Introduction
Legal practice is often viewed through the lens of individual cases—one client, one problem, one solution. But as I step into my role as a Pro Bono SG Ambassador for 2025, my perspective has shifted towards the broader ecosystem. How do we not just resolve disputes, but empower the community to prevent them or navigate them safely?
This question was at the heart of the recent International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) 2024, organised by AWARE. I was honoured to join a panel of dedicated advocates to discuss a critical issue: What does it take to stop domestic violence?
The “Village” Approach to Justice
During the panel, I shared a sentiment that I believe is fundamental to modern legal practice: “It takes a village.”
For survivors of domestic violence, the law is a powerful tool, but it is often a tool they are afraid to pick up. The legal system can seem opaque and intimidating. My role on the panel was to demystify this system—to explain that since 2014, the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) and Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) have evolved to offer more robust, accessible shields for victims.
But a law is only effective if people know how to use it. As lawyers, we have a duty to step out of our offices and into these community spaces, translating “statutes” into “safety plans”. We need to teach friends, families, and neighbours how to identify abuse and how to help a survivor document incidents so that when they are ready to seek legal protection, the evidence is there.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Advocates
Events like IDEVAW are also vital for the future of our profession. Sharing the stage with social workers and community intervention advocates highlighted that legal solutions do not exist in a vacuum.
For the younger lawyers I mentor, the lesson is clear: to be a truly effective advocate today, you must understand the ecosystem. You need to know how to work alongside social service agencies, how to communicate with empathy to a traumatised client, and how to see the human being behind the case file.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into 2026, my commitment to this “ecosystem building” will only deepen. Whether through mediation to resolve family disputes amicably or through public advocacy to protect the vulnerable, the goal remains the same: to build a legal landscape that is not just efficient, but also accessible, humane, and just.
We are not just service providers; we are guardians of a system that belongs to everyone. And ensuring that every member of our “village”—especially the most vulnerable—knows they have a right to safety is the most important work we can do.
