A Tribute to Our CEO
 

This citation was read out by President Mr Philip Jeyaretnam, SC.

The fact that time plays strange tricks is demonstrated by the next recipient of a special recognition from the Council of the Law Society. Today, she looks much younger than me, but I recall that as a boy when I visited her home and had her mother’s wonderful curries, she definitely seemed to be a little older than I was. And the second trick time has played is that for us she seems to have been with the Society since time immemorial, but for her I’m sure the 17 years have flown by – because she’s been having so 
much fun.

She first joined the Law Society 17 years ago in March 1989 and served as the Coordinator of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (‘CLAS’) for two years before she was appointed the Executive Secretary of the Law Society in 1991 to handle the regulatory work of the Society. She was later appointed Director of Professional Standards in January 1999. In January 2002, she was appointed the CEO of the Society. During her tenure of service with the Law Society, she served under no less than eight different Presidents, many of whom are here with us tonight – Mr Giam Chin Toon, C R Rajah, Harry Elias, Peter Cuthbert Low, Chandra Mohan Nair, George Lim, Arfat Selvam, the late Palakrishnan, and of course, myself.

I am of course referring to our current CEO, Yashodhara Dhoraisingam, who is known to us simply as `Yasho’.

As the key person in the secretariat handling regulatory matters for the Society for 11 years, Yasho has dedicated much of her time and effort in helping our members in issues relating to the disciplinary process and professional ethics. These are not easy areas, but members know they can always rely on Yasho for a sympathetic ear and a helping hand in answering queries they have.

Yasho is particularly passionate about professional ethics and practice management issues. Young lawyers will remember her teaching them professional responsibility during their Postgraduate Practice Law Course and as a regular speaker on the topic at our seminars. Yasho has also been instrumental in the launch of PrimeLaw, the voluntary practice management quality mark, in December 2003, which aims to help law practices manage their practice efficiently, increase profitability and improve client care.

Yasho is dedicated, hardworking, committed and deeply passionate about the work she does. Throughout the many years that she has been with the Society, Yasho often goes beyond the call of duty to help members whenever the 
need arises.

It is with much sadness that we see her leave the secretariat as CEO at the end of this year. She has left an indelible mark on the Society and her colleagues know they have a tough act to follow in filling her shoes to serve the membership.

We wish you all the very best and thank you for all you have done for us.