Patrick
Goh
CLAS Administrative Officer
Most of you may be familiar with CLAS but did you know that the first and only employee when CLAS was inaugurated 22 years ago in 1985 is still with CLAS? That young man, now a youthful 47 years old, is Patrick Goh, CLAS Administrative Officer.
Patrick's role includes interviewing applicants, assigning volunteer lawyers to successful applicants and assisting in the annual charity golf tournament to raise funds for CLAS. 'I am glad to be able to help the less fortunate. It is rewarding when applicants appreciate our assistance. This job allows me to interact with many people, including lawyers, staff of the courts and prison officers.' Outside of the CLAS office, the unassuming and affable Patrick enjoys watching action movies such as Spiderman and Superman and the latent dancer in him is unleashed when his favourite show, Dance Floor, is aired.
Jayanthi
Balakrishnan
CLAS Administrative Officer
Always with a cheery smile, Jayanthi Balakrishnan, also a CLAS Administrative Officer, finds her job rewarding as she gets to assist the impecunious accused persons. 'It gives me great joy when our assistance is appreciated. This is the greatest satisfaction that I derive from my work. I am thankful to be given the opportunity to render service to the public.' Jayanthi loves to draw and does pencil sketching in her spare time. Her other passions lie in playing pool and dining with friends.
Rajvant
Kaur
CLAS and Community Relations Director
Overseeing CLAS and Community Relations is Director, Rajvant Kaur. 'I get the greatest satisfaction when I make a difference in a person's life which would not have happened if he was unrepresented. I have also seen through CLAS how a committed lawyer can change the lives of people who are unable to help themselves.' For relaxation, the statuesque Rajvant indulges in yoga, reading and singing. As a mother of three, it is not easy juggling work and family, but Rajvant manages to keep it all together with the help of her mother-in-law and even manages to find time to volunteer with the Singapore Children's Society.
Shawn
Toh
Communications and Membership
Interests Assistant Director
Each time you read a press release from the Society in the newspapers, chances are that the facts would have first been verified by Shawn Toh, Communications and Membership Interests Assistant Director, who assists in media and public relations. He also attends to members of public on matters relating to the law or the legal profession, a role he is well-suited for, being soft-spoken and a good listener. 'I face many challenges everyday, which can be trying at times as some members of public can get very emotional and expect instant "all in one" solutions.' Shawn's other responsibilities include organising social and sports events and sourcing for privileges for members' benefit. To relax, Shawn enjoys judo as it 'places emphasis on mental as well as physical strength' and scuba diving, most recently in Australia.
Alvin
Chen
Practice Concerns Director
Alvin Chen, as Practice Concerns Director, assists in addressing practice issues and concerns. His role includes coordinating and helping in the work of more than 10 committees, and assisting in consultations where views of the Society on draft legislation and other matters are sought. 'Having worked in both public and private sectors as a lawyer, the Law Society opens up a new vista for me. As a lawyer, my main concern was to protect my clients' interests, whereas, at the Society, I get to look at issues from a broader policy perspective and there is variety in my portfolio.' Alvin's small build belies his ability to play a mean game of football, his favourite sport. He has been playing football with friends most Sunday evenings for more than 10 years now. 'My forte is playing as a mid-fielder as I enjoy passing the ball and of course, scoring goals!' Alvin thinks his greatest achievement so far is 'having a son whose feet have exactly the same contours as mine. His footballing prospects look good indeed!'
Marian
Lee
Professional Standards Assistant Director
Marian Lee, as Professional Standards Assistant Director, assists in the administration of complaints against lawyers and assists the Society's counsel in disciplinary proceedings. It is a very challenging role as she faces stress and pressures from both members and members of public. To unwind, Marian enjoys watching critically acclaimed foreign films. 'A memorable foreign film I caught last year was a Japanese film entitled Twilight Samurai. Those who have seen this movie and who know me will know why I love the film.'
Shimla
Singh
Membership Officer
If there is anyone who can rattle off names and admission numbers, or tell you who is no longer in practice, it must be Shimla Singh, Membership Officer, who, for the past 17 years, has been maintaining the membership database, the administration of the setting up of law practices, and attending to queries on membership records and practising certificate applications. Shimla tries her best to meet members' requests, even if they can sometimes be unreasonable. 'Many of us at the secretariat try our best to attend to members' needs. I hope to continue to provide better service to members.' During her free time, Shimla enjoys watching Hindi movies, shopping and travelling.
Shirin
Kamsir
Publications Officer
Ever wonder who takes the photographs published on our website and the Gazette? She is none other than Publications Officer, Shirin Kamsir, whose role also includes approving online advertisements, preparing the twice weekly eJus News bulletin and the annual directory and annual report. 'An exciting moment for me was when I accompanied Rajan Chettiar to the Istana to interview Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew for the Gazette (August 2006 issue).' A feisty lady with varied interests including travelling 'especially to places with ample food and shopping', Shirin hopes to visit the new Emirates Stadium some day, being an avid football fan and a staunch supporter of the Arsenal Football Club.
Sharmaine
Lau
Publications Director
Sharmaine Lau, Publications Director, oversees the Gazette, eJus News, the annual directory, annual report, the Society's website and everything else that is published (whether in print or online ). 'I have to be meticulous (read nit picky) and organised to ensure that there are no glaring mistakes in all our published material. I enjoy the process of writing, editing, choosing colours, type faces, and graphics. After six years on the job, I still get a thrill each month when the Gazette arrives.' Sharmaine describes herself as 'a typical homebody' who likes reading, baking and card making. Amongst her secretariat colleagues, Sharmaine is particularly known for her beautiful shoes and not surprisingly, her favourite things include 'shoes and Marc Jacobs (the designs, not the man).'
Wonder who helps ensure that the amount of annual subscription fees payable by practitioner members is correct and who helps in the preparation of the Society's accounts? Meet Clifford Hang and Willian Phua.
Clifford
Hang
Finance Assistant Director
Clifford Hang, Finance Assistant Director is not your regular stuffy accounting type. Always helpful and obliging. Clifford feels a special connection with the Society this year. 'I am honoured to be celebrating my 40th birthday with the Law Society this year, my second home for the last 12 years.' Clifford loves football but laments that he does not have enough 'kakis' to form a team and spends his leisure time with his wife of 13 years and their only daughter who is in primary one.
William
Phua
Finance Director
As Finance Director, William Phua is enthusiastic about his role in assisting to ensure that financial policies and internal controls of the Society are adhered to. 'As the Society progresses, our responsibilities also lie in corporate governance, risk management, organisational control, investment appraisal, building up sustainable retained earnings for the Society's funds, budgets and their variances.'
Also the Information Technology Director, William enjoys working with the IT and EFS committees in introducing various IT initiatives including EFS, Intereq, and internet for law practices and the Society. William enjoys spending time with his family and church friends. Being health conscious, he believes he can stave off possible dementia by reading books, attending professional courses and taking?examinations.
Michael
Lee
IT Assistant Director
Michael Lee, IT Assistant Director, is the guy to go to for any and every IT, PC, e-mail, server or website problem. Always helpful with a ready smile, he assists members with IT queries and plays a key role in the efficient administration of the renewal of practising certificate applications every March and April. His responsibilities also include liaising with software developers to build new network infrastructure and the web portal for the Society. 'My achievements so far include the implementation of various applications (eg anti-spam) and the latest initiative to enable members to have wireless network access at the Society's premises.' When not in front of the computer, Mike enjoys reading and volunteering with Youth Guidance Outreach Services and does the occasional blogging.