Divorce isn’t just a legal process — it’s an emotional and life-changing journey. In this episode, we sit down with Iman Ibrahim, a former divorce lawyer who has practiced in both London and Singapore, and now founder of the Over It Club, where she works as a burnout and divorce coach.
With nearly 20 years of experience guiding clients through separation, Iman explains why legal clarity doesn’t always equal emotional clarity, and why many clients turn to their lawyers for support that extends beyond the law. She shares how divorce coaching fills this critical gap — helping clients decide whether to stay or go, preparing them emotionally and strategically for what lies ahead, and ultimately making the legal process smoother for both client and counsel.
We also dive into the types of clients who benefit most from coaching — from those who feel stuck and frozen, to high-functioning individuals who appear to have it all together but are quietly overwhelmed inside. Finally, Iman reveals what collaboration looks like between lawyers and divorce coaches, and how “prehab” can ensure clients are truly ready to face the hard conversations with ex-spouses, children, family, and even their own lawyers.
Podcast Episode Producers: Sarah-Mae Thomas and Ashley Koh
Find us here: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
#DivorceCoaching #LifeTransitions #OverItClub #NavigatingDivorce #BeyondLegalAdvice
In this episode, we sit down with Dean Leslie Chew SC, former Senior District Judge and Senior Counsel, and founding Dean of SUSS Law, to explore Singapore’s legal evolution and the future of the profession. He reflects on his journey from the bench to academia, sharing insights on judicial innovation, legal education, and the rise of AI in practice. Professor Chew discusses how mentorship, curriculum design, and sustainable pathways can empower students and tackle attrition, while emphasising the enduring value of judgment and critical thinking. He also highlights initiatives at SUSS Law supporting wellness, mentorship, and industry collaboration, and closes with a call for young lawyers to embrace the profession with leadership, innovation, ethics, and service.
Podcast Episode Producers: Sarah-Mae Thomas, Dhyana Srinivasan, and Ashley Koh
Find us here: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
#FutureOfLaw #LegalInnovation #AIandLaw #SUSSLaw
Code-switching, Court Rooms and Cultural Identity.
In this episode we talk about the challenges faced by many individuals who might have grown up in a different country but have come back to another country to live and work as adults. Sometimes, feelings of self-worth or identity can come under attack, especially when you have a more fluid concept of where home is.
We talk about the power of kindness and how what was seen of as a weakness, is actually an asset – cultural fluency means that you can think globally whilst still practicing in a very domestic context!
Tune in to listen to this fascinating episode on how we delve into our passionate take on how there is no specific type of personality you need to conform to, in order to be a successful. We also talk about the power of blooming where we are planted because we all know that the grass is greenest where you water it.
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#thirdculturekid #globalcitizen #law #podcast
In this episode, we explore Singapore's rising divorce rates and the potential of pre-marital counselling to strengthen marriages. With 7,118 divorces and annulments in 2023 alone, it's time to rethink marriage preparation.
Our special guest, Concetta Arnese from Alliance Counselling, shares her insights on how pre-marital counselling can equip couples with the tools needed to navigate marital challenges. From communication strategies to conflict resolution, discover how counselling can help turn "happily ever after" into a well-prepared reality.
Podcast Episode Producers: Sarah-Mae Thomas, Dhyana Srinivasan, and Mandy Ngoh
Tune in as we dissect Singapore’s latest change in 2024 to family law – the No Fault Divorce scheme and its impact on the Singapore society. Joined by Professor Paulin Tay Straughan, a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving landscape of marriage and divorce ensues. From shifting cultural norms to legal ramifications, delve into how this legislation is reshaping relationships and family dynamics.
Podcast Episode Producers: Sarah-Mae Thomas and Kaely Teo
Find us here: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Join us as we tackle the topic of International Child Abduction with Kim Lehal, Partner and Head of International Children at RWK Goodman London.
Expect insightful conversations on the ‘how’s and ‘why’s of Child Abduction, common myths, and interesting real-life cases.
Podcast Episode Producers: Tan Wei Lin and Danielle Kwok
In this episode I speak to Eugene who is a superstar lawyer who runs his own law firm and sells coffee machines as a side hustle. In this episode we explore how we can practice law effectively and still have side hustle(s). Tune in to this interesting conversation as Eugene shares on how to he sparks joy in his legal career.
Special Promo code for listeners: Sarahmae
@ https://thelawfulgood.sg to get 20% off machines, and grinder coffees and 5% off accessories
@https://www.arklaw.com.sg/our-team/
Tune in to find out more.
Happy New Year Everyone! I am so excited to kick off 2022 with a new podcast series called ‘Barrister to Barista’ where we hear stories of featured Singapore lawyers who have ventured out into the coffee scene and pursued a coffee business.
Denise Lum is a former corporate lawyer at Shearman & Sterling LLP and is now a proud co-founder of Maxi Coffee Bar here in Singapore. Denise graduated from University College London in 2011 with a Bachelor of Law (LLB) and soon after, she passed the New York Bar in 2012. Being a young successful female entrepreneur in the F&B space, she is certainly an inspiration!
“Be very sure of your WHY because that is the one thing that will keep you anchored and that you have to come back to regardless of whatever uncertainties and circumstances and whatever it is that life throws at you”.
Denise always felt like she wanted to wear a different hat and together with her business partner, Joy, they have created an organic community with tremendous support. Denise shared with us that they had to get creative during these uncertain times and ended up building an online delivery platform that caters both their drinks and full café menu.
Despite her significant career change, Denise managed to strike the balance to lead as a boss of her business. What impressed me the most was her sharing that we should hold onto that authenticity while staying humble and wanting to grow and learn!
Check out Maxi Coffee Bar on Instagram @maxi.coffeebar and visit their coffee shop at 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787.
Let’s talk about it! Welcome to our new podcast series where we have short conversations with our guests on the latest trending law topics here in Singapore and around the world.
In this episode, I am joined by my legal intern Kok Chee, a Year 2 law student at National University of Singapore (NUS). We will be discussing whether children do, and should get a say during divorce proceedings.
Tune in to find out more.
Let’s talk about it! Welcome to our new podcast series where we have short conversations with our guests on the latest trending law topics here in Singapore and around the world.
In this episode, I am joined by my legal intern Michelle Lynn Fernandez, we will be discussing an area where some critics might say the current scheme is too female-centric, and does not reflect changing norms and paradigms- should wives have to pay maintenance to their ex-husbands, if they are earning more than their ex-husbands?
Tune in to find out more.
Let’s talk about it! Welcome to our new podcast series where we have short conversations with our guests on the latest trending law topics here in Singapore and around the world.
In this episode, I am joined by my legal intern Matthew Chu, a Year 3 law student at Singapore Management University (SMU). We will be discussing physical discipline in the context of family law - looking at current societal perceptions of corporal punishment towards children.
Tune in to find out more.
Let’s talk about it! Welcome to our new podcast series where we have short conversations with our guests on the latest trending law topics here in Singapore and around the world.
In this episode, I am joined by my legal intern Eileen Lim, a Year 3 law student at Singapore Management University (SMU). We will be discussing the concept of sole custody - specifically couples, whether they are married or unmarried and are going through a separation.
Tune in to find out more.
Let’s talk about it! Welcome to our new podcast series where we have short conversations with our guests on the latest trending law topics here in Singapore and around the world.
In this episode, I am joined by Danisha Thadani who is a qualified lawyer with a keen interest in family law. We will be discussing the rights of unmarried couples who have children - in relation to child maintenance, assets and custody, care and control.
Tune in to find out more.
Let’s talk about it! Welcome to our new podcast series where we have short conversations with our guests on the latest trending law topics here in Singapore and around the world.
Is it time to do away with “Dear Sirs”? The Singapore legal industry has certainly seen more female practitioners today than before. We can do better by not addressing and grouping all female practitioners into a standardised template of “Dear Sirs”. Shouldn’t this be the moment to act upon the principles of inclusivity and gender equality by addressing both male and female professionals respectfully? In this episode, we discuss the possibility of introducing a change like this to improve workplace inclusivity.
Our special guest is Marianne Marchesi, Founder and Principal Lawyer of Legalite - a new kind of law firm that aims to simplify legal services. She was also awarded Sole Practitioner of the Year at the Lawyer’s Weekly Australian Law Awards, and more recently, she won Partner of the Year (SME) in the 2019 Lawyer's Weekly Women in Law Awards.
Tune in to find out more.
You can reach out to Marianne through the following platforms:
Website: www.legalite.com.au
Instagram: @legalite_au
Let’s talk about it! Welcome to our new podcast series where we have short conversations with our guests on the latest trending law topics here in Singapore and around the world.
Singapore is in discussion to adopt a no-fault divorce principle. Will this help to make divorce processes less hostile between parties? With the UK implementing something similar this year, we hear it from Sonny’s perspective on this new law. Do these changes affect British expats in Singapore? Can it take away the blame element?
Our first special guest is Sonny Patel, a qualified English solicitor with 15 years post-qualification experience and Partner and Head of the Singapore office of Expatriate Law. Sonny currently acts for British expatriates and conducts their family proceedings through the English courts.
Tune in to find out more.
You can reach out to Sonny through the following platforms:
E-mail: sonny@expatriatelaw.com
Website: www.expatriatelaw.com
Instagram: @expatdivorceasia
In this final law and technology episode, our guest is from Manchester, England in United Kingdom. Eimear McCann is a former lawyer who is currently Head of Strategy at Summize and a visiting Lecturer at the University of Law.
Eimear was always up for the challenge and wanted to be a part of the ongoing digital revolution. She saw passion and energy in the legal-tech space and knew that new and upcoming tech-innovative tools were there to help businesses transform and streamline their processes.
Eimear shared that if we can just get the repetitive stuff automated, we can get back to relationship building. The design element matters and should be the starting point to helping businesses adopt technology catered to their business needs. One thing is for certain and that is the usage of technology bridges the communication channel efficiently between lawyer and client.
You can reach out to Eimear through the following platforms:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eimear-mccann-79b171109/
Website: www.summize.com
In this new law & technology episode, our special guest is from the San Francisco Bay area in California, USA. Erin Levine is the CEO of Hello Divorce and Levine Family Law Group, a certified family law specialist, a Duke law & tech accelerator grand prize winner and a mother to two beautiful children.
Erin inspires us all with running her own legal tech company despite not having a technology background. As an entrepreneurial woman, she believes nothing is stopping you from starting your own business. All you need is consistency and be willing to keep at it. Hello Divorce, an accessible online legal software and transparent document system was really designed to be a viable product to help people avoid the stress and high costs but still get lawyer results.
Faced with the challenge to convince lawyers that legal software will not destroy them but contrary, Erin believes people would always need lawyers regardless. She sees this as a unique opportunity to show lawyers that there is a sustainable way to practice law – to have a well-designed product that is both accessible and affordable for consumers. Ultimately, Hello Divorce is a legal platform intended to serve the clients’ needs no matter what stage of the divorce they are in.
You can reach out to Erin through the following platforms:
E-mail: erin@hellodivorce.com
Website: www.hellodivorce.com
Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3cweRPh
Instagram: @hellodivorce
In this new episode of Law and Technology series, I got to interview Kelly Forbes, Co-Founder and Director of the AI Asia Pacific Institute, a non-profit, independent organisation working to build an inclusive and responsible AI ecosystem. She is also a dual qualified lawyer (Common and Civil Law) and has led the International Law Association (ILA) as President of the Victorian Chapter in Australia. She even served as one of the ILA founding members in Singapore.
Kelly Forbes’s journey has taken her from Brazil to New Zealand to Australia and finally to Singapore. Her switch from being a lawyer to a law-tech entrepreneur started out when she worked with a start-up company that investigated challenges with technology. Her fascination grew and she began to focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential, risks and implications surrounding legal, social, and ethical issues.
The question remains if there are laws in place that will respond to new arriving systems with the right kind of ethical frameworks. What are the set guidelines and implications? Kelly addresses the principle of human intracity and stresses the need for stronger conversations and better understanding around AI.
As much as AI is being adopted everywhere today, does this foundational technology provide solutions as well as its own challenges and liabilities? Tune in to hear Kelly share on two big cases involving artificial intelligence and which country has it down well with both AI ethics and framework.
You can reach out to Kelly through the following platforms:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-forbes-62453450
Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3kiG8Hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIAsiaPacific
Website: www.aiasiapacific.org
In this new episode of Law and Technology series, I got to interview Ana María Alvarez, a dynamic individual whom I had connected with at a FLIP (Future Legal Innovation Program) networking event here in Singapore. She is a qualified lawyer in Colombia and practiced for 2.5 years before shifting her career to the legal tech space.
Ana aspired for a better story and launched a legal tech challenge on LinkedIn to give visibility to legal tech startups with customer-centric products. It got traction and soon after, she transitioned into the role of legal content and community manager at BRYTER (Berlin, Germany).
Ana gained a multitude of experience from connecting with people that she has met along the way. She strives to be a team player by working with the technology, supporting the lawyer users, and implementing new products and processes. She believes that changing the minds of those who deliver these legal services are a critical part of the legal tech evolvement.
Ana also reveals the side to upscaling oneself through initiative, and to not forsake the business side of things because there is always potential for growth and opportunities.
Tune in to hear Ana share more about her journey and hear her thoughts on where the legal landscape is going in the next 3 to 5 years.
You can reach out to Ana through the following platforms:
Email: pam.alvarezm@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ana-alvarezm
In this new episode of Law and Technology series, my intern, Matthew, and I have the privilege of interviewing Akshat Singhal. He is the CEO and founder of Legistify.com, a tech-enabled, on-demand legal concierge platform that uses technology to effectively connect lawyers with users in need of legal help. It has over one million users on the platform and 5000 new enquiries generated every month. Akshat was also nominated by Asia Law Portal as one of the 30 people to watch in the business of law (Asia) in 2017.
Akshat Singhal always had an interest in building something on his own and even worked on different start-ups during his sophomore year in college. With a background in civil engineering, he somehow found himself in the legal sector where he noticed the prospect of supplying conventional processes with efficient technology. Akshat shares with us the initial days of building Legistify and despite criticism along the way, he handles it with the right attitude and in so doing, maintains the true entrepreneurial spirit.
Tune in to hear Akshat share more about the legal services Legistify provides as well as their ongoing projects. One thing is for certain, legal businesses have the potential to grow by actively incorporating the usage of technology.
You can reach out to Akshat through the following platforms:
Email: contact@legistify.com
Website: https://www.legistify.com/legalservices