How a power couple made the leap from classmates to colleagues
Some say that a couple that plays together stays together. How about a couple who has studied alongside each other to pursue a Master of Laws and work in the same law firm?
Studying and working together for over two decades is the secret to Jace Suyung Park and Rachel Hiyoung Son's successful marriage, echoing the results of a 2015 study that showed how couples who shared the same occupation or workplace enjoyed higher family satisfaction as well as job satisfaction.
The SMU Yong Pung How School of Law (YPHSL) Master of Laws (LLM) graduates from South Korea have been together for about 24 years, and married for seven They were also course mates at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, and have been partner attorneys in the same law firm in Korea before pursuing their LLM. Today, they both work in Singapore at the commercial law firm Oon & Bazul.
"We have been best friends and classmates since young; and since we joined Oon & Bazul, we have also been good colleagues," shares Rachel.
"As both friends and classmates, we could discuss ideas about our studies or future, no matter how useful or meaningless, brilliant or stupid, 24/7.
Moreover, as we have very different personalities - Jace is sociable and conceptual while I am structural and analytical - we help each other see and approach a subject from different perspectives."
However, Rachel, who is a foreign lawyer experienced in cross-border investment, shipping and asset financing,admits that some of these advantages could morph into challenges. Such frequent work discussions could lead to arguments and the inability to draw the line between work and personal lives.
"One's brilliant new idea could be viewed worthless by the other. Thus, persuasion and compromise are top priorities for us as a couple, which is sometimes very stressful," reveals Rachel.
"Notwithstanding all the challenges, we enjoy our current lifestyle, and appreciate these challenges and stresses because we know and believe that we will get through them at the end of the day, and the sense of achievement will be great."
After all, they both had to make the mutual decision to upend their lives as successful lawyers and relocate to Singapore in 2018. Back then, they had noticed a demand for lawyers able to advise clients on both South Korea and Singapore laws, and they also had the desired skill sets: fluency in English, as well as being adventurous in exploring the world, which made relocation possible.
Jace, who has extensive experience in finance, fintech, cross-border investment and intellectual property, also recalls that the SMU LLM was their top choice when exploring a Master's degree. The programme provides core courses specially designed for LLM students with diverse legal backgrounds. The curriculum equips students with the knowledge to resolve prevailing legal issues from an international transactional perspective.
"The Banking and Finance Law module taught by Associate Professor of Law Christopher Chen explored fundamental ways to approach and understand financial regulations in Singapore, enabling us to work on cases related to Securities and Futures Act and Payment Service Act," adds Jace. He also notes that the Trust Law module provided an understanding of the core and the origin of the structures of many different asset management entities.
And as the global economy becomes increasingly digitalised, she found that curriculum shedding light on IT laws were highly relevant and enabled students to gain insights into the Protection from Harassment Act and Personal Data Protection Act. Moreover, Jace regularly advises clients on cryptocurrencies and emerging technologies in his current role. Today, the couple works together to expand their firm’s Korean practice and provide legal services to South Korea and Singapore entities.
"While an LLM qualification is not required to practise law in Singapore, the SMU LLM curriculum offers practical training for lawyers from other jurisdictions," shares Jace.
"It provides a strong foundation for foreign lawyers who aim to work in Singapore and require a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and laws. Above all, we have made lifelong friends at SMU. The memories with friends I have made during the programme are most precious indeed."