All in the Family- Bonding at Bukit Timah

It was a working as well as school day, but for a small group of family lawyers and family law students and lecturers, 23 February 2007 presented a rare but welcome opportunity for a group of like-minded individuals to bond over tea and snacks and share aspirations and experiences.

The event was a tea session initiated by the Law Society of Singapore's Family Law Practice Committee and sponsored by the Society at the National University of Singapore Faculty of Law's new Bukit Timah campus. Close to 100 students (third and fourth year students) currently taking the family law elective met seven family practitioners from a variety of practices - large, medium and boutique - practising at the Family Bar. Also in attendance were family law lecturers, Professor Leong Wai Kum and Associate Professor Debbie Ong. Law School Dean Professor Tan Cheng Han was also present to warmly welcome the Society's representatives and extend an invitation to all present to lunch at the Staff Lounge after the session.

Amidst the tranquil surroundings, the informal session gave lawyers a welcome respite from clients, affidavits and hearings, whilst allowing law students to network with family lawyers and ask questions about what family practice was really like. Many seemed eager to consider this area of practice as a career option, but inevitably expressed the usual concerns about managing client expectations in high conflict cases, stress levels, and financial rewards. For the family lawyers present, the students' youthful and enthusiastic spirit was like a shot in the arm, a reminder of the good that lawyers can do to manage parties' emotions and demands in what is usually a highly charged environment. It was generally agreed that the session ought to see the beginning of a new tradition of co-operation between the Faculty and the Bar to allow for future members to interact with present members.
The session also raised some good ideas for the Society and Law Faculty to work on together as many students expressed interest in wanting to experience this area of practice for real. To assist, the Family Law Practice Committee has agreed to be a liaison between the Faculty and member firms practising this area of law who are willing to provide internship opportunities for students during their term vacation.

The internship requires a commitment of no more than one week during which time the student would be based at the law firm, be provided the opportunity to sit in on client meetings, attend hearings in court and get a general grasp of the intricacies relating to family practice. Members interested in offering such internship opportunities are invited to send their details to the Chairman, Family Law Practice Committee c/o the Society's Practice Concerns Director, Mr Alvin Chen at alvin@lawsoc.org.sg.

Malathi Das
Family Law Practice Committee