Cheng Hui Chua - Day in the life

I start the day by checking my inbox to see if there are any pressing issues that have come in overnight. No high priority tasks have come in, so I head to the pantry for a cup of tea where I see some colleagues and catch up with them before returning to my desk.

I work better in the morning, so the first task I tackle is researching on the interpretation of a particular phrase in a policy. Research tasks are routine for Associates, and I enjoy them as they give me an opportunity to learn something new. I draft a research note with my findings and send it across to the Partner.

The team has an internal meeting to review the progress of a matter and decide on the next steps. Such meetings provide me with an opportunity and space to share my thoughts candidly.

I’m having lunch with some colleagues and it’s time for the most challenging question of the day – what should we have for lunch? After much indecisiveness, we eventually settle for pasta.

I log on to an online seminar organised by our colleagues in Hong Kong. The firm organises regular knowledge sharing sessions (conducted by various offices) which are very relaxed and informative. These are particularly helpful to me given the technical nature of insurance law.

I spend some time reviewing a court document that I had drafted yesterday. As there are certain aspects I am unsure of, I approach the senior associate for some input. I am fortunate enough to work with colleagues who are kind and helpful enough to point me in the right direction, and I manage to clarify my doubts and send the document off to the Partner-in-charge for their review.

While the hours are fairly consistent, there are times where I have to stay up late to complete certain urgent tasks. Fortunately, today is not one of those days. Before I call it a day, I take stock of what I have completed today and make a note of any outstanding tasks I am due to continue tomorrow. More importantly, I ensure my time recording is up to date!