“Within a powerful network of thought leaders, we can learn from each other, attract and grow talent, and help shape the future of our profession.”

An interview with Samuel Huen, Global Head of Legal and Regulatory Compliance, Member of Global Management Committee at the Bank of Singapore. 

How would you describe the state of the GC Community in your region?  

When I moved in-house about two decades ago, the in-house legal fraternity was small compared to the number of lawyers in private practice. While the local Bar association – The Law Society of Singapore – was established in 1967 shortly after Singapore’s independence, the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA) was only established in 2002. 

Today the in-house legal fraternity in Singapore outnumbers the 6,348 lawyers in practice, reflecting the strong economic growth of the region as foreign investment pours into this part of the world. 

How has it changed since you first moved in-house?  

The role of the in-house lawyer has also evolved over time – from being a legal specialist to one of being a strategic advisor, actively supporting and shaping the business by providing counsel with a full understanding of not just commercial complexities but also geopolitical and social factors. 
The SCCA has also grown in size and influence, representing and advocating the interest of the in-house fraternity. There are now also initiatives to approach pro bono work collectively and consistently as a community. 

On a related note, the local in-house community has also become much more diverse, with lawyers qualified from various jurisdictions choosing a career in-house here. This is largely because there are no restrictions as to which laws an in-house counsel in Singapore can advise on, and a practising certificate is not required. 

Why is expanding your network important to you? What kinds of connections or discussions would be most valuable to you? 
 
Lawyering is an ecosystem. Within a powerful network of thought leaders, we can learn from each other, attract and grow talent, and help shape the future of our profession. 

What do you want to achieve by collaborating with other GCs and senior in-house lawyers? Are there specific topics, challenges, or experiences you’d like to share or learn more about? 

Even when in-house counsel come from different industries, we face similar issues such as cost and talent management, risk management and mitigation. Additionally, we also provide mentorship and support to younger members of the community. Increasingly, knowledge of non-legal matters is essential for a GC’s effectiveness, making a community that fosters robust discussions highly beneficial. In today’s globalised business environment, characterised by cross-border complexities, having a global community can enhance discussions and provide deeper insights.