Admission to the Roll for some eight new lawyers on 10 October 2001 was made all the sweeter as it was a truly family affair. The Honourable Senior District Judge, Mr Richard Magnus, and Mrs Magnus proudly witnessed the proceedings as their daughter, Miss Magnus Stephanie Shih-Lyn, was called to the Bar. Mr Daren Tang had the pleasure of having his call moved by none other than his wife, Ms Candice Kwok. Mr Chee Wai Pong was another proud father whose son's, Mr Mark Chee's, call was moved.

But the last word was from presiding judge, The Honourable Justice Lai Kew Chai. His Honour (himself an active member of the Bar prior to his elevation to the Bench, and also a proud father of two lawyers), bade all new lawyers a warm welcome and told them to regard those already in the profession as their brothers- and sisters-in-law, whilst drolly observing, amidst peals of laughter, that they were fortunate that day to also see spouses-in-law and fathers-in-law amongst them.

Bowling enthusiasts in the profession were thrilled to have their very own tournament when the Law Society President, Mr Palakrishnan, SC, agreed to sponsor the annual trophy for the same. Aptly called 'Piala Pala' ('Pala's Cup' in Malay), the inaugural touraanament saw the 'Bowling Bambinos' from Messrs William Lai & Alan Wong bowled over at picking up the very first Piala, with an impressive total score of 3891 points. Vice-President, Mr Goh Phai Cheng, SC, was at hand to hand out the Cup and muse at its name.

Perhaps the Young Lawyers Committee will be able to persuade the President to donate 'Pala's Pinata' for its upcoming Young Lawyer's function!

Cab-rank Rule?

So will it still apply if the name on everybody's lips today, Osama bin Laden, is tracked down and brought to trial? Newsweek reported one American lawyer, Jack Litman, as saying that it might be a career-breaker. Another law professor at New York University, Stephen Gillars, was quoted as saying that 'A lawyer who took that case - even the mob would shun him.' But Alan Dershowitz, the Harvard law professor who has represented unpopular clients like OJ Simpson and Claus von Bulow, likens a defence of bin Laden to an ER doctor's treating one of the hijackers, but acknowledges that the legal system demands that every defendant gets a fair trial, although he was quick to add 'but I hope I'm not the one who gets the call'. Any takers?

Family lawyers and judges alike, we are sure, must be thrilled with the spanking new Family Court situated at 3 Havelock Square, next to its comparatively drab-looking cousin. After years of squeezing through masses of irate complainants filing for maintenance or would-be divorcees spilling into the corridors of the Paterson Road Courthouse whilst waiting their turn to be pronounced single again, the completely refurbished former Ministry of Labour building is a welcome sight to lawyers and laypersons alike. With its gleaming pillars and a plush waiting area, you can be forgiven if you think you have accidentally stumbled into Two Fullerton!

So whilst it may be Love's Labour Lost for most, for others, it is Paradise Regained!