#10QuestionswithMaxwell Interview Series: George Lim SC

Interviews

Interview Series - George Lim

#10QuestionswithMaxwell Interview Series: George Lim SC

Following the launch of our #10QuestionsWithMaxwell interview series, our next guest plays a large role in Asia’s mediation scene.

The second guest is none other than George Lim SC, Chairman of Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC). George shared with us some of the highlights throughout his career as a mediator, his advice to young lawyers trying to get into the field of mediation, what he likes to do during his past time and more.

Read his full interview with the team below:

Q: What do you think makes a successful mediator? 

A: For me, apart from having people and problem solving skills, a successful mediator is one who cares and does his or her best for the parties. It’s about mediating from the head and the heart.

Q: How has mediation changed over the years you’ve been in practice?  

A: 27 years ago, when mediation was formally introduced in Singapore, not many people knew about it, or its potential. Today, it is generally accepted to be part of the dispute resolution process. Also, the Singapore Convention on Mediation has put Singapore on the global map of dispute resolution!

Q: What current trends are you seeing in the ADR landscape?  

A: More and more disputants are using mediation in cross-border disputes and trying it out in the course of litigation or arbitration proceedings.

Q: Share with us some of the highlights throughout your career as a mediator.  

A: In the course of my mediations, I have sometimes had the opportunity to help disputants “heal” their relationships or reconcile. This makes the work very fulfilling. At the international level, I saw history being made when I was Singapore’s mediation consultant to UNCITRAL Working Group II on Conciliation which led to the adoption of the Singapore Convention on Mediation.

Representing Singapore at UNCITRAL Working Group 2 on Conciliation, which led to the adoption of the Singapore Convention on Mediation.

Q: How did you get your first mediator appointment and how did it go? 

A: My first mediation involved a dispute between a mother and her son at the Singapore Mediation Centre. They hugged when the matter was settled. I was so happy for them!

Q: What advice would you give to a young lawyer trying to get into the field of mediation?  

A: Apart from undergoing the right training, you need to be determined. In order to receive appointments, it helps if you have established yourself in your profession (legal or non-legal), or in a particular area.

Q: What do you do during the weekend? Share with us your favourite past time / hobby!

A: I have a three month old granddaughter, so she is the highlight of my weekend. 

Q: What is the first thing you want to do after the pandemic? 

A: Travel!

Q: Share with us your fondest memories of Maxwell Chambers. 

A: The staff at Maxwell Chambers provide impeccable service.

George mediating safely at Maxwell Chambers.

Q: 3 words that comes to your mind when you think of Maxwell Chambers.  

A: World class facility!

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Cassandra Anthonisz

Deputy Manager of Legal & Business Service

Cassandra Gayle Anthonisz is the Deputy Manager of Legal and Business Services at Maxwell Chambers. Her multifaceted experience spans across legal, business development, and communications sectors, offering a distinctive combination of legal acumen, strategic insight, and cross-sector versatility.

Her professional background encompasses legal affairs, compliance, business development, and legal technology. She has held in-house positions across sectors, where she gained extensive experience navigating complex legal and regulatory environments. Her experience spans the implementation of strategic legal frameworks in sectors such as maritime, commodities, and fintech, with a focus on client-facing legal operations; contractual negotiations; contentious and non-contentious work.

Prior to joining Maxwell Chambers, Cassandra led legal technology start-ups through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. In these capacities, she integrated legal innovation with corporate strategy, while spearheading business development initiatives and cross-border legal solutions.

Cassandra has a passion for advancing access to justice and to promoting forward-thinking and progressive business-aligned legal practices. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Birmingham City University in the United Kingdom, and is currently pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM).

Ban Jiun Ean

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Ban Jiun Ean read law at the National University of Singapore before joining the Ministry of Law. He spent nine years doing legal policy work, with a focus on the development of Singapore’s alternative dispute resolution (ADR) industry. 

Jiun Ean spearheaded the development of the world’s first integrated dispute resolution centre, Maxwell Chambers, which brought together arbitral institutions, service providers and legal practitioners under the same roof in a facility equipped with bespoke dispute resolution rooms and state-of-the-art supporting technology. In 2010, he was appointed Chief Executive of Maxwell Chambers, helming the company for five years and establishing it as the foremost dispute resolution centre of its kind in the world. In 2016, he left Maxwell to pursue several other projects, including the development of an arts centre and to write several novels. In 2019, Jiun Ean was appointed as the Executive Director of Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC), working to strengthen the mediation industry in Singapore and globally. 

Jiun Ean returns to Maxwell Chambers as Chief Executive, to augment the team as it continues to build on Maxwell’s position as the premier ADR facility in the world.

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