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KUALA LUMPUR, Wed: Young lawyers in their usual proactive and forward thinking way decided to conduct this particular session in a novel way – in the way of a talk show. The panellists for this morning session were Desmond Ho, Olivia Loh, Laura Liew and Sandesh Kabir and Dr. Alvin Ng who were hosted by Lee Shih.

Desmond Ho started the session off by going through the results of the working condition survey which was the brainchild of the National Young Lawyers Committee (NYLC). He explained that the need for this survey was borne from the Selesa Convention where the NYLC found that there were many young lawyers who were unhappy with their working conditions. The complaints ranged from long working hours, mentally draining work to low pay or increment.

Laura Liew, a Singapore lawyer, explained that in Singapore, there were a lot of young lawyers working in large firms. There is an increase of 200 young lawyers a year and these young lawyers usually go to large firms due to the attractive salaries but that they are usually put on a mill. After 2 or 3 years they will move to another pay packet. She feels that they should consider moving to smaller firms but the disadvantage is that they will not be able to say that they have the sexy deals or the high paying jobs.

Olivia Loh went on to explain that in Malaysia it all depends on the area, the firm and the state. She states that the long hours were usually concentrated in KL firms. Even then, she feels that it is an option whether the young lawyers are willing to put up with the long hours, the sexy deals or interesting litigation or whether they would rather go to small firms and have a better quality of life.

Sandesh went on to say that it all boils down to the passion for law. When the young lawyers start practicing, there are so many procedures to learn. They are forced to deal with many things that you are not expected to deal with like dealing with court people and many others. He feels that a law degree is mobile and they can join companies where they can get involved with substantial work. He feels that it is a matter of choice.

Dr. Alvin Ng then explained to the floor the effects of long drudging work such as mental fatigue. He is of the opinion that we always have a choice on the kind of life we want to lead. He states that it all boils down to time management.

Lee Shih then shared a conversation he had with a senior lawyer who told him that most young lawyers who are in their 3rd or 4th year in practice usually hit a wall but this is normal and that he they should not despair.

Dr. Alvin Ng then listed down the signs of a person who is burnt out:-

1. Irritability;
2. they become more quiet and isolated;
3. not sleeping and eating well;
4. change of behaviourial patterns;
5. stressed until they are unable to function in their daily lives.

He suggests that we need to sit back and rethink what our priorities are.

Laura then told us that in Singapore, lawyers after 3 or 4 years in practice, most of them find it hard to change professions to one like marketing or another career because they are then considered too expensive.

She gave herself as an example. She left a big firm depressed and moved to a smaller firm where the partners were more understanding. Large firms are difficult places to work as the pressure comes from top down. Some who cannot take it even change professions altogether.

Olivia then piped in that one must learn to identify their problems and limits so that they are able to manage their life properly. They should also be more productive in their working hours.

Lee Shih then told the floor that time or file management is sometimes out of their control. Things do sometimes crop up at the last minute and the young lawyers have to sacrifice their time.

Laura interjected and said that that comes with the job and that lawyers sometimes have to bend over backwards to satisfy their client’s needs.

Sandesh adds that although the young lawyers assist their partners in the firm they still have their own work to do. He states that this is unfair to the young lawyers.

Olivia then says that the onus is then on us individually to tell the partner that we need additional help or that we need additional time to do the work.

Sandesh replied that it was a catch 22 situation. Young lawyers want to impress their partners in the firm and they feel that if they were to say that they were unable to do it then it would reflect badly on the individual and that they would then not be able to get the juicy litigation work assigned to them.

Olivia then countered that by saying that we have to try to comprehend the issues at hand before consulting the partner. She also suggests that we think of another way before even considering consulting the partner. At the end of the day, the partner should have trust in your capabilities.

Laura added that we should speak up and not keep quiet. We should consult senior associates if we are unable to speak to the partner. If all else fails, one could just move to another firm.

Olivia then added that the situation is not one where you are compelled to work.

Sandesh agreed with that and added that it is up to us not to make the task before us so daunting.

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