Gan Sue Ann and Kenny Choo, Legal Associate
SHE SAYS:
maritime: First off, why did you become a Maritime Lawyer?
Sue Ann: It all began with a childhood aspiration to practice law. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Leicester University in England, I proceeded to attain a Master’s degree at the University College London (UCL ). Before I elected subjects for the Master’s degree, I attended the Cadwallader Annual Memorial Lecture and ended up choosing shipping law subjects. Personally, I find maritime law to be allencompassing as it involves other areas of law. For example, within the sphere of mar itime law, you might find yourself dealing with contractual or personal injury claims.
m : Tell us more about being a Maritime Lawyer.
SA: As a young Maritime Lawyer, I face a steep learning curve. I believe that you can only become more efficient through experience. At all times, I need to be sharp and determined so as to deal with the stress that comes with the job. The interesting thing is that I face different legal cases everyday. Besides doing legal work, I help put together ”Snapshots”, JTJB’s in-house magazine. I also write for law publications and assist in seminars organised by my firm.
m : Share with us the challenges at work.
SA : Much of my work revolves around shipping litigation. This involves dealing with wet shipping, including collision, or dry shipping, and that includes disputes related to cargo contamination, detention and charter party claims etc. On the non-contentious front, my practice areas also include ship finance, sale and purchase of newly built or second-hand ships, as well as matters relating to shipbuilding.
The maritime industry is fast-moving and clients want quick solutions to their problems. Turnaround must always be prompt. By the way, girls can excel in this just like guys. There are now more females than ever in the shippi ng industry, but you don’t get preferent ial treatment j ust because you a re a girl.
m: Does your character help you in your job?
SA: I enjoy meeting people and experiencing different cultures. I would al so say that I am a conscientious worker who always tries my best. I think these qualities are essential for a young Maritime Lawyer like myself to enable me to learn on the job at a quicker pace.
m: Are you different at and off work?
SA: I would like to think that I’m pretty much the same at work and off work. I like to be in control of situations. But yes, I would say that I am more relaxed on weekends.
m : How do you de-s tress from the pressures of work?
SA: I believe in finding a balance between work and life. After knocking off work, I usually hang out with family and friends over dinner or drinks. Alternatively, I visit the gym, chill out to jazz music or just tune in to my alltime favourite Discovery Travel and Living channel. I also enjoy cooking occasionally.
m: What advice do you have for would-be Mari time Lawyers?
SA : Education has to be backed up by hard work. You need to possess that constant determination and believe in your cause.
HE SAYS:
maritime: First off, why did you become a Mari time Lawyer?
Kenny: From the attachments I served whilst in university, I decided that working in the maritime industry would provide opportunities beyond being confined to a desk. I’m glad to say that my experiences have been interesting and unique. Also, given the status of our port, I’ve always believed that the maritime industry would remain relevant and with that, Maritime Lawyers.
m : Tell us more about being a Maritime Lawyer.
K: As a Maritime Lawyer, you’re constantly exposed to the technical and trade aspects from all facets of the maritime industry and you learn a lot on the job. The challenge is to effectively harness what you have learned in law school, together with all the experience gained on the job, to pursue your clients’ best interests. That aside, the problems and issues that arise are very real and fast-paced and you must remain sharp enough to pick out subtle nuances and alternations in people’s positions. Often, you also get the opportunity to experience first-hand, boarding vessels, oil rigs etc for various purposes.
m : Share with us the challenges at work.
K: As the maritime industry operates round the clock, incidents or events take place at any time and we have had to react quickly and effectively and often under tight time constraints. Therefore, you have to be flexible and be prepared for anything. You also have to manage the pressure from your clients, your superiors a nd the Court whilst seeking to advance your clients’ case in their best interests.
m: Does your character help you in your job?
K: I’m easygoing, which helps a great deal to alleviate the stress and pressures in my line of work. I’m sure that my colleagues will say that I chatter a fair bit at work, but the banter helps to relieve the tension.
m: Are you different at and off work?
K: I believe that how you are as a person transcends to how you are in practice. As a person, I believe in playing fair. From the perspective of my practice, that trait is very crucial too.
m : How do you de-s tress from the pressures of work?
K: I try to switch my mind off entirely from work for at least a few hours every weekend to recharge. This is my ’quiet time’ where I just do my own thing, such as hitting the gym, sports, or just pumping up the hi-fi and enjoying the classical music of Brahms and Mozart.
m: What advice do you have for would-be Mari time Lawyers?
K: You must have a goal and enjoy what you are doing. Additionally, do develop a good relationship with the experts that you deal with; be they surveyors, naval architects, marine engineers etc. Not only is their input invaluable to the case at hand, you can learn from them and broaden your knowledge, which can only serve you well in the future.
SOURCE: Singapore Maritime Careers
SINGAPORE
