Our KorumLegal consultant this month is Jenny Toh who is a qualified lawyer in 3 different jurisdictions – England, Malaysia and Singapore with 7 years of private practice experience in corporate and commercial litigation work. Her current specialisation is derivatives legal work, including but not limited to various master agreements (ISDA, GMRA, GMSLA, Tahawwut) negotiations and structured transactional work. She is also very familiar with the banking and finance industry as well as the commodities space and has in-depth regulatory experience in these sectors.
1. Hi Jenny ! Can you tell us a little about the work you are currently doing and have been doing?
I specialised as a derivatives lawyer focusing on financial markets. I completed my work on the Interbank Offered Rate (IBOR) transition project with BNP Paribas in December 2022. My experience at BNP Paribas allowed me to contribute to the bank’s IBOR transition work which I found to be challenging and rewarding. At present, I am open to new opportunities in the financial services and regulatory space while growing my coaching business, River Life Coaching Pte. Ltd. where I focus on coaching and supporting introverted professionals and leaders to be visible and successful on their own terms.
2. What made you take the leap into working in NewLaw for ALSP’s? And why is it a good fit for you?
The flexibility and control over my own time were significant factors in my decision to transition into NewLaw and work with Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs). This career path allows me to balance my professional life with running my coaching business and spending more time with my family. Choosing this career path has also enabled me to grow my coaching business of 4 years which gives me immense personal and professional fulfilment. Legal work stimulates me intellectually and gives me a sense of accomplishment whereas coaching fills up my heart and provides me with a higher purpose in life.
3. What’s the most rewarding assignment you’ve ever had and why?
One of the most rewarding assignments I’ve had was my collaboration with the BNP Paribas Hong Kong Financial Markets Legal team. Working across various financial products, I experienced firsthand the importance of cross-collaboration and continuous learning. This assignment was particularly fulfilling because it allowed me to expand my knowledge base, engage with a diverse group of professionals, and contribute to impactful projects. The team was great because they made me feel included and I was not treated as “just a consultant”.
4. As an experienced NewLaw/ ALSP consultant, where do you see NewLaw/ ALSP fitting into the matrix of the legal sector and how have you seen it evolve?
NewLaw and ALSPs are well-positioned to meet the short-term needs of legal departments and increase resources as required. They provide a flexible and cost-effective solution for managing workload fluctuations and specialised projects. Over the years, I have seen NewLaw and ALSPs evolve from being supplementary support to becoming integral parts of legal strategies, offering innovative solutions and adapting to the changing demands of the legal industry. I also see consultants with niche expertise, being hired by smaller and mid-tier companies who do not have a large legal team of their own, to meet unique areas of law and projects.
5. What trends do you expect to see in the legal services industry in the next 5 years?
One of the most significant trends I foresee is the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in legal services. AI is transforming how legal tasks are performed, from contract analysis to predictive analytics in litigation. Those who embrace AI will find new ways to enhance their services, while those who resist may struggle to keep up with the pace of change.
6. Your favourite tune? And why?
My favorite tune is “Love is All Around” by Wet Wet Wet from the movie “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” This song brings back happy memories of watching the film with friends during a carefree time in my life when I was single. It reminds me of my younger days and inspires me to look for love and goodness in my life every day. (And yes, I am a Gen Xer with 2 Gen Z children and a feisty Gen Alpha daughter!)
KorumLegal is a boutique legal consultancy committed to providing value innovation in legal service delivery. The legal services industry is continuing to change with ‘NewLaw’ – and clients are seeking more innovative and cost-effective solutions without compromise on experience and quality
