Featuring: Lee&Lee

Interview Transcript with Mr Enzel Tan

Enzel is a junior lawyer in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution department at Lee & Lee. He was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore in 2022. In this interview, he shares his experience transitioning from student to practitioner, the realities of legal practice, and why Lee & Lee offers a meaningful and dynamic environment for young lawyers to launch their careers.

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Q: What initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in law, and what attracted you to work at Lee & Lee?

A: My interest in law was first sparked during my secondary school days when I took part in debate. Many of our debate coaches were law students at the time, and through them, I began to see how the law could be used as a tool to engage with real-world issues and effect meaningful change.

Later on, I had the opportunity to intern at Lee & Lee, and that experience was truly eye-opening. What stood out to me was how invested the firm was in the development of both its interns and  trainees. The work was challenging but immensely rewarding, and I appreciated how my seniors took the time to explain the broader context of each matter I worked on.

Q: Could you share more about Lee & Lee and the work it covers?

A: Lee & Lee is a full-service firm with a broad and well-established practice. It is structured around five main departments: Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Real Estate & Property, Corporate, Banking & Finance, and Intellectual Property.

Q: What types of cases or projects have you had the opportunity to work on at L&L, and how did these experiences contribute to your development as a lawyer?

A: I've been very fortunate to be part of a team that specialises in strata law, it’s an area I’ve grown genuinely passionate about since starting at L&L. I’ve had the opportunity to advise on disputes involving management corporations and collective sales (en blocs)—matters that often require not just legal analysis, but also practical problem-solving and careful stakeholder management.

The en bloc projects that I’ve been part of have been complex, not just in terms of the law, but also in coordinating among multiple owners, developers, and consultants. Working on such cases has taught me how to manage tight timelines, balance competing interests, and think strategically across various legal, commercial, and procedural aspects.

Q: What is your day-to-day work as a junior lawyer in Litigation?

A: The day-to-day work as a junior lawyer at Lee & Lee is dynamic. While legal research is certainly a core part of what I do, my responsibilities also go beyond that. I’m actively involved in a wide range of tasks, including drafting submissions and affidavits, and working closely with the partners on case strategy.

One of the aspects I appreciate most is the exposure to court work. I regularly attend both case conferences and substantive hearings, which gives me invaluable insight into how matters are managed and argued in practice. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to argue two ex-parte applications before the High Court—an experience that was both challenging and immensely rewarding. It’s not common to get that level of courtroom experience so early on, and I think this reflects how the firm is committed to grooming young lawyers through real, meaningful involvement in live matters.

Q: What surprised you about the reality of practice as compared to your expectations as a student?

A: One of the biggest adjustments was learning to manage the expectations of others. In law school, the only expectations I really had to meet were my own.

But this changes entirely in practice. You’re now accountable not just to yourself, but to your clients, your supervisors, and the firm as a whole. Clients look to lawyers for clear, sound, and commercially sensible advice, which help them to make important decisions. At the same time, the firm and your supervising partners expect a certain standard of work.

It was a bit of a steep learning curve at first, but over time, I came to appreciate how these expectations pushed me to grow quickly, both in my legal thinking and professional discipline.

Q: Describe the firm culture at Lee & Lee.

A: The culture at Lee & Lee is very positive and supportive, especially for junior lawyers like me who are still learning the ropes. One of the things I value most is how the firm creates genuine opportunities for learning and growth. We're encouraged to ask questions, take initiative, and get involved in substantive work from early on.

I really like the sense of camaraderie I share with my colleagues; I always know that they have my back. That makes a big difference, especially during busy periods. All in all, it’s a place where you’re challenged to grow, but are also supported in that journey.

Q: If you could sum up your experience at L&L in three words, what would they be and why?

A: Fun, Fast-paced, yet fulfilling.

My experience at L&L has been very rewarding, both professionally and personally. The partners are firm but fair, and I’ve been given meaningful opportunities to develop my career. Being trusted to argue matters in court, contribute to strategy discussions, and take ownership of files has given me a real sense of purpose and progress in my career.

Lee & Lee is also friendly place where people are approachable and willing to help. As a junior, it makes a world of difference to be in a workplace where you feel comfortable asking questions and where seniors take a real interest in your development.

Lastly, I’d like to give a shoutout to my colleagues – who always make time to connect, even if it’s just grabbing lunch together or exchanging light-hearted conversations in the office.

Q: What makes L&L a great place for young lawyers to launch their careers?

A: The firm places a strong emphasis on rigorous training, ensuring that we’re not just observers but active participants in the work. I also completed my training contract here. As a trainee, I was exposed to real cases, given meaningful tasks, and mentored closely by supervisors who genuinely put in the time and effort to provide feedback.

What sets Lee & Lee apart is how this learning continues well beyond the training period. As a junior lawyer, I’ve been given early opportunities to develop my advocacy skills, including the chance to appear in court and argue matters. That’s something I truly appreciate, as it’s not uncommon for junior lawyers to argue their first case only after many years in practice.

At Lee & Lee, young lawyers are trusted with responsibility, supported in their development, and encouraged to find their voice early in practice. It’s a challenging environment, but one that really prepares you for the long run.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work at L&L?

A: What I enjoy most is the fact that I get to work on cases that genuinely interest me. I consider myself quite lucky to have found a practice area (strata and property-related disputes) that aligns with my strengths. It’s a field that’s intellectually engaging and always relevant to everyday life in Singapore. There’s something very satisfying about working on matters that you care about and can see the practical impact of.

Q: What has been the most memorable experience in Lee & Lee so far?

A: One of the most memorable experiences for me was attending the Department’s year-end gathering. It was a simple yet meaningful evening—everyone took the chance to unwind over good food, a few drinks, and plenty of laughter after a busy year.

What made it special was seeing colleagues, from junior lawyers to senior partners, come together in such a relaxed setting. Moments like this really make you feel like you’re part of a community.

Q: What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success as a junior lawyer?

A: I believe one of the most important qualities is hard work. As junior lawyers, we may not yet have the strategic oversight that more senior lawyers or partners bring to a case, but we play a critical role in the details. While the partners are focused on shaping the broader strategy, junior lawyers contribute by running the case through a fine-tooth comb, spotting nuances, and ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. It’s our job to go through every aspect of the matter meticulously: to examine the documents, dig into the law, and explore every possible argument, even the less obvious ones. That often means putting in extra hours, but sometimes, it’s in those deep dives that you uncover a key piece of evidence or a legal point that shifts the momentum in your client’s favour.

Q: What advice would you give your younger self, or to students now considering a legal career?

A: My advice would be to take the time to explore different areas of practice before ultimately deciding into one. Life in legal practice is demanding, and it becomes all the more challenging if you find yourself in an area of law that doesn’t genuinely interest you.

Your student years are the best time to discover what suits you. So I would encourage law students to intern widely—try out different departments, firms, and even types of legal work. Each environment will expose you to different paces, cultures, and matters. The key is to give yourself enough exposure to make an informed decision about what particular area of practice will sustain you in the long run. Wishing you the best of luck!