The Curtain Closes

The Law Society bade a fond farewell to the Bar Room at the soon-to-be erstwhile Supreme Court on 13 May 2005. As members and guests mingled, reminisced about old times, drank in the old world atmosphere and lounged in the deep red sofas one final time, it was a bittersweet moment for some. Yet, the event also drew much laughter when pieces of furniture were auctioned away in aid of the Society’s Welfare Fund which saw some fierce bidding amongst members who bought themselves a piece of history.

Thanks for the Memories …

Our members share what they think of the Bar room, their fondest memories of the place and what they will miss about it.

This Bar room is dignified and grand, an interesting place for lawyers to congregate. — Tongel Yeo, Dominion LLC

When we walk into the Bar room, we no longer see ourselves as competitors. This is a place for us to exchange views, where the juniors can learn from the seniors. There are so many good memories of this place. We thank the Supreme Court for letting us have the use of this place all these years. — Manjit Singh, Manjit Govind & Partners

I’ll miss the robing room. — Julian Chang, Dominion LLC

We’ll miss finding all the old lawyers here. Some of them are fixtures here. You could always come here to talk to them. The younger lawyers tend to bypass this place as they usually go to the Sub Courts Bar room. — Julia Yeo and V Yoga, Robert Wang & Woo LLC

This is a rich place for lawyers to meet and share their experiences after their cases. — Ronnie Wai, Dominion LLC

I have very fond memories of this place in the days when the pace of litigation was not so hectic. We had more time then during adjournments to come and sit down. In the early days, we couldn’t get tea and coffee here, it was only supplied from 1970 or 71. In the old days we had to wear the collar and bib and Choo and sometimes Rosli would help us dress and the ladies had to look away when the gentlemen had their shirts off. — G Raman, G Raman & Partners

Mr Choo is the ingredient that livens up this place. He makes this place warm and welcome. It’s good that Mr Choo will be moving to the new Bar room, he will help to keep up the spirit of the place and carry through the fond memories and sentiments. — Vijay Kumar, Vijay & Co

Cosying up in the corner where they first met 16 years ago, are husband and wife,

Mr Sukdave Singh and Ms A Sharma

Members enjoying the familiar camaraderie

Members lounging on those familiar red sofas for perhaps the last time

Law Society President, Philip Jeyaretnam SC, with dad, JB

Auctioneer, Mr Chia Boon Teck, does a splendid selling job

Mr Peter Low poses in his gown, collar and bib, with Mr Choo who in days past, helped many a member with the donning of collar and bib

The auction of the Bar room furniture draws much hilarious laughter