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 Tracy Hah is a pupil in chambers of 8 months standing at a firm in Kuala Lumpur. She read law at Kemayan Advance Tertiary College (ATC) undergoing the University of London External Programme and is a member of the Bar Council's National Young Lawyers Committee 2006/07 (NYLC).
Tracy recently had the opportunity to share her experiences as a pupil in chambers with Chen Hong Lynn of the NYLC.
Why law? I decided to read law and to thereafter go into practice as I am of the belief that the law shapes our lives in a multitude of intangible ways. I really believe that the quote "Ignorance of the law excuses no man" reflects the importance of legal knowledge. It is of great importance to know your rights and to exercise those rights. Reading law was a way for me to develop an insight into the workings of the law.
How has chambering been treating you so far?Chambering so far has been very exciting! I have been exposed to many different things.
As part of my chambering, I was a volunteer under the legal aid dock brief programme. I have to say that this proved to be one of the most exciting parts of my chambering experience thus far. We were not able to predict and are taught all the possible circumstances that could arise in court. Needless to say, I learnt very quickly to think on my feet and to be ready for anything!
Do have any interest in taking part further in legal aid?
I am actually very interested in taking up legal aid files. This would of course depend on any time constraints that may arise. I think it is of utmost importance to fill up my time fruitfully, and what could be more noble than assisting people in need? In the process, I would have the opportunity to explore areas of law that I would not encounter in my everyday practice.
Do you feel that you have gained much from your decision to chamber at a large firm? Yes! Chambering has proven to be a wonderful opportunity to learn and to be exposed to all facets of law in the shortest possible time.
I have also had the good fortune to be chambering in the company of lawyers who are willing to freely share their knowledge. The exposure and opportunities that I have received from chambering at a large firm are immeasurable. I have been able to explore many different areas of practice.
Are there any cons in joining a large practice? I had heard prior to beginning my chambering that chambering at a large firm would mean that I would get lost in the large pool of chambering students and that I would not have the chance to learn much. This has not proven to be true. I think how much one gains from chambering depends very much on individual choice. I think it is a question of how much one wants to learn and how much time and effort one is willing to sacrifice.
What sparked your interest and caused you to become a member of the NYLC? I get to know about the NYLC through Lee Chooi Peng, another member of the NYLC. She introduced me to Richard Wee, the Chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Young Lawyers Committee during a dinner for the Arbitration Conference in Westin Hotel. I was very excited when Chooi Peng told me that there was a committee in existence to provide opportunities for young lawyers to participate in state or national level projects focused on various social issues, and which also represents, protects and promotes the interests of young lawyers within the Bar. A few weeks later, I joined their first meeting and here I am today, a part of the NYLC! The NYLC is a good platform for young lawyers and chambering students to voice their views concerning the Bar and to exchange perspectives on issues relating not only to the law but also to society in general. I have no regrets in joining the NYLC.
Have you managed to strike a balance between chambering and the NYLC as against your life outside of practice? I don't have any difficulties striking a balance between chambering and the NYLC as against my life outside of the profession. The key, I think, is to manage your time efficiently.
Other than being part of NYLC, I am also actively involved in Pudu Rotaract Club's activities (a non-governmental organisation for under 30s sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pudu) and also in the Rotaract's activities at the district level.
Rotaract activities are split into 4 avenues; professional development, club service, community service and international service. I was the professional development director for the year 2004/2005 and had the opportunity, among others, to organise a talk on Small Claims Court and to organise a visit to a local animation production house.
I am presently involved in the international service avenue which liases with overseas Rotaract Clubs in order to promote understanding and goodwill.
Do you have anything else to add? I strongly encourage young lawyers and chambering students to be actively involved in Bar activities and in particular, the NYLC. I think as fellow members of the Bar (and soon to be members of the Bar) we not only need to concentrate on the practice of the law but we ought to be pro-active in our awareness of our rights and to be prepared to stand up for them. I truly believe that together, we can strive for the improvement of the law and where appropriate, to seek to implement changes for the betterment of all.
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Circular No 297/2008
Dear Tracy,
I am inspired by your interview. Although one may be young at t he Bar, one can still touch many hearts of the readers and believe or not, it would be contagious, in the positive sense!