Law is Personal: Reflections on 28 Years of Practice
When I reflect on how I began this journey almost twenty eight years ago, I realise it grew from a simple love for reading and thoughtful debate. I always enjoyed understanding people and ideas, and even as a student I found myself naturally drawn to reasoning and discussion. At one point I thought I would become a teacher, and in many ways that instinct never left me. Even today, as a lawyer, mentoring young practitioners still feels like an extension of who I am.
My parents supported me in studying law at the University of Liverpool. Their support opened doors that allowed me to grow, learn, and eventually build the career I have today. My sister and brother later chose to study law as well. They made their decisions for their own reasons, but perhaps they also saw how meaningful and fulfilling the journey had been for me.
Over the past twenty eight years, my work has been grounded in Employment Law, Family Law, and Negligence. Negligence work includes both personal injury matters and professional negligence claims. Alongside these areas, I have handled civil disputes of many kinds, representing clients at all levels of the Singapore courts as a Partner at Clifford Law LLP. Some cases were simple. Others were complex and emotionally heavy. All of them shaped my understanding of people and the responsibility that comes with being an Advocate.
Growing Through Mediation and the Work Beyond Court
As my practice evolved, I realised that much of what I valued most happened outside the courtroom. I became passionate about mediation because it allows people to speak honestly and work through their disputes in a calmer space. It is work that requires patience, empathy, and the ability to guide gently rather than push forcefully. I pursued my mediation and arbitration qualifications because I wanted to strengthen myself and broaden the ways I could help people.
With three children, life was often very full. There were days when the work felt overwhelming. Yet whenever I sat with a client and helped them find clarity or resolution, I felt a sense of satisfaction that reminded me why I do what I do. That feeling of helping someone find a way forward has always been deeply meaningful to me.
Moments of Recognition and Reflection
Receiving the State Courts Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award in 2018 was a moment that made me pause. I had volunteered simply because I could. If I had time and someone needed help, I would take the case. I enjoyed helping people settle matters through mediation. I never thought about how much time I had given. I simply did the work because it felt right. That award made me reflect for the first time on just how much volunteer work I had done without consciously counting the hours.
The Pro Bono Ambassador Award in 2025 from the Law Society was an even more profound moment. When I received the citation, I was genuinely surprised. I had been contributing to education and public awareness. I had taken on cases for people who needed protection and support. I had acted for individuals who could not navigate the legal system alone. But I never thought of any of it as extraordinary. I did it because these individuals needed help and I felt compelled to step in. To receive such an honour made me stop and realise the weight and impact of the work I had done over the years. It was wonderful, and it also reminded me that there is still so much more to do.
Balancing Life, Work, and Purpose
Motherhood has been one of my greatest teachers. With three children close in age, many years felt like a constant balancing act. There were days when work required most of my focus. Other days my children needed me fully. I often felt the familiar working mother guilt, wanting to be everywhere at once. But with time, I learned that balance is not a perfect split. It is something that shifts gently as life moves through different seasons.
What Keeps Me Anchored After Twenty Eight Years
What anchors me after all these years is the desire to serve with strength and sincerity. I want to be steady for clients who come to me feeling overwhelmed. I want to remain compassionate even when the work becomes heavy. I want to continue learning so that I always offer my best.
I am grateful for the clients who trusted me, for the colleagues who supported me, and for the opportunities to serve. My journey is still unfolding, and I remain committed to the purpose that first led me into this profession.
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