Attachment and Pupillage
Although the legal attachment programme in Messrs. Shook Lin &
Bok was just for a month, it was my first exposure of the working
environment in a traditional legal firm. I was attached to one of the
partners, Ms. Tharmy Ramalingam and had picked up some basic banking
and litigation lessons. The attachment programme was a good experience
for me as preparation towards the pupillage period.
I was called to the Malaysian Bar in January 2009 after serving my
pupil Master, Mr. Kamraj Nayagam in Messrs. Skrine for the period of 9
months. I choose the firm particularly due to its reputation as one of the
best international arbitration practice in Malaysia and had particularly
requested to be part of the arbitration team. I was, at that point in time,
very confident of my legal career path – that is to pursue the ambition as an
expert lawyer of international arbitration and construction law.
Although my stint in Messrs. Skrine was short but it was a
significant chapter for me as a law graduate. Pupillage period is a taster
session of the working environment in a traditional law firm. As pupils we
have to learn everything from the bottom up and be always ready to accept
any kind of tasks which must be completed within certain time frame. Each
assignments must be carried out meticulously and reflect a certain standard
of quality.
There has always been debates on the size of law firms that law
graduates should select in order to get the best pupillage experience. I
personally made a choice based on the expertise of the law firms, possible
better legal exposure and a platform to build the foundation of a career. I
was given the opportunity to work on a number of cases involving multi-
national companies and international clients-both in courts and arbitration
proceeding. Pupils are expected to assist in the core legal work such as
drafting legal opinions, affidavits, statements of claims/defense and
submissions. Participation in sports or other social activities organized by
the firm would eventually improve your soft skills as well.
Pupillage is a tough process but definitely a fulfilling experience. I
was able to enhance knowledge of the law, upgrade legal research skills,
and was lucky enough to have met a good mentor and develop friendships
which I treasure till today. I build confidence, resilience and developed
better character of myself through the pupillage process. I believe that
pupillage should be made compulsory to law graduates as it is not just an
introductory phase of the working environment but an overall personal
growth experience.
Career in the Judicial and Legal Service
I have to say that a public service career is not for everyone. Honestly, my
mother is the reason why I have applied and accepted the job in the first
place. I was absolutely clueless about the designation of a judicial officer
and thought that it would be just a temporary stint. The transition period
was not easy for me as I was used to a different set of working
environment. It took me months to adjust my mindset and expectations but
I managed to persevere for almost 10 years now.