Young Lawyers Bring Fresh Perspectives to Court Cases

SINGAPORE – Iris Ng, a young lawyer based at Helmsman law firm, usually deals with commercial and shipping disputes. However, in December 2025, an unexpected case came her way.

Ng, 30, was appointed by the court as a young independent counsel (YIC) for a series of appeals related to the sentencing of young offenders involved in scam offences. This new challenge provided her the opportunity to present her views in front of a High Court panel for the first time in May 2026.

A New Perspective

During her presentation, Ng argued for short detention orders to be considered alongside reformative training and imprisonment for young people who unwittingly assisted scammers by sharing their bank accounts.

“As an independent counsel, I have the freedom to delve deeper into the legal aspects of the case,” Ng explained to the press. “While representing a client, I focus on their best interests, but the YIC role allows me the chance to step back and present a broader view on how the law could evolve.”

Her insights aim to provide the court with a comprehensive picture of the options available, informed by practices in other jurisdictions and historical legal provisions. For Ng, it is a means to engage with pressing legal issues that do not often appear in her regular work.

Recognition and Accomplishment

On October 7, Ng and eleven other YICs were acknowledged for their contributions to the legal field at an annual appreciation event, marking the first time the YICs had been officially recognized in this setting. With applications now open for the 2027 cohort, the scheme continues to attract promising legal talent.

The YIC Initiative

Initiated in 2009, the YIC scheme aims to bring fresh insights into challenging legal questions by appointing early-career lawyers. Previously called the young amicus curiae scheme, the program was rebranded to improve its accessibility.

Candidates must demonstrate strong academic backgrounds with a minimum of two years in legal practice, alongside submitting transcripts, written work, and a recommendation from an experienced legal professional. YICs serve for one year without aligning with any party, allowing them to present unbiased legal submissions to the court.

This initiative not only enriches legal discussions but also helps these young lawyers develop essential courtroom skills and deepen their research capabilities.

Previous Experiences

Jonathan Trachsel, a YIC from 2023, reflects positively on his experience, where he dealt with both civil and criminal cases. He was motivated to apply by a partner at his firm who believed it would be beneficial for his career.

“In this role, you can analyze cases without the pressure of advocating for one side. You get to approach the law with a clean slate, assessing what it should be,” said Trachsel, now a partner at Allen & Gledhill.

While addressing a civil case involving accident claims impacted by government subsidies, Trachsel spotted a UK legislative angle that had not been considered before, showcasing the fresh perspectives that YICs can bring to complex matters.

Balancing Responsibilities

Both Ng and Trachsel acknowledged that fulfilling YIC responsibilities while managing a demanding legal practice requires effective time management and communication. Ng noted her fortunate timing, as her assignment coincided with the holiday season, allowing her more room to focus on the case.

“Managing timelines and keeping an open dialogue with my supportive superiors made it manageable,” she shared.

Trachsel, who also balanced his responsibilities, noted his mentors’ understanding and the support of colleagues who helped alleviate some of his workload during this intensive period. “It's like having an extra gear where you can dedicate time to research and drafting outside of urgent daily tasks,” he explained.