Interview with Rebecca Vathanasin

Rebecca Vathanasin (

Associate Director)

“I wanted to become a lawyer so that I can help others who find themselves in similar situations … knowing firsthand how difficult it can be for the children…”

We speak with Rebecca Vathanasin who joins us as an Associate Director. As a highly regarded family lawyer, she has been praised for her empathetic and understanding approach.

Tell me more about yourself

I am a family lawyer who has been in practice since 2017. Outside of work, I am a paw-rent to a very spoilt dachshund and a black tuxedo cat.

What inspired you to become a lawyer?

My parents were divorced when I was 12 and I felt very helpless and alone for much of my teenage years that followed. I did not know how to navigate the change in the relationship between my parents and the shift in the dynamics at home. I constantly felt caught in between my parents’ arguments and did not feel that my voice mattered when it came to deciding what the care arrangements would be. I also did not know how to help my mother when my father defaulted in maintenance payments.

I wanted to become a lawyer so that I could help others who find themselves in similar situations. Knowing firsthand how difficult it can be for the children, I always make it a point to tell my clients to speak to them about the divorce and to reassure them that things will not change and that their mother and father still love them. I also try to encourage my clients to involve the children in the decision-making process as far as possible and try my hardest to help families transition into the new normal and to support them in any way that I can.

What are your areas of specialisation?

I specialise in family law and handle a wide myriad of cases which include divorce, custody applications, maintenance applications, applications for Personal Protection Orders, applications under the Mental Capacity Act, etc.

What was one case you handled that left a lasting impression on you?

I worked on a case a few years back that involved a couple fighting over a substantial matrimonial asset pool. My client fought very hard for a bigger share in the pie as she believed she gave her all to the marriage. She also wanted to secure as much as possible for the children who were her beneficiaries. She passed away in the midst of the proceedings and it broke my heart, not only because of the relationship we had built during the time we worked together, but also because I saw how the fights that we have with our loved ones often involves material things that we cannot take with us to our graves.

Though she had good intentions, I do wish she had focused on spending the remainder of her life with her children as opposed to having to deal with contentious court proceedings. I believe she has found peace and often think of her whenever I need a reminder of what’s important in life.

What gives you the most satisfaction in your work?

Being able to help others.

How do you handle the stresses of work?

Regular travels to disconnect – I am a huge advocate for solo travelling. A long drive (no music and the windows down) or walk, a good glass of red and spending time with my furkids.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

I try to travel as much as I can and spend time in nature. I also tried discovery diving in mid-2024 (did 2 other discovery dives since then!) and will be getting my licence in March 2025 so hopefully time can also be spent exploring the underwater world.