Interview with Benjamin Yam
In this interview, we learn more about Associate Director Benjamin Yam, who joined our firm earlier this year.
Tell us more about yourself
I am married with two kids, a girl and a boy. I barely qualify as a millennial. Having said that, I love cruising to the sounds of the 80s. Recently I have been more intentional about running and swimming. I also curate my Spotify playlists if time permits. I actually quite like any local twist on Western dishes. I don’t have any specific favourite local dish now but years ago I’d say chilli crabs – however, it is a must for the crab to be fresh! A quirky skill that I have is striking the palate area above the back of my front two teeth to produce quite a loud sound – if you know of a one-word description for this, please let me know!
What inspired you to become a lawyer?
I won’t say there was any specific inspiration per se to become a lawyer. It was a mixture of various factors. Desiring to be in a “safe” and honourable profession while realizing that I was never a science or business or arts person. I was also intrigued by the passion of Geoffrey Robertson QC, from his book “The Justice Game”.
What are your areas of specialisation?
I practise in litigation with a focus on commercial litigation, personal injury, and medical negligence work.
What was one case you handled that left a lasting impression on you?
In my early years, I had to assist in a court application for a Mental Capacity Act matter. The client’s spouse had become mentally incapacitated due to an accident. There were tight timelines involved and no doubt there were anxious moments and sleepless nights. However, during one particular meeting with my client, the commissioner for oaths and the medical expert informed my client, without being prompted by anyone that they would waive off their fees as a gesture of goodwill. Their sense of compassion was very honourable.
What makes a good lawyer?
Being able to think on his / her feet and having a clear mind. I would, however, place having a good temperament above everything else.
How have you benefitted from the mentorship of senior lawyers as a young lawyer?
A couple of them come to mind. One of them was very particular about the formatting of a document, in particular, alignment, font size and consistent spacing between lines. To paraphrase him, it reflects the professionalism and level of care and thought that the writer put into the document. I initially felt that he should, to put it nicely, choose his battles. Ironically, the people who have worked with me have now similarly attested to my being equally particular about these nitty gritty.
The other was deemed the “perfect” lawyer i.e., excellent at rainmaking, lawyering, file management, client management, advocacy, drafting etc. I will focus on his drafting skills. My then colleagues and I had very little or nothing to disagree with regard to the amendments he would make to our drafts, be it a total whitewash or slight tweaks. During a recent catch-up with one of them, we were discussing this and concluded that whenever we worked on a draft, the question that comes to mind would constantly be, “What would (the senior lawyer) think of this draft? How would he have worded or amended it?”
Having practised law for 13 years, what are the guiding principles for your work?
To quote David Cameron’s closing speech in parliament as UK Prime Minister –
“Nothing is really impossible if you put your mind to it.”
Also, be a good steward of the relationships, time and resources given to you.
What have you heard people describe your job as (whether accurately or inaccurately) and what do you actually do on a day-to-day basis?
That as a lawyer, I spend my time in the courtroom doing the dramatic things that the lawyers on TV actually do. A witness actually told me that she did not expect her time in court to be so “boring”.
My day can be spent with a variety of things, from attending Court (in person or virtually), meeting or speaking with a client, drafting, responding to emails and occasionally settling some household matters as quickly as possible. I do need the grace from Up Above and also my favourite local drink “Teh C Kosong” in order to achieve these.
What gives you the most satisfaction in your work?
Knowing that everyone’s on a journey, we can help each other whether professionally or otherwise, and we all have something to give and take.
About Benjamin
Benjamin is passionate about seeking justice for the man on the street and lending a listening ear to his clients’ legal issues.
An experienced litigator with an expansive practice, he has a keen interest in medical negligence, harassment, employment issues, commercial disputes, on top of family, personal injury, criminal cases matters and general solicitors’ work.
Through his practice, Benjamin hopes to play his part in creating a robust yet fair arena for litigants and learned friends to spar and lock horns.
He has been involved in several trials and appeals before the Court of Appeal, High Court, and State Courts, obtaining successful outcomes.
Benjamin is grateful to have been mentored by senior lawyers in the earlier years of his career.