All about stats. (sites I check out)

Visitors

Estimated number of visits for www.google.com
100,233,752 visits per day

Estimated number of visits for www.gmail.com
39,024,793 visits per day

Estimated number of visits for www.hotmail.com
12,713,177 visits per day

Estimated number of visits for www.malaysiakini.com
253,217 visits per day

Estimated number of visits for www.facebook.com
56,898,774 visits per day


Estimated number of visits for www.kennysia.com
46,802 visits per day

Estimated number of visits for www.utas.edu.au
30,732 visits per day

Estimated number of visits for www.youth.my
362 visits per day

Estimated number of visits for www.jasonthemalaysian.blogspot.com
Less than 10 visits per day

=p

We stayed in the firm today and did a research on the setting of Private Pension Funds in Malaysia. This sentence is short, but the research ain’t. I can assure you of that!
We called Ministry after Ministry, private companies and e-mail consultants.

Later, we proof read the Facility agreement which we typed out. For 3 hours! Yes it’s a long article alrtie.

A typical day in the office day for us.

Looking back after I go through my time in Cheang&Ariff, I knew that what I’ve learn would be invaluable lesson in my journey as a student and stint as a Chambee.

Although sometimes it may be tough,
The people and places that may be rough,
Or do routine work and boring stuff,
The times that make you think you had enough!

But they’ll always be the times we’ll laugh.
Do things lawyers do on their behalf,
Enjoy the friendship, help the staff,
That make the difference; though things are tough.

Visit to the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex @ Jalan Duta

Welcome to the 'Kompleks Mahkamah Kuala Lumpur'

At a final cost of RM290 million, I'm still wondering whether the newly-constructed court in 2007 can help solve the issue of a lack of judges and courts in the country.

Federal Court chief registrar Datuk Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat (as reported in New Straits Times, 20/9/2006), disclosed that the number of judges in the country was low compared with other Commonwealth nations. He was quoted as saying that the Malaysian ratio is "2.4 judges to a million people - a far cry from the ratio in India (10.5), Australia (57.1), Britain (50.1) and Canada (75)." - Malaysianbar.org

The front and grand entrance of court, notice the 'Buat Kerja' slogan? If you've worked with or in and a government department in Malaysia, get use to slogans. That don't work.

It takes a lawyer to walk for at least 10 minutes straight to walk from one end of the courtrooms to the other end. No wonder it is the largest court complex in the world.

One of the rooms where payments can be paid, documents collected or inquiries made.

We had the opportunity to follow Mr.Rajah, another two decade work experience guy. He showed us how to extract documents, make payments, check the B.C Box, take note of places we may go to often and basically shared everything we needed to know about this Courts Complex.

Playing around with the pillars.

The court is a very picturesque building, a gargantuan place indeed.

Making a call inside to extract a court document.

During our break time. We tried their Pisang Goreng and Ubi Keladi. Court Cafeteria food are cheap and good!

This was followed by a mouth-watering Banana Leaf meal which Mr. Rajah belanja-ed (spent) us along the Jalan Ipoh. I Love Banana Leaf. Especially with an assortment of ori-indian stuff added along with that generous scooping of papadum. Haha.. only thing is that all the rice, spice and everything nice makes you sleepy during work..

We went back to work and continued by sorting a whole stack of Sale & Purchase agreements, sorting them by dates in boxes and fitting misplaced receipts into the designated files. 6 boxes and a cup of coffee later, It was nearly 6 and time to go home!

It was a full, but fun day!

Thursday - Talk with YB Hannah Yeoh

We had a talk @ KDU instead and took the day off at Cheang&Ariff.
Talk with YB Hannah Yeoh

‘Think like a lawyer’ talk.

Student who attended the talk: "Think like a Lawyer" - Photo taken from HannahYeoh.blogspot.com

Random thoughts I caught during her talk.
She mentioned about her legal background, 9 years in total:
1 year SAM,
4 years LLB. In UTasmania,
1 year CLP
1 year Bar (Tasmania)
2 years working
--
9 years

She mentioned of a few pointers of how to think like a lawyer and disadvantages of being a lawyer too!

Some quotable quotes:
“Law helps you to understand that there are general principles but there are always exceptions attached to it.”

“As you are legally trained, think before you talk – unlike many politicians!”

“It is the fear of being sued that keeps you safe”

You can always try to avoid liability by making sure that:
“The words you use are of utmost importance - saying ‘He alleged’, ‘ ‘I believe’, ‘I suggest’, ‘This is are my concerns’, not bluntly saying ‘I promise this that and the other!’”

“Always look at other possibilities/avenues/options than just one narrow view”

“There are implications to highlighting plights – e.g If one family is already poor and needy, they do not want the whole world to know that they are poor and needy!”

YB Hannah addressing the KDU law student in the Moot Court - Photo taken from HannahYeoh.blogspot.com

Disadvantages of being a lawyer
“You get paranoid sometimes, thinking of possible negligence situations; hanging banner on a tree/bridge”

“Your team gets a headache as you get too meticulous and always consider things that may not likely happen but would be reasonably foreseeable to happen”
(What more if you a couple up a law background with event management!)

“Don’t set an ideal working world, cause you will get depressed!”

On being a Politician.
“When people say don’t do this, say on what basis these people say it, if they mention that is because of their past experience, then there is hope. Cause we have not experienced it”

“Don’t simply give legal advice to people – people often only tell you 50% of the story”

“The heads have changed, the hands and legs are still the same"

“If we give up, nothing changes for our future generation”

“This is not some corny talk, Malaysia needs you, people who can contribute to the society. I appeal to you, when you graduate, do come back and serve. Cause if you don’t come back, they won’t be much left for Malaysia”

On money politics.
“It’s important to know why you enter politics, entering for fame or gain, check your motives, you must know the cause you are fighting for.”

“If you hold on to what is right, it is east to distinguish to be good and bad. I don’t know what holds for me in like 4 years time, but its fulfilling.”

Picture of my classmates during Sem3&4 who would transfer to Tasmania too.

On her studying in the University of Tasmania, (where I’m going!)
Your first week may be depressing being far from home but after meeting good friends and nice lecturers, you don’t want to come home already! The environment is good and quiet; there is no form of discrimination. Never skip classes! You will have a bad time preparing from exams after that! The stress of not doing well and telling your parents is not worth it!. This would be only one experience in life, make full use of it. When you’re there and when you come back, you’ll understand the difference between KL and Tasmania!

It was an inspirational talk no doubt, she even shared about it in her blog!

YB Hannah and I

Now is to just get more people like her around..

5th Day @ work.

We experience our first KL morning traffic rush. It’s mad. Now I understand the notoriety and name KL drivers make of themselves.

A creative advertisement by the Regalia Service Apartments. Everybody who’s stuck in this jam daily see this every day. Maybe someone may actually purchase a unit after the constant ‘visual harassment’ coupled with the unbecoming traffic.

Today at Cheang&Ariff was an interesting day, we had a lecture with Mr. Azhar Azizan about ISA and the recent RPK Habeas Corpus case. It’s really amazing to read the news regarding RPK being released from ISA through proper and impartial court proceedings with the privilege or reading the submissions by both government and Mr. Azhar’s side. He was part of the defense counsel for Raja Petra. We actually learned the technical aspect of ISA and dwelled in Section 8B and 73. (more details would breach the client-lawyer privilege.. haha, it’s nothing la.) Btw, Mr. Azhar is a Corporate division Partner who specializes in shareholders dispute, boardroom fight and Insolvency cases (recovery of debt) and restructuring work. He helps out in public interest cases like this RPK case and the Lingam commission sometimes representing a few NGOs.

Basically, we learned a few things like the difference between punitive legislation (Courts) and preventive legislation (ISA) and the writs available through judicial reveal.
In comprehendible terms,

Mandamus : ‘To do something’
Certiorari : ‘To set aside an act’
Prohibition : Injunction (prevent the government from doing something)
Habeas Corpus : ‘Produce the body’ (literally) –Bring the person to court to be trialed.

Soon after, we had another lecture by Ms. Cindy Goh with the chambering students regarding trademark application.

“A Trade Marks is a sign which distinguishes the goods and services of one trader from those of another. A sign includes words, logos, pictures, names, letters, numbers or a combination of these and is used as a marketing tool to enable customers in recognizing the product of a particular trader. “

Being a registered trademark, patent and industrial design agent, she spoke knowingly with everything from the back of her head! Ms. Cindy explained the procedures for a trademark application which was really interesting. For example, religious word like ‘hallelujah’ cannot be trademark nor offensive words like *#@&!%!.

Summary of trademark in Malaysia may be found here:

For those applying for a trademark, they have to go through a registered trademark agent (lawyer) who will explain some gibberish and legal jargon before informing them that ‘Borang TM-1 and TM-5’ need to be filled which are’ Form Of Authorisation And Request To Enter, Alter Or Substitute An Address For Service’ and ‘Application For Registration Of A Mark’ forms respectively. You can get it here:

It actually feels like being a doctor, client has a problem/application, lawyer diagnoses problem/application and solves it with some legal help. I like it.

Went out for Lunch where Mr. Chong belanja-ed us the Spicy Chilli Pan Mee, one of the most famous eatery in KL.

We then visited the KL Land Office. It is pretty much the same as the Petaling Land Office except that it’s much bigger and older. At that same building is where the ‘Badan Pencegah Rasuah’ (Anti Corruption Agency) is and where an auction house seats. The chairs are however more comfortable than other offices. Haha..
Inside the government department. Building is more than 5 decades old. Super old school.

Anybody wants to report and ‘rasuah’ (bribery) cases?Stressed look on Yoke Hang’s face.

Came back and immediately was given to transcribe 47-pages of a ‘Facility Agreement’ for property purchase. Thank God we divided the work between 5 people. 16,000++ words (combined) later and about almost 3 hours (till after office hours). By 835pm,

Mr. Chong dropped by and welcomed us to the life of a lawyer for the day. Despite the doze-offs and draggy typings, we learned the art of delayed gratification (discipline!).

One notable observation is that most lawyers and chambees still stayed back to work till then even after majority of the staff have left for home. They stay not because they have to but because they need to!

The night @ Cheang&Ariff .
Yoke Hang brought us to Hartamas at Spicy.
Milo Shake and Nasi Lemak Goreng @ Hartamas. Good stuff. Worth coming a second round!

Today had been a long day, but worth the trips and training we've been getting!

3 words.

"THIS IS CHURCH!"

Legal500

I was browsing and googling around and came across this site, the Legal500.com

'Published for over twenty years, the Legal 500 Series provides the most comprehensive worldwide coverage currently available on legal services providers, in over 100 countries.'

Most students who would want to chamber or attach usually head to this site to read law firms' profile before deciding where to apply to.

Haha.. I saw Cheang&Ariff!

Here's a Malaysia overview within Legal market,

The three ‘S’s, Shearn Delamore & Co, Skrine and Shook Lin & Bok still operate at the top of the market, particularly in dispute resolution, although the chasing pack are not far behind. Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill and Kadir, Andri & Partners are two names to watch. Raja, Darryl & Loh, Cheang & Ariff and Wong & Partners are recommend for their corporate approach, while Zaid Ibrahim & Co still has the advantage of size over its competitors.

http://www.legal500.com/c/malaysia

4th Day @ Cheang & Ariff

Monday morning, my fourth day but the first day for my law attachment KDU-UTAS mates, Yoke Hang and Pui San. I got a feeling this is just one of the many 'group photos' we'll take.. =b

As how Kellie showed me the places and faces during my first day, we were shown around the Loke Mansion and introduced to the staff in Cheang&Ariff, We then had a talk with Mr. Chong (our Master - what they call the person-in-charge over you during your stint in a law firm) about the firm and what the next whole month of practical training would be like.

Above is the filing room in the 2 big containments where all files over the last few years are stored. Next to the Loke Mansion is the ‘Loke Yew Pavilion’ , a big storeroom where all the miscellaneous ‘dan lain-lain’ stuff are kept.

Our first assignment of the day was by Ms. Carol and it was to key in details and sort out letters for claimants of late delivery of apartment units. Quite a daunting task, seeing a huge stack with over 150 letters!

This is one of the books written by Dato’ Loh. He is a prominent figure in the corporate legal world and almost all the law firms in Malaysia has his book in their libraries. He also pushed for the idea of ISO-ing law firms and thus Cheang&Ariff is the first firm in ASEAN to be ISO-Certified.

Click here to find out more.

A mini-testimonial about from him from 'legal500.com'

Cheang & Ariff is described as a dispute resolution ‘powerhouse’, and the firm’s lead litigator, Dato’Loh Siew Cheang, is at the forefront of the market. The strength of the team lies predominantly in corporate disputes, and leverages off the firm’s strong corporate and commercial department. It is also very capable advising on construction, employment and industrial disputes. Mohd Ariff Yusof is also highly recommended.

Our first day of work at the library. ‘Researching’? If you enlarge the picture you can see what the two of ‘em are doing.. The person with the books is Ms. Rose, she is the firm’s librarian besides other duties she helps the firm in. A really caring lady, she thought me the tricks and trade of Cheang&Ariff, the work culture, how to get to the LRT station with fastest route, great places to eat, searching for case laws, reports, acts and journals. You name itshe tells it!

Rose if you’re reading this, thank you loads for the all your guidance when I was working in the library for my first few days!

After lunch, we followed Mr. Ratha to the Petaling Land Office (Pejabat Tanah Dan Daerah Petaling) which is a government agency that records land claims, loans patents, and possibly deeds. Lawyers normally make use of the land office when they would want to conduct a search on their client’s property, whether the property has the right owner or the land title is safe to buy - to ensure that there is no strings attached to it!

For example in the search for property, they’re a few types of ‘carian’ which are carian rasmi, carian persendirian or salinan sah hak milik.

Basically this building in Subang Jaya is the Petaling District office compromising of various departments but the land office is only department of interest to Lawyers. Mr. Ratha has been in the dispatch departments for 20 years now and has been a pro when it comes to all these. Sometimes he even drives all the way to Alor Setar Land Office in Kedah (Bout 5hours drive) to do confirm a property search there.

We learned about the ‘Caveat’ which is Latin for "beware". Usually it is in the form of a contract clause that stipulates a particular requirement. It is a formal notice or warning against certain actions being taken by a court; most often seen in regard to the granting of probate of a will by the court; most common usage as a document that is filed in the Land Titles Office to warn of possible title defects.

All in all, today was a day of learning. One thing we learned for sure is we’re not taking the LRT anymore and Yoke Hang will be fetching us from tomorrow onwards! Thank God! No more waiting in line and squeezing like sardines every day!

3rd Day of my Law attachment.

Nov 7, Friday: Today is the day when ‘monthly drinks’ would be held where the chambees would organise a gathering with the lawyers for a night in Loke Mansion with a light dinner and some wine/drinks. It’s a monthly tradition where everyone just gets to unwind and have a down-to-earth chat with one another apart from the daily stress we all get! It’s a unique activity, not sure if other law firms do this as well but I think it’s a brilliant idea, cause there’s food, fun and fellowship! Anything with the 3F’s are sure-fire good stuff!

With all planned up the day before, we headed for Cold Storage to get the ingredients for the killer mocktails and out-of-the-world bruschettas we planned to do. Haha..

We also got this Jelly Cake from Qjelly from The Curve after the lunch @ Kluang Station. Above is Yvonne and Mei Ching, both Chambees. Oldest and youngest chambee out of the 7. =b

Collecting the 100 sticks from Sate Kajang, Uptown Damanmsara.

Back at the C&A Pantry, our storage place! And what is to be later will all come out from this fridge when the time comes.. Contrary to popular opinion that may entail, no, we didn’t drink all that beer! The mocktails were better! Haha..

At 5.30pm we all came down to prepare the food, slice the nasi impit, dice the mint leaves and parsley and make the Bruschetta ala Turkey Roast and Tuna Dressing. Above are the Chambees, missing and only guy is Vincent (Sick =p). From left: Yvonne, Tricia, Mun Wei, Fui Yau, Mei Ching and Hui Jiun.

Preparing the out-of-the-world bruschettas. Our first time making it!

Toasting the work of art: French loaf with Garlic butter spread, added with Turkey Roast/Tuna Dressing topped with half a tomato, Mozarella Cheese and Parsley! Prepare for toast for 3-5minutes and there you go! Oh yeah, sprinkle a pinch of ground pepper to complete the Bruschetta. Yumm.. Just typing it out makes me hungry..

Finally! The result! Yes, it tastes as good as it looks!

Next is my very own creation the ‘Loke Mansion Mohito’ Mocktail! The ingredients above were added in order from left to right and bought in Cold Storage. Portions are up to your taste.

Soda : For the Fizz
Ribena : Blackcurrent flavor
Lime Juice : Sour taste
Ginge ale : Spiciness!
Fruit Cocktail : Finishing touch!!

Here it is~ the ‘Loke Mansion Mohito’ Mocktail!
Haha.. Everyone like it ;D Even Dato’ Loh went for a few rounds, saying something along the lines of ‘Good stuff!’
From now on, I’m ready for hire as a mocktail-maker. LoL.

Along with the other mansion-made food and drinks are 3 pizzas and 13 spaghetti(s) from from Izzi restraurant. Yupp we got ‘em for the now 75% off for every RM150 and above purchase! Worth the buy I must say.

A random pictures of the 20 odd partners, associates, lawyers, legal assistants and chambees having a scrumptious meal. On the far left is Dato’ Loh Siew Cheang, Cheang&Ariff’s senior partner. Mr. Ariff (who incidentally is my Taylor’s classmate’s father) had since sept been asked to be a Judge for the KL Court of Appeal at Jalan Duta, now Hakim Ariff.

A good look at one of the ‘well prepared’ monthly drinks. =D

Celebrated Cecilia and Mun Hoe’s birthday too, both lawyers.

After the whole night with the 3F’s, the chambees starting cleaning up and clearing all the leftovers and stuff. Above are (from left: Fui Yau and Tricia)

Last look at a tired but smiling Yvonne bout washing the dishes.

Yupp, this is part of a life in Cheang&Ariff and it’s good. It brings the human out of all the lawyers and the lighter side of things. I got to know the Chambees a lot better too, just thinking of what I did for the last three day assured me that this would be time well spent during my holidays. Looking forward to getting to know ya ‘all more!

My bad, for the lack of intellectual postings, for now, this blog is for me to just unwind and an opportunity to 'report' what I do in work during office hours. =p