Interviews
#10QuestionswithMaxwell Interview Series: Lijun Chui, Simmons & Simmons JWS
In this #10QuestionsWithMaxwell interview, we feature Lijun Chui, Partner at Simmons & Simmons JWS.
Lijun Chui specialises in technology and financial services disputes and investigations, serving as a partner at Simmons & Simmons JWS in Singapore. Her practice is typically in pursuing complex claims, alongside proactive risk management and governance advice to prevent disputes. She is also a trusted advisor for clients in tech-related crises and managing data breaches. Beyond her role work as counsel, Lijun regularly acts as arbitrator and mediator. She is admitted in Singapore and England and Wales.
In this interview, Lijun shares unique challenges faced, her journey in arbitration, 3 fun facts about herself, and more.
Read the full interview below:
Q: Can you tell us how your journey in arbitration begin?
It began with my participation in the Vis moots in university and was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend all law undergraduates participate in a moot – it trains one to do proper legal analysis and be creative yet precise about research. Most of all, it presents incredible opportunities to engage in spirited debates with your classmates.
Q: Do you have a mentor or an influential figure that you look up to throughout your career?
I have met many incredible people in the course of my career and continue to do so. It could be a senior practitioner who knows what not to worry about or a junior lawyer whose professionalism and commitment inspire me to work harder.
So perhaps just to name one: The late Robin Dicker QC who had an incredible intellect and was truly kind. He proved that you don’t have to shout to make a point. He also had impeccable style.
Q: You’ve had an extensive career handling complex tech disputes and international arbitration cases. Looking back, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your career, and how have your experiences shaped your approach to your work?
It would be the trust and confidence from clients who have come back to me with their legal problems or referred me to their friends. Their show of faith keeps me going, and reminds me to do the right thing, no matter how difficult it can be, and to always do my best.
Q: What are the unique challenges you face when handling disputes in the tech sector, particularly in fast-evolving fields like AI and blockchain?
One, keeping up to date on the latest tech developments and application. It is impossible to advise on their legal implications without knowing what the tech can do and how it does it.
Two, staying abreast of changes in law and regulatory expectations. It’s a rapidly evolving area, complicated by the difficulty in defining certain terms. For instance, how should we define AI? And does the technology we aim to regulate accurately reflect what that term implies?
Three, and perhaps not all that unique, is having to make quick decisions which can have a significant long term impact for the client. The rapid pace of tech advancement and the significant impact that unresolved disputes can have on businesses means that we usually have to move fast.
Q: How has international arbitration adapted to address the increasing complexity of technology disputes, especially in areas like intellectual property and data privacy?
International arbitration has adapted brilliantly to the needs of commerce, like it always has. This ranges from arbitrators upskilling themselves to be more technologically proficient to not being afraid to develop the law as required to ensure accountability in the deployment of technology.
Q: How did you get your first arbitrator appointment?
I was appointed by an arbitration institution. The respondent did not participate until the first procedural conference where he appeared 30 minutes late, speaking only Mandarin. I had to tap into my inner Mandarin speaker to make sure that he understood the proceedings.
Q: Given your experience as both counsel and arbitrator in a range of disputes, do you find one role more fulfilling than the other?
Both are equally fulfilling. And equally stressful. I have to say though, that acting as an arbitrator helps me to refine my approach as counsel, as I become more conscious of the concerns which a neutral party deciding the dispute may have.
Equally, working as a mediator has also helped me to work out more effectively the interests of the parties so that I can bring about the best resolution for my client.
Q: What advice would you offer young legal practitioners looking to establish themselves in today’s market and pursue a career in ADR?
It is a very competitive market. But there is no need to be afraid of competition.
Just do your best work. The results may not always be immediate (if only they are!) And if you are tired, take a little break.
Q: If you weren’t in your current profession, what profession would you be in?
Hm… education professional (specialising in the 2024 Primary 3 and 4 syllabus). Oh wait, I already do that.
Q: Lastly, could you share 3 interesting facts about yourself that many people may not know?
I don’t know about interesting but I’ll try anyway. Here goes:
One, there are six lawyers in my family even though my parents are not lawyers. But dinners at home are not the blood fest you might think they would be.
Two, my hearing is not very good. So when I ask people to repeat themselves, it’s not because I was not paying attention.
Three, the only pet I’ve ever had was a rabbit I pulled out of a magician’s hat. True story.
Lijun pretending to be a pilot.
Lijun playing spot the ball, not golf.
Lijun’s three boys actually playing golf.
