Vicknaraj Thanarajah
User
Fresh Forumer
| Posts: 23 |   |
|
Re:Is there a prospect to be a Lawyer in Malaysia?? - 2008/11/05 20:44
Dear Choo Yee,
Let me share some of my experiences and give you my 2 cents worth.
I graduated from the UK (1997), did the CLP and got the whole chambering experience with a firm specialising in debt recovery work for financial institutions. Like you, I also went through the daily (at times frustrating) process of “court work” for RM1800 per month. I also had the opportunity working with the KL bar (Legal Aid) doing some basic Criminal litigation work.
However, in 1999 while still chambering, I was fortunate enough, to be given an opportunity to be part of a formation of an NGO that strived for House Buyers Rights, and it was through this platform that I had a chance to work with the Housing Ministry and the “Learned MBW” (who was then drafting the current housing laws). Here I managed to meet some very like minded interesting and passionate group of people who were interested in fighting for a basic cause of “house buyers’ rights”. I got some experience working with this group, who not only were in involved in drafting and lobbying for a better change, but also were involved in pioneering the litigation of this housing-legislation right through the Federal Court. All this experiences was of course gathered during my “free-time” which most of the time required the sacrifice of my annual leave and almost most of my weekends. Most of us contributed pro-bono.
Although I would not be remunerated in the pecuniary sense, I gained a tremendous amount of legal-knowledge, and my learning curve was steep.
I also did the transitional switch from Litigation to Corporate-commercial work. During this period, in Malaysia managed to work for a Mid-size Malaysian Firm (with no foreign firm affiliation), and was given and opportunity to work on deals which required me to work in Indonesia, KSA and Iran, and also with large Malaysian MNCs’, notwithstanding my level as a young solicitor.
I have also done the QLTT and have been admitted in the UK as a Solicitor and have managed to work via secondment in that legal system. (for a very short period). Currently I am working In Australia for a Law Firm and am in the process of getting admitted as a Solicitor here inn Australia. This is not because the grass is greener “Down Under” but because I married an Australian, who tried very hard, but could not adapt to the Malaysian way of life. Currently, I have once again adapted to change to work for a “different legal system”, with some trade-offs. I dearly miss MY Beloved Malaysian Family, Friends, Cuisine and Culture.
What I am trying to say is;
1. There is opportunity In Malaysia, but like anywhere else around the world there is a trade-off. If you are interested in acquiring legal knowledge and being a part of Change, the action is in Malaysia. This is where the battle ground where Change is happening especially in recent times. If you are willing to sacrifice your time off and weekends to diversify your knowledge and legal skills, Malaysia is the place to be. You just need to be hungry enough to acquire this experience, as you may not get it through your 8-6 job in a law firm.
2. Being employed as a Malaysian lawyer, DOES NOT PAY WELL (comparing with our Indonesian, English and Australian counterparts) But that is the trade-off our law-firms have made; to be competitive and to rope-in jobs (be local or foreign work), we offer ‘low fees’ for quality and timely service. Hence as a young practicing lawyer, if you can be satisfied driving a Nissan Sunny 130Y or a Proton Waja to work and living a simple yet meaningful life, Malaysia is the place to be. IF you want your CLK, BOSS/Zegna suits, daily dose of single malt scotch/ French wine, being employed in Legal Practice in Malaysia is not it. Become a business trader or Merchant, and you will achieve that target. (minus the 3 heart bypasses by 51 years of age, if you were a lawyer).
3. It all depends on what your priorities are and what your mind-set is. Whether it is to work within an imperfect legal and political system to better it, or working for wealth acquisition for the benefit of your family’s wealth and social economic status, the decision only can be made by you. In my view, neither of the above choices are Better or Morally righteous that the other, its just a personal choice or stand which needs to be made. There is NO simple answer, and requires a lot of soul searching- anyone who says otherwise is foolish. Whatever the choices that is made, it is good that you are thinking about it now while you are still young and adaptable.
As for the liberalization of Legal Practice, funnily enough it was easier for me get to get admitted to practice in the UK and in Australia rather than in East Malaysia. Also I hope that real thought is given on CLE and making it compulsory for ALL firms who wishes to employ Young lawyers and chambering students to fund for such training. That is the one thing that is clearly lacking in our legal profession compared with other jurisdictions.
Since I currently do not hold a Sijil Annual I may not me able to reply to this post via this forum, please feel free to email me at Vicknaraj@gmail.com.
Sincerely
Vicknaraj Thanarajah
|
Circular No: 7/2008 - Palestine Humanitarian Fund
