SOO WEE LOON is a legal practitioner in Johor of 6 years. She read law at the University of Liverpool and was admitted to the English Bar in 1998. She thereafter did her pupillage and was a Legal Assistant in Kuala Lumpur for 3 ½ years. At present, she is a partner at her own firm and handles a combination of conveyancing and litigation files. Several members of the NYLC posed the following questions to her.
1. How do you find legal practice in Johor?
Practice in Johor is pleasant, as there is more camaraderie among lawyers here. There is more courtesy at the Bar, and the Seniors are also more helpful.
2. Do you think practice in different States vary immensely?
I feel sure that practice in different States varies. As I have said earlier, there is from my own experience a more congenial atmosphere in the smaller towns and the lawyers seem under less stress than those in larger cities. Perhaps the traffic jams and the pressure of work contribute to the tension in the larger cities.
3. There have been discussions of late about the working conditions of lawyers. What do you feel about this issue?
I had worked as a Legal Assistant before, for 3½ years, and was fortunate to be under a Senior lawyer in Kuala Lumpur who made me learn a great deal. He even made me read cases from the law reports which he would then discuss with me. My only regret is that I did not use that opportunity to learn more. However, I understand that many other young lawyers are not as fortunate, and spend their early years getting Judgements–in–Default.
4. What inspired you to branch out on your own?
I was inspired by my former employer, who was a long standing sole practitioner, and yet still retained a great enthusiasm for the law. I learnt that legal practice can actually be enjoyable, if you treat your work like a hobby!
5. What advice would you give to a young practitioner who wishes to set up his/her own firm?
I would say that it is a major step in your career and is a tough decision to make. You have to have enough experience and confidence and, of course, the support of your family and friends. It also depends on how much you learnt before you set out on your own. In all these areas, I was very fortunate. I must however say what was said to me when I set up on my own– never compromise on your principles and always maintain the highest standards of the Bar. In the long term, you stand only to gain.
6. Any pitfalls to watch out for?
There are pitfalls, such as the fact that you may find that the ones who promised to send you work may not be the ones who set you on the path to success. Ultimately, once you are on your own, you have to treat every satisfied client as your best advertisement – another gem which I picked up while I was a Legal Assistant.
7. Throughout your practice, how have you viewed the activities of the Bar?
In my practice so far, I find that most of us are so involved in our practice (and struggling to survive because of increased competition) that many do not take time to participate in Bar activities. However, I would welcome more Continuing Legal Education Seminars by specialist lawyers.
8. There are many issues affecting the Bar today. What are some of the relevant issues important to you, and how would like to see these issues dealt with?
As a sole practitioner, I find that access to a library is very important. Unfortunately I am busy during office hours, and after office hours the Bar library is closed. It would help if library hours were extended, or perhaps if the library is open for say for half a day on Saturdays. It would also help if the Courts stagger their cases so that, say the first few are fixed at 9.00 a.m. and the others at say 10.00 a.m. so that lawyers do not have to freak out that their matters being struck off, if they have to be in two Courts at the same time. If the Hearing lists are then published on the Bar website at least a day or two ahead, it would relieve some of the stress. We also need more courtesy at the Bar, and there should be fewer of 'Objectionable Objections’, as my former employer termed them, taken. Members of the Bar should not be difficult with each other for the sake of being difficult.
9. With reference to Section 42 of the Legal Profession Act and the objects of the Bar, what would you like to see emphasised by the leadership of the Bar and how?
I wish there was more of an emphasis on continuing legal education, not only in terms of substantive law, but on how lawyers ought to conduct themselves. It would help if excursions were organised to, say, England, for those lawyers who have never had an opportunity to study there. Many of the younger lawyers have qualified entirely locally and would surely be happy to visit English or Australian Courts, to see how barristers in those jurisdictions conduct themselves. If group tours are organised, the cost would be reduced, and more could benefit.
There should also be an emphasis on maintaining the dignity of the profession. As has been said, others cannot take away your dignity, unless you give it to them. There seems to be less and less respect for lawyers, and the emphasis has to be that respect has to be earned.
10. The Bar has grown to more than 12,000 members today but sadly, there have been growing complaints about the standards of advocacy and legal skills. How should this problem be addressed?
Due to the large number of lawyers, less and less are fortunate to learn from Seniors during their days as pupils or in their early years at the Bar. More Continuing Legal Education courses, seminars, and excursions would help.
11. As a member of the legal profession, what do you think you can do for the Bar?
As a member of the Bar, I can best set an example as to how a lawyer should conduct himself or herself, both in his or her public and private life. If all of us take that stand and behave with dignity, our public image would be enhanced.
12. What is your next milestone in life?
My next milestone is to aim to specialise in one area of practice. One cannot be a Jack (or Jill) of all trades!
13. Do you see yourself doing something different from what you would be doing now?
I do not see myself doing anything else in the foreseeable future. My journey has only just begun.
14. What would you like to achieve in the next 10 years?
Within the next 10 years I would like to be able to present impart knowledge at Seminars in at least one area of the law, for the benefit of others. Then I will know that I have truly arrived.