It has only been the second week of internship and I am feeling so worn out. I actually shudder at the thought of well- routined living. Well, that might sound unfair because I am actually enjoying Premier Law and I am taking well to the work, every piece of work is a good learning experience and its like laying my hands on expensive bags (o yes…I am a geek and a sucker for work). Siraj is awesome, he ensures that there is continuity in the work that he gives and I get to follow through a case from drafting to trial and then to meeting clients. Although the culture is very different from Harry Elias, both are similar in their relaxing and instructive atmosphere.
In HEP, I had two very good mentors, Miss Foo and Tien Hua and subsequently, I made a good friend in Shin Yi as well, where there is an amazing connection to Aloy, and she patiently hears my gripes and random email rants about absolutely everything.
That brings me to my little visit to HEP, primarily to talk to Miss Foo, to ambush Shin Yi abit, and to say Hi to the familiar faces there, and that little chat did ignite a little spark of enthusiasm and a warmth that only affirmation can bring. Wonderful caring advice from Miss Foo again, I have learnt three things that were sharable and some which were not (of which I will keep it in me).
The Shareables… First, people look at every little piece of work that you do and so you jolly well do it to perfection, even if it involves checking a million times and pretending that you only checked it once and it was already perfect. That leads back to the question of attitude; Miss Foo also said that she would rather hire a person with good attitude though legally unsound than a person with good grades but careless and lazy. Dressing well and perhaps maintaining a good figure is part of having the right attitude because the world is real, people look at you, they don’t want sloppy lawyers looking like they will do a shoddy case.
Secondly, it is important to do your work everyday with positivity and meticulousness, especially when a lawyer’s credibility is built on continued good work, before bosses and also judges. It is reality that women face more trouble juggling work, motherhood and wifehood and a good balance helps. Somehow it seems like we need more credibility. Sigh.
Thirdly, to maintain a successful marriage, it is no longer about puppy love or romance but true friendship and respect for each other, so says the most amazing matri lawyer. I really don’t want to get married, I want romance and love, but it also comes with it heartbreak and pain. So does a divorce what! But I have heard of so many long- lasting relationships and they are very inspiring, Shin Yi dated her husband for SEVEN years since law school, Miss Foo dated her husband when she was in hall; At Premier Law, both Chern Yang and Siraj dated for 7/8 years. Mr See Chern Yang called his girlfriend ‘perfect’.
Interesting thing is, she also thought me how to do a good body wave behind the HEP doors. My exotic dance really sucks and I find it damn funny that it sucks.
Sitting in that office and listening to her share made me think of what I want to be in ten years and I was looking at it. Graceful, warm, caring, shrewd, positive and successful, with a damn hot body.
