After the Bar - Stories from the Legal Industry Shulin Lee

What are some things you must NEVER say in a job interview?

How can you effectively negotiate your salary package? 

What are the biggest mistakes people make during their job search?

How can you turn your career transition into a success story

Ten years ago, Tessa moved to Singapore from Spain to embark on a new career in legal recruitment. She went from knowing nothing about the legal industry in Singapore to becoming a director at Aslant Legal. 

Tessa’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.

In this episode, discover how Tessa adapted to a new country, excelled in her career, and balanced starting a family. Hear from a former lawyer and seasoned legal recruiter about navigating the complex landscape of career transitions. 

We’ll also dive into:


How to stand out in an employer’s market?
What to do if you want to pursue an international career in law?
How did Tessa overcome her career transition adversities to thrive in a foreign market?

Join us as Tessa shares her invaluable tips and tricks to ace job interviews, adapt to new environments, and advance your career internationally.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from her incredible journey and get inspired to take your own career to the next level!

Follow Tessa Arquilliere:

LinkedIn -   / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessa-arquilliere-60b63b21

Videos with Tessa Arquilliere: 

https://youtu.be/8CWXO2a-T1Y?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/1_egYETbG3s?feature=shared

More on Battampore, an inspiring organisation founded to give children in rural Cambodia access to primary education: https://www.battampore.org/ 

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

00:33 Introduction

01:38 Aslant Legal & Tessa’s Role

02:38 What She Wishes She Knew As A Young Lawyer 

03:36 The Best Career Advice She Ever Received

04:15 How She Resigned To Do A Career Change

05:46 Some Bad Career Recommendations To Ban

07:55 Common Mistakes People Make In Job Interviews

09:48 Expectations On Pay & Salary Negotiation When Moving Companies

11:06 Do We Need A Cover Letter?

12:57 Setting Yourself Up For A Successful First Interview

14:33 Moving From Spain to Singapore: Challenges And Perception On Singlish

17:52 Is There A Division Between Singaporeans And Expats?

19:13 Tessa’s Difficulties In Moving To A New Industry

20:25 Advice For A Career Pivot When We Have Children And A Mortgage

23:51 How To Prepare Before Moving To A New Country

24:57 Is Singapore Currently An Employers Market?

25:59 Standing Out In A Crowded Market

27:10 Asking For Internal Transfer

29:19 What Tessa Wishes She Knew Before Making Her Career Change

29:54 Looking Back, What Tessa Would’ve Done Differently

31:06 Her Reasons Behind Pursuing Real Estate Law

32:31 A Failure That Set Her Up For Success

36:22 Pro-bono Work Setting Up Schools in Rural Cambodia 

38:54 How Tessa Manages All Her Commitments

39:46 Rapid Fire Round

41:14 Outro

Why is the mid-life career pivot so daunting?

Why does networking pose a greater challenge for women?

How can we retain more talented women in the workforce?

And is it really possible to eradicate mum guilt?

Five years ago, Rachel Eng embarked on what she calls the scariest career move of her life!

Amid countless paths, she chose the “hardest” one. Leaving a prominent role at a top law firm to start her very own law firm. What once seemed audacious, has since paid off!

Today, she remains the only woman in Singapore to ever head up one of the Big 4 local law firms; honoured in 2014 as the esteemed Her World Woman of the Year.

As Managing Director at Eng and Co. LLC, Chair of the Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network, and a Board Member of JTC Corporation, Rachel epitomises success.

In this episode, you will hear about how Rachel manages to stay on top of everything.

How was she able to break that glass ceiling?

What gave her the confidence to make the switch?

How did she manage her successful career whilst raising her children – something she did without a domestic helper?

Join us as Rachel unveils her blueprint for advancing gender equality in the legal profession and imparts wisdom drawn from her extensive career journey.

Topics we discuss in this episode:


Reasons for Leaving a Comfortable Job to Starting a Business
Balancing your Career and Parenthood without a Helper
Building a Company with Female Leadership and Management

Join us, whether you are considering shifting careers, embarking on your professional journey, or already experienced in your field, as we discover Rachel Eng’s outstanding career path and the lessons she has to offer.

Follow Rachel Eng:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-eng-50366319/

Videos with Rachel Eng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-eng-50366319

Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network: https://www.sbf.org.sg/about-us/our-communities/business-networks/singapore-women-entrepreneurs-network

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

00:57 Introduction

02:35 Forging A Path For Female Leadership and Gender Diversity In Management

04:36 Building A Firm With A Family-Oriented Philosophy To Retain Talented Women

11:00 Implementing Nursing Rooms In The Office

15:32 Balancing Work and Family Commitments Without A Helper

16:50 Struggling With Parental Guilt As A Mother

21:04 How The Advice to Hire A Helper Might Land

23:07 The Road To Partnership As A Female in Law

26:09 Leaving The Comforts Of A Firm To Start A Company

31:49 Whether The Opportunity Or The Decision To Make A Pivot Came First

34:31 The Mission Behind Eng & Co.

35:14 What Rachel Wish She Knew When Starting The Firm

37:17 Advice For Someone Contemplating A Career Change

39:23 What Is Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network (SG-WEN)?

42:26 How You Can Be A Part Of SG-WEN

43:41 Advice To Her Younger Self

44:26 Rapid Fire Questions

46:11 Outro

Would you leave a well-paying legal career to be a pastor? That's what Raymond Fong did.

An ex-Deputy Public Prosecutor with a career in the Legal Service, he took a different path to be a pastor. He is now a Pastor-in-Charge at Wesley Methodist Church, a role that he holds with a deep sense of purpose.

In this episode, you will hear about his story: a prosecutor turned pastor. We'll explore the challenges he faced during this career shift, the lessons he learned, and the journey that led him to become a pastor.

We also discuss:


Implications of his transition: significant income loss, working 24/7
His leadership and life lessons
His experience as a prosecutor

Join us, whether you are considering shifting careers, embarking on your professional journey, or already experienced in your field, as we uncover the unique story of Pastor Raymond's dual careers and the lessons he has to offer.

For more about Pastor Ray and his work, check out his newly launched podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wTfH91dRk5bT6VPJ0GuS9?si=c7d7374f8c4e45ae

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 Episode00:39 Introduction 01:29 Pastor Raymond’s 2024 So Far 02:45 Transitioning From Law to Ministry03:48 Considerations Through the Different Seasons of Life 05:26 Shifting Priorities with a Lower Salary 07:52 Working 24/7 as a Pastor09:01 Wrestling with Self-Doubt10:20 Advice for Younger Self11:20 Setbacks Which Set You Up for Success14:47 Moving from a Smaller Church to a Bigger Church19:06 Tips on Being a Good Listener21:05 Is Leadership an Inborn or Cultivated Skill?23:50 The Pressure of Having People Look Up to You25:06 How to Comprehend Pain and Struggling on Earth27:42 Pastor Raymond’s Experience as a Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP)38:56 What Would Pastor Raymond Be If Not a Lawyer or a Pastor?39:33 What Are You Most Proud Of?41:30 Advice To Those Thinking of Making a Major Career Pivot43:10 Rapid Fire Round45:29 Outro

What if you get retrenched? What if you need to terminate someone? Do you know what your rights are? Or what to do?

In this episode, you’re going to learn what your rights are if you get retrenched in Singapore.

We talk about retrenchment, termination and employment law with two senior lawyers - Amarjit Kaur, Head of Singapore Employment Practice at Withers KhattarWong and Seow Hui Goh, Head of Singapore Employment Practice at Bird & Bird.

Hear their views on the recent Lazada layoffs. And how retrenchment can go terribly wrong and also surprisingly well, when handled properly.

We also talk about:


Repercussions of Remote Work
How to Terminate Employees, and Still Preserve Goodwill.
Effectiveness of Performance Indicator Plans (PIPs) in the Workplace.

Join us, whether you're a leader, experienced professional or just starting out in the workforce, as this episode offers invaluable insights beneficial for both employers and employees.

If you know someone who’s dealing with employment uncertainty, send them this episode and provide them with the information they will need.

Seow Hui Goh
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seow-hui-%E6%99%93%E6%85%A7-goh-%E5%90%B4-a997b66a

Videos with Seow Hui Goh:
https://youtu.be/HirBFsXP9oo?si=fQR0vcfp_NMLNuaZ

Amarjit Kaur
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amarjit-kaur-4b1ba620/

Videos with Amarjit Kaur:
https://youtu.be/bdQ3WNBuloM?si=QbzEjtAeq_PN2vg-

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
00:45 Introduction
01:47 Dealing with Rumours of Retrenchment
04:01 What to do When Colleagues are Offered a Better Retrenchment Package
06:13 Taking a Pay-cut to Stay in the Organisation
07:29 Lazada Retrenchment Exercise
10:32 How can Employers Cushion the Blow of Retrenchment?
14:04 Can Retrenchments Go Well?
15:59 Retrenchment as a Disguise to Let Go of Poor Performers
19:41 Do PIPs Actually Work?
24:36 When to Let Go of a Poor Performer
28:45 Preserving the Relationship When Employees Leave the Organisation
31:10 Should You Reveal at Your Next Interview if You Were Made Redundant?
34:30 Can Organisations Do Anything When an Employee Posts a Bad Review on Glassdoor?
37:01 Disgruntled Employees Sharing Their Opinions Online
39:52 Remote Working in a Public Place
44:23 What’s the Best Ratio of Working In Office To Working From Home
47:56 Upcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation
54:06 Rapid Fire Round
57:08 Outro

After the Bar is back with Season 3! And this time, we're delving into the theme of navigating transitions. Join Shulin as she speaks with lawyers from various walks of life – past, present, and future – to explore their journeys in law, with a special focus on the pivotal moments in their careers and personal lives.

In our season opener, Shulin is joined by Sophie Mathur, a Mergers and Acquisitions lawyer and the Asia Head of Corporate with Linklaters.

Sophie takes us on a journey through her evolution in the legal industry – from starting her legal career in London, to achieving partnership, leadership, and motherhood.  Along the way, she’s shattered conventions and forged her own path.

You will hear her share invaluable insights into personal branding, business development (without wining and dining!), and she even gives a masterclass on how to give feedback.

Sophie opens up about the unique challenges she faced as an Asian woman of colour in the corporate realm. Through her candid reflections, she sheds light on the psychological barriers that often hinder us from realizing our full potential.

Join us for the kickoff of Season 3, as Sophie shares her remarkable insights, lessons learnt, and the incredible journey she's charted.

Follow Sophie Mathur:

LinkedIn - https://sg.linkedin.com/in/sophie-mathur-090356

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c4B56soGrno

Videos with Sophie Mathur:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0fbaxYFuu4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfAwRhiYgCE

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
00:58 Introduction
02:10 What is a Merger and Acquisition (M&A) Lawyer?
02:42 Being an Asian Woman of Colour in the Legal Industry
07:19 Having Self-Confidence
11:19 Being Smiley but Firm
14:23 Being Afraid to Ask for a Favour
19:55 The Problem with Chasing Perfection
21:33 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
24:26 The Feeling of Not Being Good Enough
25:56 Dealing with Negativity
31:24 Good Intentions but Bad Results
35:13 The Feeling of Winning Over the Support of the Team
38:24 Getting Feedback from Your Kids
40:51 Ingraining Giving Feedback in a Team’s Culture
44:54 Sophie’s Drivers for Career Pivots
48:40 Matching the Right Job to the Right Person
50:40 Knowing When to Pivot
51:44 How Becoming a Mom Affects Your Career Perspective
55:45 Sophie’s Surprise Baby
57:26 Networking Without Wining and Dining
1:00:20 Alternative Methods of Business Development
1:01:41 Advice for your Younger Self
1:02:34 Rapid Fire Round
1:04:39 Outro

Roles are reversed, for this bonus episode!
For once, I’m in the hot seat, answering your questions on After the Bar.

Joined by my coach and mentor, Georgina Chang, I opened up about my journey, after quitting law.   

In this episode, you will hear about:



Why I started After the Bar



How I overcame my Fears



How I pivoted from Lawyer to Recruiter



Memorable moments on this podcasting adventure



And the many Lessons I learnt along the way…

You will see a different side to me.

One that I’ve hesitated to show for the longest time.

In sharing a piece of my personal story, I hope it inspires you in some small way.  

Comment below and let me know!

What to listen for:
00:00 Start of Episode
00:39 Introduction 
01:21 Why did Shulin Start ‘After The Bar’ Podcast
05:55 Transitioning From a Lawyer to a Legal Recruiter
08:43 On Realising That Being a Lawyer Was Not for Her
11:04 Finding Purpose in Being a Legal Recruiter
14:00 Launching ‘After The Bar’
15:07 Overcoming The Fear of Starting The Podcast
16:28 Were There Moments Shulin Felt Unqualified?
18:46 On Owning Your Space
20:50 On The Late Adrian Tan
23:21 Memorable Moments - SC Lok Vi Ming’s Episode
27:07 Memorable Moments - MP SPS Rahayu Mahzam’s Episode
28:19 Is Asking Questions as a Legal Recruiter Different Than as a Podcast Host?
29:50 Shulin’s Guest Wishlist
30:45 Vision For Season 3 of ‘After The Bar’
34:47 Biggest Lesson Learnt From the Podcast
36:13 Rapid Fire Questions

Subscribe to our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@AfterTheBarPod 

Listen to After the Bar, when you’re on-the-go! https://open.spotify.com/show/1WeYGLPfM6n2tnZEodR6aq

Follow me here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

Website: https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

My work: https://aslantlegal.com/

Follow my amazing coach! https://sg.linkedin.com/in/georginachang/ 

My heartfelt thanks to you for your support for After the Bar!

As Season 2 comes to a close, we look forward to what the new season will bring.

Wishing you an amazing end to 2023, and may we collectively Raise the Bar to new heights in the coming year! 🎉