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Standing out in a crowded profession

Contributed by Angeline Cheah Yin Leng

Monday, 07 January 2008 07:05am

Angeline Cheah We have over 12,500 practising lawyers in Malaysia as at to-date. This is a far cry from the heyday of our forefathers when lawyers were scarce and to be a lawyer actually meant something. In their robes and wigs, lawyers were the crème-de-la-crème of society and people stood very much in awe of them.

Today however, the situation has changed. As young lawyers especially, how do we stand out in a “crowded” profession such as ours? It has been said that if one were to throw a stone, there is a high possibility that the stone will hit a lawyer. As such, how can we be different as well as make a difference amongst so many?

This is one of the topics that will be addressed at the upcoming Young Lawyers’ Convention in January. The organising committee has specially arranged this post-lunch session on the 2nd day of the Convention to help young practitioners like ourselves to understand that we can have a voice to express ourselves despite the circumstances. Eminent speakers in the line-up include none other than Dr. Azmi Sharom and our very own Richard Wee, amongst others. For those who have not had the opportunity to hear Associate Professor Dr. Azmi speak, this is a chance not to be missed. As for Richard, he is a perfect example of how a young lawyer can stand out amongst thousands of others.

However, don’t get me wrong. The idea of standing out is not necessarily that one should be famous, or glamorous. It is what we represent, what we stand up for, and what causes we defend for the betterment of others. Many young lawyers were involved in the recent Walk For Justice and then subsequently in the International Human Rights Day which ended up in some of our own being arrested. In this instance, some certainly “stood out” more than others but we should look at the bigger picture, and to understand what they were fighting for and defending against. These are the things that matter and as young lawyers, we should not be afraid to let our voices be heard.

Setting aside these things however, we can also stand out in our everyday work. This is what differentiates an excellent lawyer from a good lawyer or a mediocre lawyer. It does not mean that as a young lawyer we cannot live up to the standards of those more senior. This is how we build our repertoire, our network and our dignity as excellent, hard-working professionals.

It is hoped that through this session, many young lawyers will come to realise their significance both individually and collectively and therefore helping them to make a greater impact in their workplace and in society as a whole.

As such, please do sign up for the Young Lawyers’ Convention to be held in Penang from 18 to 20 January 2008. Don’t miss it!

For more information on the 3rd YL Convention, please contact Chandrika Baskaran at 03-2031 3189 or chandrika@malaysianbar.org.my. You may also visit us at our website and join the group in facebook. Please send in you application now, see you in Penang!