Nallini Pathmanathan, a member of the Bar who was made a Judicial Commissioner,
graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology from the University of
London in 1982 and obtained a Diploma in Law from the University of Westminster,
United Kingdom in 1983. She was called to the English Bar (Middle Temple) in
1984 and to the Malaysian Bar on 15 February 1986. She commenced legal practice
with Messrs. Skrine in 1986 and in 1995, became a Partner of Skrine. For a few
years prior to her elevation to the High Court of Malaya on 1 March 2007,
Nallini served as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of Skrine.
An advocate and solicitor of 20 years standing, Nallini has had wide–ranging
litigation experience and in recent years, Nallini’s practice was focused on
complex trials in securities, tort, contract, medico–legal and probate. In
addition to extensive trial experience, she has routinely appeared in the Court
of Appeal and the Federal Court. At least 40 of the cases handled by her have
been reported in the law reports, including several landmark decisions.
No less significant is Nallini’s portfolio of advisory work on employment law
for multi–nationals and local corporations, as well as for securities’
regulatory bodies and stockbrokers. She has co–authored a practical guide on
employment law, and was also regularly called upon to speak at conferences and
seminars both foreign and local.
Nallini served on committees of the Bar Council and was a member of the
Disciplinary Committee Panel of the Advocates & Solicitors Disciplinary Board.
She is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Nallini is highly regarded by her peers and clients alike. It is that rare blend
of mind, heart and intellect – her fortitude, her sense for justice balanced
with her perceptiveness of practicalities, her humanity and strong moral compass
and her devotion to her responsibilities and ideals – that make Nallini unique.
Her industry, deep scholarship, analytical mind, her zeal for research, her
flexibility as an “advocate of many themes and her courage to challenge the
shibboleths of the law” ensures that Nallini will have a significant impact on
the course of the law in the years ahead.
Her integrity, fearlessness and
transparent honesty will only serve to enhance the reputation of the Bench.