Nicole Poh is passionate about advocating for changes that support the advancement of women in law. She believes it is a great loss when without adequate support, women leave the profession. Her calls are for more flexible work arrangements, empathy, and practical policies such as lactation spaces for working mothers. Having balanced a demanding legal career with raising two children, caring for an ailing family member, and overcoming personal health challenges, she knows firsthand the importance of a supportive environment for women in the legal profession.
A Career Built on Service and Purpose
After about a decade at the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Nicole transitioned to private practice in 2024. Though she didn’t have a book of clients to start, she embraced the opportunity to build something that aligned with her values. Moving into independent legal practice allowed her the flexibility to prioritise her Christian faith, health, and family.
Nicole’s time at MOM was marked by her leadership in the 2019 amendments to the Employment Act, which brought core protections to all employees and enhanced the dispute resolution framework for wrongful dismissal cases. Spearheading this transformative initiative was no easy task. “Translating policy into law is not a straightforward process, and neither is preparing business units for how to operationalize the legislation,” she explains. After a drawn-out process that included holding the fort while her boss underwent medical treatment, she recalls, “Hearing the Bill being passed in Parliament felt like a watershed moment.”
Mentorship and Women Empowerment
Nicole credits the women who mentored her throughout her career for shaping her professional growth. Aurill Kam taught her the value of excellence, high professional standards and taking ownership, while Jeanne Lee taught Nicole the art of stakeholder management and gave her insight into the legislative process. Sharmila Sripathy and Anita Parkash both encouraged her to forge her own path. Their mentorship helped her build a career that is rooted in both her professional ambition and personal values.
Success on Her Own Terms
Nicole’s approach to work-life balance is a conscious choice. Now in independent practice at Covenant Chambers LLC, “I value my autonomy and the ability to say no if I’m over capacity or if the case doesn’t align with my values,” she says. She feels a deep sense of purpose from her past work in child protection, where she helped ensure that children were placed in safe environments.
Expressing her hopes for the next decade, Nicole enthuses, “I hope women will be afforded the flexibility and independence that they need to balance the various roles that they play – at home, at work, and possibly even at a side hustle!”
Nicole’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, flexibility, and commitment to personal values.
Hear more from Nicole
Nicole will moderate a panel discussion, Employment Essentials: Current trends for Corporate Counsels at the at the SCCA APAC Legal Congress 2025. This event is complimentary to in-house counsel only. Submit your interest in attending this event via this link.