Jean Woo ON: Nurturing Motivation, and the Dynamics of Singaporean Lawyers

In this episode of After The Bar, join us as we delve deep into the world of law with the esteemed guest, Jean Woo, a banking specialist lawyer heading local law firm Ashurst. Jean shares invaluable insights on various aspects of the legal profession from hiring processes and managing the different dynamics of lawyers.
Jean begins by discussing the qualities she looks for in a lawyer and how the self-selecting process plays a crucial role in shaping a successful legal career. She sheds light on the importance of ensuring motivation and engagement among younger lawyers, while also addressing the pressing issue of mental health within the legal industry.
Work-life balance is a topic close to Jean's heart, and she shares her strategies for managing competing demands and finding harmony between professional and personal life. As a Managing Partner, Jean provides valuable perspective shifts that occur when taking on a higher role and how she navigates the challenges of managing the firm while maintaining a successful legal practice.
Exploring the dynamics of different categories of lawyers, Jean offers tips on how homegrown lawyers can secure positions in international law firms. She also delves into the implications of local law firms merging with international companies and the potential loss of legal talent.
Throughout the episode, Jean emphasises the importance of transparency in international firms and communicates the significance of setting boundaries and maintaining open communication with family as she shares how she manages the different priorities in her list and life.
Don't miss this insightful conversation with Jean Woo, where she shares her experiences, advice, and reflections on the legal profession, providing listeners with a wealth of knowledge to navigate their own legal careers successfully.
Jean Woo - http://linkedin.com/in/jean-woo-1b904452
Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/
More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg
What to listen for:
00:00 Start of Episode
00:50 Introduction Starts
01:29 New Generation of Lawyers
03:20 Self-Selecting Process
04:36 Qualities to Look for In a Lawyer
05:19 Ensuring Motivation and Engagement for Younger Lawyer
07:52 Tackling Mental Health Issues in a Firm
10:21 Managing a Work-Life Balance
11:29 Learning to Trust your Organisation
12:28 Why Jean Volunteered to be a Managing Partner
13:12 Stepping Up Further into Your Career
15:12 Perspective Shifts after Taking on a Higher Role
17:13 Managing Competing Demands of Managing the Firm and Maintaining a Successful Legal Practice
19:19 What Jean Would Have Done Differently
20:38 Advice to Others in a Similar Position
24:10 Singaporean Lawyers vs Expat Lawyers
24:37 Jean's Experiences as a Lawyer in the UK
26:12 Advantages of Being a Lawyer Who Has Worked Overseas
28:52 Tips on How to Get Hired in an International Law Firm as a Homegrown Lawyer
30:55 Peer Mentoring and Cultural Exchange
33:53 Is the Legal Scene being Dominated by Big International Firms?
35:48 Local Law Firms Merging with International Companies Leading to A Potential Loss of Legal Talent
37:23 What Attracts Local Firm Partners to Global Firms
38:01 Transparency in International Firms
41:22 How to Juggle Work Stress
42:51 Jean's Philosophy on Family
43:50 How to Keep Priorities in Check
46:36 Rapid Fire Questions