Jennifer Lim
What is your current role, or what are you working on?
I am an independent advocate at Duxton Hill Chambers (Singapore Group Practice). I help people and companies resolve their legal disputes in arbitration and Singapore courts. I also work with law firms and lawyers in Singapore and abroad to advise clients on disputes with cross-border elements. My practice is sector agnostic and varied – in recent months I have advised on Singapore insolvency, admiralty and company law, English insolvency and contract law, and international law on the sale of goods. In addition to my work as advocate and counsel, I also sit as arbitrator.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is that I am still in the legal profession and (some might say) thriving in it! Frequently throughout my career, I have experienced imposter syndrome. Was I good enough to clerk at the International Court of Justice? To work at leading international law firms on the most complex and high-stakes disputes? To flourish as an independent practitioner? I handle these feelings by pressing on, sometimes one day at a time. The victories and triumphs provide a high, but it is the daily grind and not giving up that set the foundation for my career to grow.
There are now 25 hours in a day! How would you spend your extra hour?
Without question, I would spend my extra hour with my family. As the most important people in my life, my family members deserve the most precious asset I have to give – my time. I also need to make the most of this period when my daughter wants me around!
If you weren't a lawyer, what would you do?
I would probably become a personal trainer for seniors. Functional exercise is severely underrated, and older adults may be afraid of injuring themselves if they do anything more intensive than walking. The truth is that functional exercise helps to maintain muscle mass and bone density, increase body awareness, and allow people to continue doing everyday activities for years to come.
Your favourite food haunt is...?
I like Ah Liang Ipoh Hor Fun at Market Street Hawker Centre. It is unfailingly tasty and comforting.