Articles

Client's Trust 

I feel fortunate to have had early exposure to the High Court. While there are differences between the lower and higher courts, the experiences I've gained in both have been invaluable. Each stage has provided unique challenges that have shaped my development as a legal practitioner.

It’s essential to start somewhere. Even during my time in the Service, where the ‘clients’ had limited influence, I still had to prove my ability to carry and argue cases convincingly. Only then was I entrusted with handling more complex and prominent matters in the High Court.

Gaining the trust of both clients and superiors are two distinct challenges. With superiors, the process is largely based on merit and objectivity. There are no shortcuts, either you demonstrate competence, or you try again in other opportunity. While rapport-building can help with clients, it’s not enough to gain the full confidence of your superiors. Trust is earned through consistent results, not just words or charm.

That said, the trust of clients is equally important, especially when those clients hold significant roles. I have had the privilege of representing individuals in such positions, and their confidence in my abilities has been invaluable. Their trust has given me the freedom to manage cases with greater autonomy, allowing for a more efficient and rewarding working relationship.

Speaking from my own experience, autonomy over your files is a privilege, and it often comes down to the trust you’ve earned from both clients and superiors. Without that trust, particularly from clients in key positions, you may find yourself under more scrutiny than you'd like.

Understandably, in private practice, the clients are very different from the type of ‘clients’ I had in the Service, thus the call to re-learn. How big is the difference, is up for me to discover.

Appreciate any input on how you guys as a private practitioner manage your clients and what you guys as a client/in-house counsel expect from your solicitors/lawyers, so that we can together, learn. 

AFR

12 September 2024

Another Self-Reflection

It took me about 1 year and 3 months after my 'long call', and just 3 months into the Judicial Legal Service, to have the chance to argue before a High Court judge. This opportunity came much sooner than expected, and it’s one of the key reasons I value the decision to join the service.

In my observation, in a private practice setting, even if your employer and superiors trust you, you still need to earn the client's trust to handle a brief. This can delay courtroom opportunities. The Judicial Legal Service, on the other hand, gave me a chance to develop my skills early on, without the added pressure of client approval.

While joining the service meant earning less at first—it took 2 years for my salary to match what I was making in private practice, while for my peers it grew by thousands—it was the right decision. The experience I gained has been invaluable.

Sometimes, career choices aren't just about the money. Prioritizing growth and the opportunities to develop your skills can lead to greater rewards in the long run.

AFR

5 September 2024

Duty to the Court

I recently came across the judgment by the Hon. Justice Johan Lee J in Cheong Ming Zing & Ors v D Pristine Medini Sdn Bhd [2024] MLJU 1400, and it struck a chord with me as a reminder of the responsibilities we bear, as officers of the court

"While it is understood that practitioners would prefer more complex settings so as to be rewarded monetarily, they should be aware of their duty to the Court and to justice. They should not be filing unnecessary applications or appeals which are totally against the position they have taken in the conduct of the case, merely to bill their clients more."

This judgment serves as a personal reminder to myself to always prioritize my duty as an officer of the court over other interests.

AFR

22 August 2024