Introduction

The legal landscape in Singapore has recently welcomed two distinguished individuals into the ranks of senior counsel, a mark of excellence in the nation’s legal sector. Mr. Christopher Ong Siu Jin and Ms. Blossom Hing Shan Shan were appointed by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon at the ceremonial opening of the legal year on January 13.

Mr. Christopher Ong Siu Jin

Mr. Ong, 52, has dedicated 27 years to the prosecution in Singapore’s Attorney-General’s Chambers. He recalls the haunting case of two-year-old Nonoi, tragically murdered by her stepfather Mohammed Ali Johari in 2007, as one of the most impactful moments of his career. Under Mr. Ong’s leadership, Ali was ultimately convicted and sentenced to death, an outcome that reaffirmed Mr. Ong’s belief in justice for the innocent.

Ms. Blossom Hing Shan Shan

In stark contrast, Ms. Hing, 51, serves as the director of dispute resolution and corporate restructuring at Drew & Napier. Known for her prowess in corporate commercial disputes, she was recognized as the restructuring and insolvency lawyer of the year in 2024 by the Lexology Index, enhancing her reputation as one of the leading figures in her field.

The Significance of Appointment

The honor of being appointed senior counsel is reserved for the most exemplary lawyers, granting them the privilege to append "SC" to their names. With this latest addition, Singapore now counts 100 senior counsel among its 6,348 practitioners, with 82 actively practicing law.

New Selection Criteria

The appointments of Mr. Ong and Ms. Hing are significant as they mark the first under newly refined criteria established by an elite selection committee comprising the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, and judges of appeal. The emphasis on tangible contributions to Singapore law reflects a shift towards recognizing those who actively shape the legal landscape.

Career Highlights

Mr. Ong's career has seen him handling many high-profile murder, drug trafficking, and money laundering cases, including notable trials such as that of the City Harvest Church and oil magnate O.K. Lim. He shared with the media that, while challenging, the experience of leading a criminal trial teaches one about teamwork and the importance of preparation.

Client Engagements

For Ms. Hing, her legal work intersects with the lives of fascinating clients, such as a resilient entrepreneur who battled familial disputes over a valuable firm during the Asian financial crisis. Her ability to weave narratives from the experiences of her clients is what inspires her in the realm of law.

Shared Memories

Both lawyers celebrated their achievements together, reminiscing about their days in the same English drama and debate club during their teenage years at National Junior College. Mr. Ong initially aspired to be a teacher or journalist but found his calling in law, where he learned that hard work is essential alongside eloquence in advocating for justice.

Desire to Inspire

Reflecting on their long and fruitful careers, both express a desire to inspire the next generation of lawyers. Ms. Hing emphasized the importance of resilience and companionship among colleagues, while Mr. Ong highlighted his sense of duty towards the public and the lives impacted by the legal decisions he makes.

Looking Ahead

As they embark on this new chapter as senior counsel, the legal community is poised to watch how their journey continues to influence the practice of law in Singapore. They embody not just legal excellence but also a deep commitment to justice and integrity in their profession.