Getting Called to the Bar

By Mark Teng, Executive Director (Profile)

You know you’re no longer in school when being retained is something worth a celebrating with shot or two at the bar - not the one with high stools and peanuts as munchies, but the membership-only one with high stakes that won’t tolerate monkeys. So to our dearest trainees Lucas Tjia (Profile) and Zachery Tan (Profile), you’re welcome.

That we as a firm were able to expand in spite of the pandemic was in no way a coincidence. Lucas and Zachery’s grit over the past 6 months has given us the confidence that they can and will be assets to That.Legal. And so we earned another badge this year: a 100% retention rate – certainty for our trainees in this unpredictable climate.

As they took some time to reflect on the past 6 months during their much need call break, we asked them to share some of their thoughts on their journey to becoming a lawyer.

Struggling to muster the patience to read voluminous pages of the law during university, Zachery has at times felt out of his element. Therefore, to him, getting called to the bar and getting retained are testaments that “even though you may not be naturally gifted at something, you shouldn’t let that stop you… It is a reminder to not be afraid to go beyond [your] comfort zone, because that’s where the most growth is done”.

Though Zachery’s true passion lies in a career in the arts and/or sports, he has no regrets going down this trying but enriching journey of being a lawyer. To him, there is much meaning in helping others who need legal aid. Reflecting on his past 6 months of traineeship, Zachery believes he has become more patient and diligent, also picking up interpersonal skills that will be useful in any future endeavors.

Lucas likened his experience of getting called and being retained to the moment before jumping off a plane with a parachute. To paraphrase Lucas, “standing at the edge longer isn’t going to make it any less scary... being able to legally give advice takes a leap of faith... trust that you can do it”. Though he still feels that getting called to the Bar is surreal, he has faith in his abilities, confidence and a good attitude to keep learning and embracing the grind.

We are privileged to have helped them reach this proverbial milestone in their lives. As much as it is a joyous occasion for them, it is as equally, a joy for us to be their mentors. As we too reflect on the past 6 months training Lucas and Zachery, we were reminded of the quote by Martin Luther King Jr, “Life’s persistent and most urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” We certainly hope that you have taken away that® experience and that we have given you the room to grow into gentlemen of the Bar, guided by doing what is right for others.

Once again, congratulations on being called to the Bar and we wish you all the best as you embark on this arduous but yet, exhilarating road ahead. To leave you both with some parting words, the journey of being a good lawyer is not a sprint, but a marathon - be patient with yourselves. Your traineeship chapter has closed, and now legal life begins for real.

Mark TENGAugust 24, 2021