The All-Consuming Fire of Legal Practice
“A life in the law, particularly in the first decade, is an all-consuming fire,” says Senior Counsel Abraham Vergis. “But on the other side of that lies the beguiling siren song of the practice of law, which has proven to be irresistible, at least for some of us.”
In his 26 years of experience in the legal industry, what has kept him going? Finding meaning and enjoyment in the work he does, having a heart for service, and a mind that loves being exercised.
The general excitement and daily drama that accompanies a litigator’s life; the satisfaction you get from helping others; solving knotty legal puzzles or producing creative solutions and workarounds that no one else thought of; meeting and befriending interesting people from all walks of life; working with and against highly intelligent and motivated lawyers who bring their A-game to everything they do; and perhaps best of all, getting paid to learn daily.
Yet, while he acknowledges the deeply rewarding nature of legal practice, Abraham does not gloss over the costs.
He believes that work-life balance in litigation is a dynamic process that requires constant recalibration. And it does not necessarily get easier with seniority or time. While he is now more intentional about how he spends his time, both at work and at home, he still finds it challenging to integrate the two worlds.
“You try to protect your family and personal time from being devoured by work demands because there is simply no end to how much more you could do at work. And it is even harder for junior lawyers to maintain a dynamic balance since they have even less control over their time,” he shares.
His advice for young lawyers
Litigation, Abraham cautions, is not for everyone. “Litigation is not a conventional, nine-to-five job; it is rather more akin to an extreme sport. It offers unforgettable highs and unique life experiences that few other professions can rival. But it also demands everything you have—and more”.
To last the distance, he says, you must first make peace with what it takes to practice law and what practising law takes out of you. That means coming to terms with the nature of the beast: long hours, constant unpredictability, demanding clients, exacting seniors, unreasonable billing targets, and the intense pressure from knowing that everything you say or do will be scrutinized by the Court — and an opposing counsel who exists to question your client’s credibility and your competence.
In the face of this dire job description, Abraham’s advice to the next generation is to reflect deeply on why they still choose to do litigation. “Do you consider the practice of law a calling? Do you believe that what you do really matters and your work can have a direct, lasting or outsized impact on people’s lives, social causes, commercial fortunes, and public interests? Does it matter to you that you can use your voice to help people access justice, or to use your intellect to help shape Singapore law in small increments? Do you feel a strong urge to right wrongs?” Litigators need to dig deep, day after day, to rediscover their motivation for doing what they do.
In his experience, lawyers who last at the Bar are typically those motivated by the intrinsic value of practising law. Those who are motivated by extrinsic factors, such as financial gain, will sooner or later conclude that the juice is not worth the squeeze.
Abraham also emphasized that young practitioners need to find a professional home that aligns with their values and needs. Not all law firms are born equal, and your mileage may vary. “Don’t mistake a bad experience in your first firm as a reason to write off the entire profession. Find a shoe that fits”, he says. At the same time, Abraham suggested that young lawyers should not be too quick to quit when the going gets tough (because it invariably will); it is essential to develop both resilience and assertiveness against the backdrop of realistic expectations.
He strongly recommends seeking out mentors and speaking with peers, as they can offer valuable perspectives and guidance on navigating the crests and troughs of practice life. On a personal note, Abraham remembers with gratitude the generosity of spirit shown by many seniors and colleagues at the Bar, which has sustained him through the numerous challenges he has faced.