Introduction
‘Do you want to be a litigation lawyer or a conveyancing lawyer?’ This daunting question is one that many law students encounter. In practice, these two areas represent entirely different realms—the bustling, high-stakes world of litigation and the meticulous, detail-oriented domain of conveyancing firms. This semester break, I decided to explore both narratives to gain invaluable experiences.
Inside the World of a Conveyancing Firm
On my first day at a boutique law firm specialising in conveyancing matters—primarily commercial contracts, banking and finance—I was immediately immersed in the intricacies of property transfer and sub-sale transactions for both landed and non-landed properties. Working directly with one of the partners, I attended client meetings, prepared essential documents, took meticulous notes, and witnessed the signing of property purchase agreements.This hands-on experience brought me face-to-face with the real-world application of legal principles which I had only read about.
The conveyancing work demanded utmost delicacy and meticulousness. When my first draft of a tenancy agreement was returned to me marked with highlights and numerous amendments, I immediately understood the importance of precise language in contracts. Even a simple typo could lead to significant legal complications. Additionally, I also had the chance to experience the quirks of using a typewriter for the first time, filling out government forms, and ensuring the accuracy of details in documents to avoid unnecessary amendments and additional fees.
Litigation firm - Beyond the Courtroom Drama
During the semester break, I also interned at a start-up law firm specialising in civil cases such as Contract Law, Company Law, and Family Law. My four weeks at the law firm were filled with stacks of documents, court hearings, and a barrage of complex legal jargon. On my first day, I found myself at the Penang High Court, witnessing a series of divorce hearings and a cross-examination. The courtroom's cold, sombre ambience and the frequent use of formal language were initially intimidating, but the experience proved to be invaluable.
At the firm, I assisted my supervisors in researching cases for the court. Delving into the ‘White Book’ on Civil Procedure in Malaysia, I was offered the opportunity to navigate the complexities of court proceedings and the legal system. Sourcing relevant case laws felt like a treasure hunt, each discovery a potential goldmine of legal precedent. Drafting court papers, including statements of claims and written submissions, also gave me valuable hands-on experience in the litigation process.
One of the most thrilling cases involved an intellectual property issue with counterfeit products, where I had the exhilarating opportunity to participate in a factory raid, adding a sense of adventure to my internship. Furthermore, I was able to go into the area of family law, a field that demands a more empathetic touch. As I sat in on client consultations related to divorce proceedings, I was struck by the delicate balance of empathy and strategy required to navigate these sensitive situations.
Strategies in Maximising the Experience
As an intern, it is essential to approach all tasks with a positive attitude. While applying legal knowledge is important, internships often require supporting lawyers with tasks that may seem routine but are critical to the firm's operations. Regular visits to the post office, land offices, and courts, along with duties like photocopying and document binding, are vital to the firm's efficiency. Although these tasks may appear minor, they play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the legal process. Engaging in these activities has deepened my understanding of the practical aspects of legal work and emphasised the importance of administrative duties in supporting the broader legal sector.
Notably, building strong relationships with colleagues, from senior partners to fellow interns, is equally important. Networking within the firm provides insights that cannot be acquired in law school. Conversations with lawyers will reveal valuable advice and stories of their own early days, while fellow interns offered camaraderie and shared learning experiences. Regularly seeking feedback and reflecting on progress have been crucial in focusing on my professional development and goals.
This experience taught me that even the smallest tasks have their place in the grand scheme of legal practice. Whether navigating the quirks of the office printer or mastering the art of binding documents, each challenge added to my skill set. Embracing these tasks with a positive attitude and curiosity made the internship not only educational but also enjoyable.
Conclusion
In the field of law, learning is a continuous journey. As law students, we often find ourselves immersed in theories and principles, somewhat insulated from the practical realities of legal practice. An internship provides a valuable opportunity to explore various practice areas and discover which ones resonate most with you. If you haven’t yet considered pursuing an internship, now might be the perfect time to take that first step into the dynamic world of professional legal work.
Written By: Chew Qian Ya
Edited By: Suhana Kabeer
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