By the time you read my message, 90 days of my Presidency of the Society would have passed. Like many of my predecessors, I was aware that the Presidency would take much time and attention, but you are never really sure of how much time and effort until you take Office and then experience the multitude of concerns, issues and tasks you have to juggle. I would like to publicly record my deep appreciation for the support that I have received from my fellow Office Bearers, Council, Committee Chairs, Members and the Secretariat of the Society. It is leadership and teamwork which drives the Society.

I briefly touch on my experience as President, for sometimes as lawyers, we forget, in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives that we are part of a team, more than 3,000 of us working for the same goals, to protect our clients’ interests, uphold the Rule of Law and ensure access to justice for all.

One of the hallmarks of our profession is the spirit of camaraderie that we share, something very few professions share. It is this special bond that has led many of us to find lifelong friends at the Bar and even life partners.

It is this bond which brings us together to help a member or former member or his family in need as seen by your unstinting and generous support of the Society’s Welfare Fund.

It is also a tradition of the Bar to show respect and courtesy to one another.

As of 1 April 2003, the number of lawyers in the Senior and Junior categories was nearly evenly divided, at just over 1,200 members in the Senior category, just over 1,100 in the Junior category and over 600 members in the Middle category. Yes, the Bar has the distinct privilege of being evenly blessed with middle-aged wisdom and youthful exuberance.

Some members have shared their concerns, given the profile of our profession, that we do not allow a generation gap to grow at the Bar. Lack of communication and understanding can damage our spirit of camaraderie.

There are two barriers that often prevent communication between the young and their elders.

The first is middle-aged forgetfulness of the fact that they themselves are no longer young.

The second is youthful ignorance of the fact that the middle-aged are still alive. [Jessamyn West]

I do not think that our senior members of the Bar have forgotten their youthful days of practice when learning the ropes as a junior. I do not also think our junior members have forgotten to recognise and respect their seniors and understand that they face the same pressures of practice as they do and then more as partners, directors and proprietors of practices.

Let us never forget in our professional lives that courtesy, kindness and fair play are the cornerstones of our professional relations with one another.

Council hopes that in the coming months you take the time to write to the Law Society to tell us about a member who you think showcases the best traditions of the Bar of courtesy and fair play. We hope to feature your stories in the SLG, as there is nothing finer than to read of someone who has inspired us or to share why someone is a mentor.

There is much to be proud of about our profession and all of us who practise this unique calling. Let us all respect, recognise and celebrate our unique camaraderie and traditions.

Arfat Selvam
President
Law Society of Singapore