Modern Advocacy - Perspectives from Singapore (softcover edition)

Modern Advocacy is a book on trial advocacy written by Singapore practitioners for Singapore practitioners. The book is an illuminating insight into what Singapore advocates do and how they go about doing it. It is a singularly unique piece of work, not only for making inroads into the market (which until now survived on general primers from other jurisdictions) by providing a locally-flavoured book on advocacy, but also for its stellar list of contributors and General Editors. No less than 17 Senior Counsel, a retired Judge of Appeal, two High Court Judges, and a former best oralist (championship round) winner of the Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition collaborated to bring this publication to fruition. 

The confluence of which is an authoritative text that deals in detail with specific aspects of trials or parts of trials, different types of advocacy (eg, criminal, appellate and ADR), and broad, overview questions with tips and advice on attaining success, achieving a healthy work-life balance, dealing with the Media, and adhering to the unwritten but essential Code of Etiquette. 

The intrinsic value of this book lies in the anecdotes and samples of effective practice which the contributors share unreservedly. Specific examples of how general principles might play out in a Singapore court or case are provided, and different strategies that are available to counsel at different stages of a case and the concrete considerations that may affect decisions are amply discussed. Each contributor’s oratory style is preserved in his or her respective chapter. 

In essence, Modern Advocacy is a look into the minds of Singapore’s legal eagles; an opportunity for aspiring advocates to learn the ropes of the trade from those who have succeeded; an eye-opener for those who wish to learn more about Singapore’s trial procedure; and an engaging read for others to end the day with.