Lawyer Spotlight: Mazie Tan

What attracted you to the legal industry? ?

The fact that it felt daunting to me is probably what drew me to it the most – I knew I would be challenged by it and my experience to-date has proven me right!

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What keeps you motivated as a lawyer? ??

Being continually inspired by the people around me.

There is something to be learned from everyone – peers, seniors, bosses, opposing counsel alike. It’s important to have role models you look up to and I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve crossed paths with many people that I feel inspired by through my time as a practising lawyer.

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What sets Setia apart from other law firms?

It’s heartening to be working with a firm that has an open and collaborative culture, which facilitates constructive exchanges across the team. The team is welcoming, collegiate, and have been very patient in allowing me to pick their brains – these discussions are valuable especially for younger lawyers who might otherwise, find themselves mulling over issues which could, with the help of someone else’s input or perspective, be resolved very quickly (and with much less agony).

The firm is invested in each lawyer’s personal growth and development and is committed to helping each of us chart our own unique journeys – this, to me, is key to helping a young lawyer navigate the industry. Setia values relationships - the ability to grow in the industry is not limited to winning the case and doing the job well – more than that, it’s about the people you meet and the connections you make along the way.???

I’ve been fortunate to be able to work on international and regional cases, thanks to the cross-border exposure that Setia has given me. In the few months I’ve been here, I’ve been involved in applications that have seen the team securing a rarely issued worldwide receivership order of over USD 380m sought in aid of a freezing injunction, and in successfully resisting an application to set aside an arbitral award before the Singapore International Commercial Court which considered the novel issue of the application of natural justice principles in the context of early dismissal powers under Rule 29 of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre Rules.? ?This is an exciting space for me to hone my craft, as I look towards building a commercial disputes practice, with a focus on investment, finance and emerging technology. ??

Beyond our bread and butter, Setia also believes in supporting personal passions of its lawyers. Prior to joining Setia, I took some time off to pursue my ambition of becoming a certified yoga instructor. I’ve since passed the theory and practical exams and will soon be giving the team a class as part of clocking my field training hours. I feel lucky to be part of a team that is not only supportive of your pursuits outside of the law, but are also open to being involved in it.

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Tell us more about what you’re into these days as part of your 5-9 routine. ?

I’ve been working on attaining my Yoga Instructors’ Course certification and have been spending time clocking my field training hours with my friends. Apart from that it’s either dance or pilates!??