Interview with Sara Ng
In this interview, we learn more about Associate Director Sara Ng, who joined our firm earlier this year.
Tell us more about yourself.
My favourite things in life are books, bicycles, beer and the beach.
What inspired you to become a lawyer?
I like to seek out difficult and challenging things in life. Being a lawyer allows me to engage in intellectually challenging work whilst helping people navigate complex legal issues.
Also, I read John Grisham’s The Street Lawyer when I was 13, and that left a lasting impression on me. Since then, I operate on the belief that “service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”
What are your areas of specialisation?
I specialize in general commercial litigation cases with a particular focus on shareholders’ disputes. I also maintain a portfolio of criminal defence and family work.
What was one case you handled that left a lasting impression on you?
There was a family whose father had died of a heart attack at work. The labour tribunal held that he had a pre-existing condition, and thus his death did not arise out of the course of employment – thereby denying the family’s right to workmen compensation. I felt strongly about this particular case and told the family that I would appeal this matter pro-bono. I was in my second year of practice and successfully argued my first High Court appeal.
The biggest satisfaction was knowing that this High Court decision clarified the law in this area, and allows the families of victims of fatal workplace accidents to claim compensation despite the victims having pre-existing conditions.
What gives you the most satisfaction in your work?
When clients finally resolve a lengthy dispute, I see the relief (and the end of many sleepless nights) that the resolution brings them. I do not harbour grandiose visions of changing the lives of my clients, but only that I can assist my clients to resolve an obstacle or a dispute that is preventing them from moving forward in their personal or professional lives.
Being a disputes lawyer also teaches me about the complexities of people: their strengths, weaknesses, and contradiction - which I absolutely enjoy. It also reinforces in me the lesson of one of my favourite novels of all time:
“By their very nature, human beings are so capricious, so complex, so delightfully contradictory, that they deserve not only our consideration but our reconsideration—and our unwavering determination to withhold our opinion until we have engaged with them in every possible setting at every possible hour.”
How do you handle the stresses of work?
I have been very fortunate to be in healthy working environments with reliable colleagues, and that has helped in reducing unnecessary stress and allows me to focus on my work. The fact is, after being in practice for a good number of years now, I don’t get overly stressed about work. It is something that needs to get done, and I do enjoy sitting down and doing what needs to be done.
(Although sometimes I book a squash court and hit balls for 2 hours)
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I like to go on long walks with Sandy (my golden retriever), long solo runs, bike rides and open water swims. And of course, reading a lot of books.
About Sara
Sara is a lawyer with a deep-rooted commitment to justice and fairness. Since she was called to the Bar, Sara has been involved in a number of high-stakes legal cases involving corporations and individuals, as well as prosecutions by government agencies.
Her legal acumen and keen problem-solving skills have enabled her to achieve successful outcomes for her clients, such as appealing the sentences of three clients convicted under the Remote Gambling Act and successfully appealing a decision by the Ministry of Manpower in a fatal workman compensation claim. Sara is a dedicated professional driven by a desire to make a real difference in people's lives. She believes in pursuing justice with compassion, and is passionate about pro bono work and giving back to the less privileged.
Sara is motivated by the prospect of making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others.