“As one of the few law firms that accept pre-law students as interns, I found Chia Wong LLP to be deserving of its reputation as a demanding but ultimately rewarding boot camp for aspiring lawyers. My internship with Chia Wong LLP was intellectually stimulating as I was given the opportunity to help Mr Chia & Ms Wong with legal research and drafting in a wide variety of cases, and from the outset I was compelled to learn on the fly and to have my wits about me at all times. Watching Mr Chia and Ms Wong handle their cases with admirable confidence and facility amid a flurry of documents and phone calls is an education in itself. Clients are visibly impressed by their firm grasp of the Law and thorough understanding of the situation at hand, while interns will finish their attachment with most, if not all, misconceptions about the practice of law dispelled.”

“The 4 weeks of internship I had at Chia Wong LLP, though a short stint, was not short of rewarding. Most tasks given were challenging, from drafting of legal documents to legal research, yet with each challenge I emerged with growth. Mr Chia and Ms Wong were never stingy in giving constructive criticisms and sharing their personal experiences for my benefit. Aside from exposure to the work of a young litigator, I was given the opportunity to observe how the senior lawyers were able to conduct themselves professionally before their clients. Both lawyers are indeed outstanding leaders in their respective fields and I am thankful to have been under their mentorship.”

“An internship at Chia Wong LLP is an experience that one would not forget. I had the opportunity to assist and learn from Mr Chia and Ms Wong, and have definitely gained a lot throughout the three weeks which I have spent here.

Working at Chia Wong LLP is not just another nine-to-six job. To me, it has been an invaluable chance to learn first-hand the trade of a lawyer, along with the many skill sets which accompany such a profession.

Mr Chia and Ms Wong are two very astute lawyers who have found great success in their profession. Yet, the both of them still show a very keen interest in the welfare of their interns and have made the effort to mentor and guide us in the ways of the law beyond just a cursory textbook reading. This exposure has allowed me to see that a good lawyer must also be able to fill the roles of a researcher, a writer and a negotiator, all whilst being a steward to the law. I thank them very sincerely for the generosity of their time, as well as the frankness of their opinions. Their wisdom will definitely see me through a long way in the legal profession.

One must also not forget the passionate team at Chia Wong LLP who work closely with Mr Chia and Ms Wong. I give my thanks as well to Winnie: her commendable work ethic and pleasant charm has definitely made the internship experience all the more inspiring and enjoyable.”

“A firm is only as good as its people, and coming to one like Chia Wong LLP has shown me why this is so. The four weeks spent here have been an eye-opening adventure for me. This being my first internship, I had little idea about how a law firm works, and I am truly thankful to be given time and opportunities to learn from my mistakes. A legal education is only good if one can transfer knowledge on paper, to actually practicing and applying the law to real life situations.

At Chia Wong, everyday has been an activity filled one. From doing legal research, drafting documents, going to court, to sitting in meetings, I am constantly challenged to pick up new things everyday. I believe this experience has put me in good stead for my future legal career.

The partners, Mr Chia Boon Teck and Ms Wong Kai Yun have been really good mentors, willing to sit down and talk through my mistakes with me, and as a result, allowing me to learn from them. This was so even with their busy schedules. Freely sharing their experiences from day one and being given the chance to working alongside them, I gained so much from their advice, especially in not adopting a student’s mindset in legal work, but actually learning to think like a lawyer and applying the law to the relevant facts at hand.

The legal executive, Winnie was extremely welcoming and helpful. Because of such wonderful people, it has been a truly delightful 4 weeks of instruction, fun, and challenge. Thank you Chia Wong LLP!”

“The 3 weeks spent there were a challenging, exciting and undeniably, a rewarding one. From the moment one stepped into the cozy office, one would be expected to be at their every best, producing quality work for every assignment that is given. Being my first internship, the learning curve was steep; however, the knowledge and experience gained from this was invaluable. It is cardinal to know that while studying helps us to gain knowledge, applying knowledge to real cases is a whole new ball game. As a law student, my time at Chia Wong LLP aids me to understand fully what was taught in school and ways to apply them in real and practical situations.

Mr Chia and Ms Wong are both excellent lawyers in their areas of expertise. With many years of experience, I could say that my interaction with them had opened up my perceptions and challenged my pre-conceived notions about the legal profession in Singapore. Through these informal interactions, they never failed to inspire me and kept me going as a law student. Furthermore, they made such wonderful mentors in ensuring that their interns are being taken care of, and they always take steps to assist and educate the interns to the best of their abilities.

For all these wonderful weeks, thank you Mr Chia and Ms Wong.”

“My internship with Chia Wong LLP has been interesting and fulfilling. In terms of work, I am glad to have been entrusted with some legal work, including doing research and drafting letters and affidavits, rather than pure administrative work. I appreciate and am thankful for Mr Chia and Ms Wong’s active efforts in delegating work to us. In particular, I find the system of collating our lists of assignments at the end of every day effective in ensuring a good distribution of workload amongst the interns. Personally, I find the system motivating as well as I strive to have as few outstanding assignments as possible at the end of the day.

In terms of learning, except for times where they are extremely busy, Mr Chia and Ms Wong are generally very approachable and are willing to guide us and answer our queries.

As this is my first internship, I feel that I have gained a lot from observing the various processes of legal work, from research to drafting of legal documents to dealing with clients. It was also interesting observing what working life was like; I cannot help but notice that Mr Chia and Ms Wong do not seem to have regular meals. Though I hope this is not the norm, Mr Chia and Ms Wong’s passion and dedication to their work is inspiring.”

“I started my internship with Chia Wong LLP in December for a period of 4 weeks. Undoubtedly, those 4 weeks spent at the firm was rigorous, intense but fun!

Being a niche firm, every document is individually researched and drafted to precision. No two assignments given will be the same. Hence, detailed research is necessary. Being a first year law student, I felt the assignments were challenging. However, Mr Chia, Ms Wong and the Legal Executives, were more than willing to provide assistance for the assignments at hand. The Legal Executives of the firm are very helpful and friendly.

The experienced gained from the firm was not limited to legal knowledge but also ethics. Mr Chia and Ms Wong have provided life lessons and advice. I believe their advice would definitely make me a better lawyer in the future. 

The 4 weeks spent at the firm were definitely memorable. I recommend Chia Wong LLP’s internship program to any law student who loves a challenge.”

“Interning at Chia Wong LLP was one of the best and most engaging internship experiences I have had so far. During my 3 weeks with the firm, I was given a wide variety of tasks, all of which I believe I learnt a lot from. Amongst other things, I was assigned legal (as opposed to clerical) work and I even got to follow Mr Chia to CID where he gave a criminal law lecture to CID officers — one of the highlights of my internship, which gave me an illuminating insight into the workings of the criminal justice system in Singapore. Though the work could be challenging at times, Mr Chia and Ms Wong were never stingy with their time and were very patient when giving feedback on work done. They both gave extremely practical advice to the interns on how to improve, and on what to expect from life in the legal profession. I really appreciated the frank feedback given, which contributed a lot to what I learnt during the internship. The legal executives, Winnie and Paul, were very friendly, and would gladly give the interns help even when they were swamped with work themselves. Their friendliness made me feel extremely welcome during my time with the firm and made the internship experience even more enjoyable. Though my internship with Chia Wong LLP was not long, I definitely learnt a lot during my short but enjoyable time there.”

“Step into the office of Chia Wong LLP and you will find yourself stepping into an exciting journey that would expose you to life from a lawyer’s point of view and practice in areas of law such as commercial litigation and matrimonial law. To call it an eye-opening experience would be to grossly understate how much I have learned and gained over my three weeks with the firm.

I had the special privilege of receiving guidance from Mr. Chia and Ms. Wong who are extremely capable lawyers with an impressive track record. Both are gifted with a razor sharp intellect, cogent legal reasoning and the uncanny ability to distill a complex case into easily understood fundamentals for the layman. Mr. Chia offered me a few words of advice that pithily condensed his many years of experience: “To be a good lawyer, you need to have common sense, EQ, IQ and adept listening skills.” The wisdom and practicality of his advice was slowly revealed to me as I witnessed the way he adroitly handled clients, court cases and complicated situations. It is from Mr. Chia and Ms. Wong that I came to realize that knowing the law and practicing the law are two distinct competencies. The former might be important, but the latter will always be the key determinant of how successful a lawyer will be.

There is no room for mediocrity in this firm and it is clear right from the start of the internship that I was expected to work hard and produce work of high quality. With tasks such as drafting affidavits and researching legal issues, the learning curve is demandingly steep especially for one who has no prior legal training. The level of detail and thought required in the assignments ranges from the strategic (carefully wording a stance) to the minutiae (making sure the writing is perfectly free of errors).

The experiences during my internship were diverse and invaluable. There is always something to learn every moment with opportunities like accompanying the lawyers to court hearing, observing their client meetings and taking up responsibilities to make contributions to their work. Even casual conversations with the lawyers would yield judicious advice on what it means to be lawyer and interesting insights into the mechanisms of our legal system.

The office exudes an atmosphere of warmth and elegant comfort. Coupled with Mr. Chia and Ms Wong who are always approachable and the legal executives Winnie and Paul who are ever helpful, I felt right at ease from the start of my internship. There was none of the uptight and stifling corporate feel which I initially expected. Not only has this internship widened my comprehension of a career in law, it has also strengthened my interest in law. It is an enlightening experience which is hard to come by in other law firms. For this, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Chia Wong LLP. Thank you.”

“I truly enjoyed my time at Chia Wong LLP. I applied for a legal internship with the aim of learning more about law and the kind of work a law firm does. Needless to say, I have learnt more in my four weeks interning here than I would have reading any textbook on law.

Mr Chia and Ms Wong are really amazing mentors. Having had no legal training prior to this internship, they both guided me in my assignments and ensured that the level of work assigned to me was appropriate for my capacity, given the steep learning curve. They also encouraged me to ask any questions I had regarding law and the legal profession. The effort Mr Chia and Ms Wong put in to ensure that interns experience a positive learning environment so that they are able to make the most of their time interning is definitely one thing I will not forget about my time here.

I really do appreciate the learning opportunity Chia Wong LLP has provided me and I am now more confident than ever that I want to pursue law. I will definitely keep the legal knowledge and practical skills that both Mr Chia and Ms Wong have imparted in mind in the long run.”

“My internship at Chia Wong LLP was definitely an enriching and an eye-opener in many ways. During my 5 weeks stint, I was able to work closely with Mr Chia and Ms Wong, both exceptional in their respective fields. My interactions with them not only enable me to gain further insight into the legal practice but also allowed to grow as a person better equipped to give back to society.

I came in with one request, i.e. wanting to have more hands-on experience through having a taste of proper legal work. Mr Chia and Ms Wong ensured that I was able to experience a diverse range of cases and through legal research as well as witnessing them in action in Court. I was able to have a feel of a range of cases from Matrimonial to Criminal as well as Civil.

My learning process was not confined to the tasks assigned to me. In order to understand why a certain research was being done, my personal and legal opinion would be asked to justify my bases. Through this, learning went beyond merely completing a task as I had to ensure that my judgment calls were sound and at the same time met the needs of the clients without breaching any legal ethics.

The lawyers exercised great patience, taking time to answer any queries and provide insight and anecdotes into legal practice. They were able to assist me in understanding the areas of law I wanted to delve into and also the kind of legal practice I would want to get involved in. Mr Chia and Ms Wong ensured that I would be able to make wise decisions after my graduation from University, taking into account that I was already in my penultimate year.

My internship at Chia Wong LLP not only enabled me to learn more about being a lawyer, but also taught me the necessary mindset needed in order to excel in what I do. I am able to grow as an individual and better understand my strengths and weaknesses.

Throughout my internship, I was made to feel welcome and I looked forward to going to work everyday. I am truly grateful for this experience and would like to thank Chia Wong LLP for the fruitful and memorable experience.”

“I came into my internship Chia Wong LLP on the back of a plethora of glowing reviews of the firm and specifically, its two partners Mr. Chia Boon Teck and Ms. Wong Kai Yun, and can emphatically declare that I have not been disappointed in the four weeks which I have spent here.

‘Learning on the job’ is truly a phrase which pithily encompasses what is fundamentally expected of interns here, for I was exposed to the rigors of work which both partners regularly encounter right from the very outset.

Apart from drafting legal documents and conducting legal, I was bestowed a great degree of autonomy and trust. I was also allowed to accompany both lawyers to court hearings, and sit in with them during client meetings, from which I have been able to observe the composed and exemplary manner in which they conduct themselves and their affairs, as well as the professionalism they exude in handling clients.

Assignments here have been demanding, with tight deadlines frequently accompanying them, but exhilarating, because I have definitely managed to learn much more than what I can acquire from mere law readings. I am truly grateful to Mr. Chia and Ms. Wong for investing a significant amount of time and faith in me, as they have offered germane guidance and constructive criticisms throughout my stint here.

Mr. Chia and Ms. Wong have proven themselves to be utterly and indubitably deserving of their lofty reputations, and have imprinted within my mind indelible impressions of exemplary examples of outstanding lawyers. Interns here can undoubtedly expect a legal education which is comprehensive, rigorous and dynamic.”

“An internship is only as rewarding as the learning opportunities afforded. In that respect, an internship at Chia Wong LLP is truly like no other. The 5 weeks I spent there were characterised by an endless stream of learning opportunities which provided me with valuable insights into the legal profession.

A dynamic profession demands equally forceful practitioners, and there can be no doubt that Mr Chia and Ms Wong are two of the best lawyers around. As expected of such outstanding lawyers, they shouldered heavy workloads and ran on tight schedules. Yet, they generously spared time to guide us as we carried out legal research and drafted legal documents. These were tasks that they could have easily accomplished in short order, but in accommodating our clumsy attempts they demonstrated a commitment to nurturing and teaching us that I am deeply grateful for.

In consonance with their developmental approach, Mr Chia and Ms Wong also actively engaged us whenever possible. In these interactions, they readily answered any questions we had, and freely dispensed sage advice distilled from years of experience. I believe that their counsel will stand me in good stead for my legal education and subsequent legal career.

Of course, the legal executives — Winnie, Carista, and Paul — were also instrumental in the wonderful experience. They were friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand. Even though I would only be there for a few weeks, they made me feel welcome. It was indeed delightful to work with such warm and hospitable people as them.

Clients know the firm for its astute lawyers and conscientious executives, but it was my privilege to also know them as dedicated mentors and affable colleagues. I must again express my heartfelt appreciation for this internship that has proven to be most instructive. Thank you Chia Wong LLP!”

“My time at Chia Wong LLP was an enriching and fulfilling experience. During my stint there, I had the opportunity to work closely with Mr Chia and Ms Wong, both exceptional lawyers in their respective fields of expertise. Both Mr Chia and Ms Wong provided me with precious insights on studying law and life as a lawyer. In my interactions with both lawyers, I have also learnt the importance of ethics in the legal practice.

The tasks I was assigned to were challenging. The affidavits and other papers for court hearings were neither straightforward nor routine. Even after putting in all my effort, there were times when the research and homework done seemed to have come to naught. However, in the wise words of Mr Chia, no effort in legal research is ever wasted; it will eventually be helpful in future cases. These strong words serve as encouragement and his advice will remain poignant and fresh in my mind for a long time to come.

In my interactions with both lawyers, I have also come to appreciate the different styles they adopt during the course of their professional work. Whether it is Ms Wong’s warm and friendly personality or Mr Chia’s firm yet amicable charisma, both give clients the assurance that only remarkably competent lawyers can provide. This has shown me that there is no one formula to being a good lawyer and it is only through years of experience that one can achieve such immense stature.

Instead of trying to keep me out of the way given their heavy workload and tight schedules, they made every effort possible to ensure that my internship was as immersive and enlightening as possible. I believe that my learning experience with them will be very beneficial to my legal studies and future legal career.

I am extremely grateful to Chia Wong LLP for their guidance and for giving me this priceless opportunity to learn first-hand from two of the best lawyers around!”

“Having read the feedback written by earlier interns, my impression of Chia Wong LLP has been positive from the outset. Subsequently, the internship I did with the firm exceeded my expectations in all respects.

The learning process was definitely not confined to the tasks I was assigned to do — much of what I have gained from the five-week internship took place as I observed how Mr Chia and Ms Wong interacted with the judges, clients and colleagues. In particular, I was impressed by their sharp analyses of legal issues, their ability to think on their feet, and most of all, their empathy, humility and consideration for others. In many ways, they taught me what it means to be a good lawyer in an industry that can be harshly competitive and unforgiving.

The diversity of cases handled by both Mr Chia and Ms Wong made the internship very interesting. I never did the same thing twice, and therefore had many opportunities to explore for myself the manifold aspects of both the study and practice of law. It gave me time to carefully consider the likely areas of practice I may like to venture into in future. I am also very grateful for the fact that, despite their packed schedules, they took time off to share with us their experiences as law students and practitioners, help reexamine our motives for wanting to read law, and continually provide guidance and feedback as we went about drafting legal documents and doing legal research. I would therefore like to thank Chia Wong LLP for all the valuable experiences I will not ever forget.”

“My 5-week internship at Chia Wong LLP was an extremely rewarding experience. Knowing nothing about law, I had expected to simply help out in general administrative matters. However, Mr Chia and Ms Wong took the initiative and effort to tailor a tremendously immersive program for their interns.

What makes Chia Wong LLP truly stand out is the lawyers’ generosity in answering our questions and giving us practical advice. Despite their hectic schedules, both Mr Chia and Ms Wong specially took time off to share their experiences in law school and the legal sector. Through these personal anecdotes, we were able to understand what working in the legal sector truly entails, beyond the veneer of glitz and glamour brochures or websites so often trumpet.

Further, working with Mr Chia and Ms Wong allowed me to witness, first hand, the high standards both of them hold themselves to. The professionalism and passion demonstrated by both Mr Chia and Ms Wong has inspired me to set the same stringent standards for myself in the future.

Once again, I would like to thank Mr Chia, Ms Wong, and the legal executives for their generosity in accommodating and guiding me. It was an honour to intern at such a wonderful firm.”

“I am always a strong believer that when it comes down to success, being driven and a whole lot of hard work are the key ingredients. Mr Chia and Ms Wong are living examples of how what was once a dream can definitely become a reality. This short internship has awarded me an invaluable opportunity of working alongside two very intelligent and charismatic lawyers. They represent the catalyst that pushes for dynamic change within the legal foundations of Singapore, in time with the globalised modernity in today’s society. They have both given me insightful advice into the legal institution that embeds the society that we live in.

Additionally, I was given a taste of putting theory (from law school) into practice through legal drafting and research. I feel that the legal institution is liken to a complex organism, one of which learning will always be an ongoing process. Mr Chia and Ms Wong have undoubtedly contributed significantly to my legal education.”

“My 9 weeks internship with Chia Wong LLP has been a very enriching experience. What I’ve learnt here was much more than what textbooks offer. I was given many opportunities to attend court hearings and client meetings. Acquired was not only legal knowledge but also values from life’s lessons.

Mr Chia Boon Teck and Ms Wong Kai Yun exercised much patience and understanding to teach and guide me despite their really busy schedules and were often very generous with their advice.

Although always upfront, honest and firm, they were never judgmental, sarcastic or intimidating during their guidance. Not a day passed without learning something significant. A true mentorship experience!

The encouragement, skills and advice that Mr Chia and Ms Wong imparted were not just in regard to lawyering but also in the dynamics of an ethical legal practice. I have also witnessed their dedication and compassion towards their clients and this has been quite an inspiration for me.

The legal executives, Carista and Winnie with their friendly and helpful natures have made me realize that it is quite possible for a firm’s culture to be supportive and friendly even in the timely and professional execution of legal tasks.

In my humble opinion, an internship with Chia Wong LLP that marks the beginning of one’s journey to be a lawyer would be really beneficial for it offers not just exposure but also confidence for the future. My only regret however was not having encountered Chia Wong LLP earlier.”

“The five weeks of internship I had at Chia Wong LLP was a tremendously rewarding experience. It was not only legal knowledge that I gained, but also the prized opportunity to observe and learn from experienced lawyers like Mr Chia and Ms Wong through their interactions with clients and lawyers as well as their court appearances. I was given a wide array of tasks including drafting of legal documents and legal research. The tasks, although challenging, taught me so much that textbooks could not. They also gave me an interesting glimpse into the work of a litigator. The lessons that I’ve learnt throughout my internship and the invaluable advice imparted to me by Mr Chia and Ms Wong would serve as constant reminders of what it means to be an excellent lawyer.”

“The best lesson I’ve learnt from this internship is not about how much I’ve gained or learnt from Mr. Chia Boon Teck and Ms. Wong Kai Yun, but how much I remain ignorant of. I was consistently prompted to articulate and justify my moral and legal convictions in Mr. Chia and Ms. Wong’s company, an intensely demanding yet fruitful exercise. Through these Brahmodya –like discourses, usually rendering me speechless, I became vividly aware of the inadequacy of my knowledge through my impotence of speech. I am grateful to the two lawyer’s patience and honesty during those sessions.

Under their patient guidance, I was fortunate to experience the ground and gist of a litigation lawyer’s world by sitting in Mr. Chia’s meetings with his clients. Plenty of mistakes were made, but forgiveness was generously doled out, as Mr. Chia and Ms. Wong took time out to explain to me the issue, as well as the implications of my ignorance with refreshing candour.

There was never a day that passed without a moment’s learning, and more importantly, discovering what I was ignorant of. I greatly admire not just Mr. Chia and Ms. Wong’s clarity of thought, prowess of languages, meticulous work ethics, and brilliant minds, but also their kindness, sincerity, and gentility to everyone around them, be they clients, laypeople, employees or mere interns. I am convinced that an internship with Mr. Chia and Ms. Wong will galvanise a student’s desire to study law, and aspire to the highest academic and ethical standards of a lawyer.”

“I was only an A-Level graduate when I interned at Chia Wong LLP. However, from knowing next to nothing about law and the legal profession, I ended my internship experience not only with the hands-on experience of working in a private law firm, but also with my understanding of legal work transformed.

During my five weeks in Chia Wong LLP, I was exposed to a variety of cases relating to criminal, civil and family law. I was given the opportunity to try my hands at legal paperwork and legal research, attend Court hearings and sit-in during meetings with clients. Mr Chia and Ms Wong also took time to explain to me the manifold aspects of law and even offered practical advice on the legal profession.

Beyond this, I got to experience what law school will not impart to its students - the workings of the legal sector in practice and in reality. Prior to my internship, I had many misconceptions and doubts about the legal profession and my choice to pursue law in university in the future. However, this internship has allowed me to understand what legal practice is really about, as opposed to what it is commonly portrayed or perceived to be. With this overview of law and legal practice, I now have a better idea of what to expect in law school and am furthermore assured that law is indeed something I want to pursue.

As a small firm, the environment at Chia Wong LLP is warm and personal. Throughout the internship, I felt included as a member of the firm and that my work was - to however small an extent - important and contributive. Mr Chia, Ms Wong and the Legal Executives have demonstrated the diligence and professionalism that go into a successful legal practice. Beyond showing me how a law firm operates, my internship experience at Chia Wong LLP has shown me how a legal practice ought to be conducted.”

“I first applied for an internship in Chia Wong LLP in November 2009. Back then, I was told that Chia Wong LLP did not have any intern positions available for the time period that I was interested in. But the politeness of the email I received left such a deep impression on me that since then, Chia Wong LLP had always been the firm that I wanted to intern for. So I applied again in 2010, and had the good fortune to intern with the firm for 6 weeks from January to February 2011.

On the first day of my internship, Mr Chia gave a talk on criminal law to the journalists in SPH. The talk was engaging and interesting, and served as a wonderful introduction for me to understand the difference between the Singapore legal system and the Australian legal system

During the course of my internship, I sat in clients' meetings, conducted legal research, and drafted affidavits and submissions. Although I had expected these work from reading other interns' feedback, I did not realise the difficulty of the tasks until it hit me in the face. But Mr Chia and Ms Wong were never impatient with me. Instead, they took the initiative to give me feedback, and told me everything I wanted to know about practising law in Singapore. From my internship, I gained insights into the legal profession, picked up skills that I can apply to my legal studies, and cultivated the values of patience and perseverance.

I am extremely grateful to Mr Chia, Ms Wong and the helpful legal executives. I am so glad that my first internship is with Chia Wong LLP.”

“I had a terrific, exhilarating December interning with Chia Wong LLP. I did not know what to expect, especially since it was my first internship. From the very first day, I was given important tasks and was involved directly within the firm. The tasks were interesting, challenging and at times intriguing. It opened up a whole new dimension to my understanding of all things legal.

Most importantly, the guidance and advice provided by Mr Chia and Ms Wong were really what made my entire internship so rewarding. They always ensured that I was involved so that I could see for myself how they worked. Through Court visits and client meetings, an intern can learn for himself/herself what no one can really teach. Through such experiences, I emerged with a sense of enlightenment, clearing away the fuzzy ideas I had about how things worked in the legal world.

Mr Chia and Ms Wong are also amongst the most dynamic and driven people I have ever met. This is certainly one of the reasons why they make such excellent mentors. Through them, I see the many different facets of a successful legal practitioner. Their abilities and mindsets left me simply awestruck.”

“This was not my first internship experience, my time at Chia Wong LLP was memorable. The two particular areas of law that I had the chance to experience here were family and criminal law. I did not realize how much work is required to be put into every case to get it to the final stage for hearing in Court, and that it begins from the very first meeting with the client. Every single person tells a different story, and yet the law must be morphed to fit them and that's when the lawyer comes in. Mr Chia and Ms Wong are highly experienced in their jobs, and just by observing the way they approach each and every case is a lesson in itself. I am glad to have chosen to apply to Chia Wong LLP for the internship because the insights I have gained here have changed my perspective of the law.”

“Feeling dissatisfied from previous internships, I took up an internship with Chia Wong LLP. After my time here, I am pleased to say that the firm has more than exceeded my expectations.

The size of the firm ensures that work is always plentiful and I hardly found a moment where I was not occupied with drafting letters of demand, affidavits, or submissions for court hearings. Sitting in for the meetings where the partners advised clients was insightful and an eye-opener to the real world of criminal and matrimonial proceedings. Trips to court to record notes of evidence were a treat too as they gave me a chance to observe the fascinating yet subtle art of cross-examining witnesses.

Chia Wong LLP further sets itself apart from other firms in the way I was treated as a contributing member of the firm. An intern is only as happy as he is utilised, and I definitely felt that my efforts did not go unnoticed here.

I am glad that I took up such an opportunity, for it has given me a new perspective of the local legal environment and renewed my enthusiasm to embark on this enthralling and exciting line of work. Thank you Chia Wong LLP for this wonderful and enriching experience.”

“Upon completing the second year of my undergraduate studies, I took up an internship programme at Chia Wong LLP during my summer vacation. I wanted exposure to the culture and working style of a litigation firm. Whilst it was a short stint, my internship had been extremely fulfilling and rewarding.

Despite their busy schedules, Mr Chia and Ms Wong still took time off to talk to me whenever they could, be it about work or their personal experiences in the profession. They were always kind and approachable, and open to me asking questions. I was also given the opportunity to sit in client meetings and observe in court proceedings. I am inspired by the passion they have in what they do, their professionalism and compassion towards the clients.

Self-reliance is also very much emphasised. The work assigned to me, at times, pertained to aspects of law which I had yet to study. However, that challenged me to pick up the relevant skills and knowledge, and complete the assigned work, alongside other tasks, before the deadline. Apart from legal research, I was also asked to draft documents such as affidavits, pleadings, wills, and review agreements. I was given sufficient room to learn and grow. At the same time, I would be advised on aspects in which I could improve on.

Throughout my internship, my mentors and the legal executives made me feel welcome and I looked forward to going to work every day. I am grateful for the invaluable experience, and I would like to thank both Mr Chia and Ms Wong, and the legal executives for making my internship such a fruitful and memorable one.”

“My time at Chia Wong LLP was a very rewarding experience. During the course of my 4-week internship, I was exposed to a wide range of legal work, including drafting legal documents, sitting in for clients' consultation, legal research and attending trial sessions. This being my first internship, some of the tasks that I was given were initially rather challenging to me. However, Mr Chia and Ms Wong were very good mentors who were always willing to guide me along and share their experiences. It was important to them that we learn from our internship, contrary to what I would have expected. Because of Mr Chia and Ms Wong's patience, I have gained invaluable skills from this internship. Their words of wisdom will remain a constant inspiration for me in the future. It was a privilege to have interned at Chia Wong LLP.”

“One could be easily forgiven for having qualms about granting an internship to an "A" level student without any legal background or knowledge, but this was not the case for Chia Wong LLP. Unlike most other law firms, Chia Wong LLP replied to my enquiries with amazing promptness and granted me the rare opportunity to intern at their firm for five weeks. Thus, before the internship had actually started, I had already formed an excellent first impression of them and in the following weeks, I was not proved wrong.

The internship allowed me a first-hand peek into the legal profession, where I hoped to work someday. I was assigned a multifarious array of tasks, ranging from somewhat mind-boggling legal research to taking notes of evidence for criminal trials - there was never a dull moment at work. More important was the invaluable learning process. Even though I bumbled around and made mistakes, both lawyers believed in second chances and took time out of their jam-packed schedules to guide me onto the path of enlightenment, and helped me to conquer the steep learning curve, to phrase it rather melodramatically.

Through attending cases in court and informal discussions, Mr Chia and Ms Wong provided me with precious insights on legal education and life as a lawyer. To this date, their advice remains poignant and fresh in my mind. To describe the internship as merely helpful is doing Chia Wong LLP an injustice: it was well-tailored, exciting, informative, eye-opening and intimate. I completed this five-week internship in a beautifully-furnished office, accompanied by pleasant and accommodating people, and I bear memory of it in sincere gratefulness.”

“When I was accepted as an intern in Chia Wong LLP, I was only a year 1 Law student who knew little about Singapore law and the legal industry. This internship experience augmented what I've learned in school, and exposed me to various areas of law, including but not limited to Family, Tort, Contract and Criminal Law.

Despite my conspicuous inexperience, it was with heartfelt appreciation that I was given the opportunity to carry out tasks relating to actual files, ranging from collating the bills to helping to draft legal documents. I was also privileged to be able to accompany Mr Chia to the Courts where I could obtain first hand insights into the cut and thrust of the court room. I must thank Mr Chia for guiding me and spending time to explain to me the intricacies of the law.

I also got to observe how Mr Chia and Ms Wong present themselves professionally in front of clients; and also being concerned with the clients' personal welfare when the need arises. I witnessed how they demonstrated key qualities of a good lawyer, such as possessing good analytical, interpersonal and public speaking skills. These invaluable hands on experiences definitely cannot be replicated in a lecture.

The learning curve was very steep for me as Mr Chia and Ms Wong are people who held high standards for all their staff. I believe that this has put me in good stead of what is to be expected when one eventually enters the legal fraternity.”

“I completed a four-week internship at Chia Wong LLP during my Summer vacation and found it to be an extremely rewarding experience. Mr Chia and Ms Wong were both very approachable and always willing to provide constructive feedback on any work that I completed. As I was not familiar with the legal system in Singapore I was very appreciative of the time that they took to explain parts of the law to me that were different in Australia.

I was able to gain an insight into how a private law firm operates as well as see, first-hand, the type of work that the partners complete. The experience that I gained during my four weeks was invaluable and I appreciate the time that the partners took out of their schedules to help me learn and grow. It was an experience that I will never forget.”

“What struck me most about both Mr Chia and Miss Wong was their humility and kindness, something that I never really defined lawyers by. In the course of the internship I had the privilege of observing the strong sense of honorability and responsibility that both mentors possessed, and the pride they took in the profession. The gratitude on the clients' faces after court cases showed me the immense impact on lives the lawyers had, and made me desire to follow in their footsteps should I ever join the profession.

I can confidently state that both Mr Chia and Miss Wong are the best mentors one can ever have. They took the time off their busy schedules, explaining extensively what studying law entails, and the options available to us after we graduate, giving a far more comprehensive and personal picture than what one would obtain from reading such sites as those of law school websites (which would understandably gloss over the more unpleasant aspects of a study in law) . Far from trying to keep us out of the way given their exceedingly hefty workload (mountains of cases and endless appointments) they made every effort possible to ensure that we underwent our internship in as immersive an environment as possible. The tasks we were assigned were never unchallenging-we read the at times incomprehensible codes and clauses, researched into cases, drafted affidavits and attended court cases, all the while having constant guidance and feedback. There was no hesitation on our side in asking questions because we knew that the mentors would be more than willing to listen and to help. The internship has allowed me to gain exposure, and convinced me to pursue studies in law.

I would like to take this opportunity once again to thank both mentors for accomodating us for the entire period. It has been a great honor.”

“Interning at Chia Wong LLP has been extremely challenging and rewarding. The partners of Chia Wong LLP make very good tutors and the opportunity to work directly under them has allowed me to gain a better understanding of work in the litigation arena and at the same time, build up a solid foundation for my development in the legal fraternity.”

“My internship at Chia Wong LLP had provided me with first-hand experience and insight into the legal system that cannot be learnt in school. This includes the opportunity to see cases through from the initial client meetings to the final court trials and also assist throughout the entire process. The partners of Chia Wong LLP are excellent mentors; they are generous with their advice and will ensure that each internship is a fruitful one.”

“When I took up an internship at Chia Wong LLP, I was not yet a Law student. My purpose was to spend some time in a law firm, and expose myself to the type of work, culture and personality in the legal world, as well as familiarise myself with the legal system first-hand. I believe that I achieved many of these objectives to a large extent, and learnt some important lessons during my time there.

One of the most crucial lessons I learnt was the importance of self-reliance. Mr Chia had always emphasised this. He was displeased whenever I asked him questions that I could have found out myself, and made his displeasure very clear. At the same time, he was very happy whenever I could do a piece of work independently, without troubling him with many questions. Mr Chia once said, “I would rather a pupil spend a whole day solving a problem by himself and learn something, than to spend five minutes solving it simply by consulting me.” It was crystal clear then, of the value Mr Chia placed on learning process of internships.

Besides this, through the cases I have helped on, I learnt many other qualities of a good lawyer, such as meticulousness and attention to detail, as well as the ability to react on the spot by having a certain kind of mental fortitude. There was one occasion when, during a juvenile criminal case, Mr Chia was forced to mitigate on the spot, due to an unforeseen circumstance. He had to use information gathered from a casual conversation with the accused’s parents just half an hour before! This kind of “impromptu” mitigation plea was something that had a strong impact on me and impressed upon me the importance of knowing the case very well and being prepared for anything.

To those who wish to take up an internship at Chia Wong LLP, my advice to you is this: be prepared to be resourceful and solve problems on your own. Always be well-read and knowledgeable on the area of Law you are working on. Also, try to be friendly, outgoing and proactive in social settings with the Partners and Legal Executives: there is much to learn from them in these social settings. Finally, remember that a successful internship benefits both the intern as well as the employer. You must remember to make yourself useful, but at the same time, value the learning experience and take every opportunity to be self-reliant and grow through the internship."

“I completed my internship at Chia Wong LLP during summer vacation, and found it an exhilarating experience. The firm offered a more personal interaction with the partners and a rare insight on the cases dealt by lawyers. As I was not familiar with the current Singaporean legal system, there were times of confusion, which were always resolved by friendly feedback and advice from the partners, who were approachable to help me in my queries.

The highlights of my internship was assisting in the compilation of a List of Documents, completing a preliminary draft of a prenuptial agreement, sitting in client interviews, and learning about the day-to-day processes of a law firm. The nature of work also included legal research and handling documents used in clients’ portfolios. I was given hands-on experience, accompanying the partners to various courts, such as the District Court and the Family Court. I thoroughly enjoyed completing an internship at Chia Wong LLP as it gave me valuable experience and knowledge that will benefit my future decisions in my legal career.”