?Tribal LeadershipEssentialism

Shulin Lee chats with Buchan Love to talk about the in-house lawyer's mindset. After 11 years in practice, he successfully transited from law firm to in-house. He very quickly learnt how to balance competing interests of being a legal counsel and a business enabler. He shares how as a senior lawyer, he earned the trust of the business, managed a global legal team as well as built up the careers of other lawyers. Buchan is a well-respected Head of Legal, Regional Counsel and Executive leader. With over 20 years of experience working in Asia, in regional and global roles, Buchan has a great track record of providing C-Suite stakeholders with operationally realistic solutions and prudent governance, enabling sustainable reputation and growth. As a commercial lawyer, he's highly experienced in providing practical but ethical solutions in heavily regulated and highly sensitive industries, such as in Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals and FMCG. Buchan Love - https://www.linkedin.com/in/buchan-love/What to listen for:0:00  Intro2:40  Start of his legal journey as an M&A lawyer4:52  Feeling of being “trapped” - when at the crossroads6:50  Seeking a pathway out of private practice.9:26  Seizing the chance to do a client secondment11:00  His transition to In-house13:40  Initial culture shock16:40  Huge adjustment in mindset needed19:30  Dealing with the pressure of the business looking to you for all the answers20:45  Thought process before moving in-house22:20  Realization that you're part of the business too.27:40  Key challenge of an in-house lawyer31:13  Deposits into the “trust bank” with small wins37:25  Having a business owner mentality39:01  Transiting to work in the Singapore market41:35  Managing a global legal team47:14  Philosophy in building and recruiting a team53:29  Cashing out early and his return to NZ.54:50  How Covid made him re-assess his priorities1:03:05  Advice to senior lawyers looking to move in-house1:07:58  Tips for junior lawyers looking to move in-house1:12:53  What he would have done differently in his career1:15:16  Evolution of legal industry1:22:00  Quick personal questionsPeople mentioned on the show:Matthew Chapple - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-chapple-ab83316John Gao - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gao-289a722/Watch the  video at https://youtu.be/JtxWOv77-9gConnect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

Shulin talks to award-winning author and litigator Adrian Tan about his journey in and outside of the legal profession. From seeing himself through law school with the royalties of his book, to starting his career as a “let's bash the other side”  lawyer, into becoming a “peace-maker” and how his ascent to be the future “King of Singapore” began. Adrian has experienced a whirlwind career. He's well known as the author of The Teenage Textbook, a book which was even made into a movie. He's presently the Head of IP And Tech, and a litigation partner with TSMP law.  As the newly elected President of the Law Society, he's keen to make lawyering great again!Believing that law is society's operating system and that lawyers are your best friends, Adrian's social media posts often go viral– all generously dosed with his unique brand of humour. He touches on a wide range of topics impacting the larger community, Singapore's history and his views on how as a society, we all can do and be better.Adrian Tan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanadrianWhat to listen for:0:00 Intro2:50 - The start of his Kingdom 6:41 - How the idea of writing the Teenage Textbook started!11:00 - How he put himself through university, with royalties  12:00 - How he started his career as a conveyancing lawyer 18:00 - When he realized he was better suited to be a Litigator - “Let's smash the other side!”  18:55 - His first taste of being an in-house lawyer 20:10 - When he moved from in-house back into practice20:35 - Why he did his 2nd degree in computer science 22:35 - What's the benefit in doing another degree or masters ?24:14- How self-doubt is healthy 26:25 - Working within a Big Law U.S. firm28:00 - How Singapore firms can compete with international firms ?32:10 - Giving back to the migrant workers - ItsRainingRaincoats33:40 - Business Times article - making lawyering great again! 37:47 - Philosophy of a litigation lawyer 44:44 - How to go about building your client base as a junior lawyer 46:27 - How he became the “King of Singapore” and his social media experiment 52:40 - How the legal market is evolving Link to the ItsRainingRaincoats video for migrant workers : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3yki9wtQbN9WKj21B465we2xPA5zdt9People mentioned on the show:Goh Eck Kheng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eck-kheng-goh-386b93106/?originalSubdomain=sgGregory Vijayendran - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-vijayendran-31089744Melody Chen  - https://www.instagram.com/melodychen_/?hl=enThio Shen Yi - https://www.tsmplaw.com/lawyer/thio-shen-yi-sc/Stefanie Yuen - https://www.tsmplaw.com/lawyer/stefanie-yuen-thio/Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXXoiyB4hJo Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

Shulin talks to Susan de Silva about how she found a way to thrive, not just survive her 30 over years in legal practice. We discuss how she overcame a deeply personal failure, how she found her life's purpose and her philosophy that the best form of legal risk management, is to take a human-centered approach. Susan was one of the founding and named partners of ATMD Bird & Bird. 3 years ago, she started the Silva Coach, and she focuses on coaching leaders and professionals, who are at crossroads. A career that saw her become the Managing Partner of the firm at one point, spearheading their Asia Pacific Employment practice with the firm and also building the firm over the 90's, when female leaders in law firms, were few and far in between – Susan is well known and deeply respected in the legal community. Susan de Silva - https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-de-silva-0770741b/What to listen for:0:00 Intro3:10 Start of her journey – aspirations when she was a law student4:20 How those early years of practice were like?5:20 Journey as a founding partner of ATMD7:10 Working long hours in practice and experiencing no stress9:25 Dawn of a new era - joining forces with an international firm, Bird & Bird10:10 How she started specializing in Employment Law12:20 Founding the firm with 4 partners and a team of 4014:45 Ingredients of success for a practicing lawyer15:50 How to have a sustainable career as a lawyer?20:56 Defining moments in her career24:21 The epiphany she had – reframing her perspective.25:09 How she bounced back from her personal failure27:10 Her work as a life coach29:00 Arriving at her purpose in life38:38 What is the purpose of being a lawyer?45:00 Therapeutic Justice approach to law - damaging vs healing48:50 How she dealt with a difficult retrenchment exercise53:01 Launch of Mindful Business Singapore - MBS58:20 Causes of stress in practice - questioning the status quo1:02:00 Effecting real change in the industry1:11:30 Sustainability – as a threat and opportunity1:14:00 Final personal questions Link to the article on law gazette: https://lawgazette.com.sg/practice/practice-support/know-thyself-practice-with-purpose-to-thrive/ Link to Mindful Business Charter: https://www.mindfulbusinesscharter.com/ People mentioned on the show: Seow Hui Goh: https://www.twobirds.com/en/our-lawyers/s/seow-hui-goh Danny Quah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyquahws/?originalSubdomain=sg Chris Bishop: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbishopsg/ Watch the  video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsA6a09ZNbE&t=4211s Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/More info: https://www.afterthebar.com.sg/  

Shulin sits down with Shashi Nathan, to uncover his journey to becoming the Criminal lawyer he is today.  We discuss how he had sleepless nights over his first murder trial in 1994, his commitment to the Criminal legal bar, his views on Diversity & Inclusion in the Legal industry and how he pays it forward – doing for others what others have done for him.Shashi Nathan is a prolific Criminal Lawyer in Singapore. A career that spans across more than 30 years, he's now the APAC Head of Disputes with Withers KhattarWong.  His cases involve offences of murder, drug trafficking, and kidnapping. Shashi is listed as a lead counsel under the Supreme Court's list of Assigned Counsel for Capital Cases and he has defended numerous clients charged for capital offences.Shashi Nathan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shashi-nathan-6a231916/ Rice Media article - https://www.ricemedia.co/culture-people-top-criminal-lawyer-complexities-defending-sex-crime-singapore-shashi-nathan/ What to listen for:0:00 Intro2:25 Initial dreams of being a corporate lawyer dashed3:54 Start to his Litigation career7:43 Rite of passage to criminal law8:58 Help from senior members9:44 The “Under one Roof” case10:15 Thrusted into the limelight11:51 Timely help from a senior criminal lawyer13:00 Butcher case - how he overcame the challenges15:12 Why he helps other criminal lawyers - paying it forward16:06 How the Bar became his mentor and he grew to love it17:55 Is his career the stuff of TV courtroom dramas?18:20 Why defend a client who's guilty of a serious crime?21:52 Sleepless nights over his first murder trial25:24 The emotional toll of the role of a criminal lawyer26:41 What keeps him going?29:24 His close-knit team and secret to retaining good talent32:17 Strong advocate for diversity. Female partners in practice38:15 Changing gender stereotypes in Criminal law41:24 Advice to aspiring lawyersPeople mentioned on the show:Diana Ngiam - https://www.quahewoo.com/our-lawyers/diana-ngiam/Leo Fernando - http://www.leofernando.com.sg/about-leo-fernando/Ramesh Tiwary - https://www.lawguidesingapore.com/directory/law-firm/ramesh-tiwary/Sant Singh - https://www.trc.com.sg/sant-singh-sc/Sadhana Rai - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadhana-rai-0953205a/Subhas Anandan - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subhas_AnandanSuresh Damodara - https://www.damodaraong.com/people/suresh-damodara/ Tania Chin - https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/people/tania-chinWendell Wong - https://www.drewnapier.com/Our-Lawyers/wendell-wong Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More info: https://www.afterthebar.com.sg/