A podcast for anyone navigating career decisions, leadership challenges, and the evolving world of work.
Hosted by lawyer-turned-recruiter Shulin Lee, this podcast dives into real conversations about career pivots, workplace culture, and what it takes to build a career—and life—that actually works for you.
Join us for authentic, thought-provoking discussions that challenge the way we think about work, leadership, and what really matters in a career.
For more, connect with Shulin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/
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Workplace Bullying In Law Firms: The Partner Who Was Once The Victim | William Peake
Season 4 · Episode 1
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 • Duration 01:05:56
Today, Shulin sits down with William Peake, Global Managing Partner of Harneys, a leading global offshore law firm.
But this is not a conversation about law.
This is a conversation about something that happens in almost every workplace. Something most people experience but nobody talks about.
Bullying.
Not the kind you see in movies, where someone gets shoved in a hallway or has their lunch stolen.
The kind that is quiet. Subtle. Hard to prove.
The kind where your boss sends you an email at 10pm on a Friday just to see if you will reply. Where someone withholds praise on purpose just to make you feel small. Where everyone in the room knows what is happening and nobody says a word.
William has seen it all. He has spent decades at the top of the legal industry.
And here is the part nobody expected.
He was bullied too.
In this episode, William and Shulin talk about why bullies almost always get away with it, why the people in charge protect them, and what it feels like to finally speak the truth out loud, even when you are the one with the most to lose.
They also talk about AI, the future of legal careers, and why judgment and emotional intelligence are what set humans apart.
In this episode you will learn:
Why bullies get promoted instead of fired
How to spot bullying that does not look like bullying
Why staying silent costs you more than speaking up
How AI is changing careers right now
Why showing up as yourself is your greatest professional advantage
If you have ever felt small at work, overlooked, or scared to speak up, this episode is for you.
Press play. You will not regret it.
If this resonates with you, share it with someone who needed to hear that what happened to them was not okay.
Shulin Lee 💛
==
In this episode:
00:00 Start of Episode
01:01 Introduction
02:39 The Power of LinkedIn
03:29 Why Most Lawyers Are Terrible on LinkedIn
06:57 Authenticity Online: Where and How to Start?
11:05 The Impact of Authenticity Online
14:17 Workplace Bullying
20:14 The Fears of Workplace Bullying
27:12 Is the Next Generation Really Not Cut Out?
29:27 Dealing with Workplace Bullying
34:15 Accountability and Calling Out
36:32 The Partnership Structure
40:50 The Ideal Partnership Structure Model
41:42 AI in Law Firms
45:20 The Future for Aspiring Lawyers
47:33 Important Conversations About AI in Law Firms
50:09 Challenges in Macroeconomic Volatility
51:56 Importance of Succession Planning
57:26 Message for the Next Generation of Law Firm Leaders
Retrenched. Replaced. Redundant. What’s Really Happening in Today’s Job Market?
Season 4 · Episode 1
Monday, October 6, 2025 • Duration 01:10:34
Retrenched. Replaced. Redundant.
What’s really happening in today’s job market?
If you’ve ever wondered:
👉 What happens when you’re being “managed out”?
👉 What’s the difference between retrenchment and redundancy?
👉 Or whether AI could actually replace you…
Then this episode is your wake-up call. ⚡
🎙️ Member of Parliament Patrick Tay joins Shulin Lee for a straight-talking conversation on:
✅ The hard truths behind retrenchment in Singapore
✅ What the Employment Act really covers (and doesn’t)
✅ How employers can handle exits with empathy
✅ Why unions and collective agreements still matter
✅ And how employees can stay relevant in a soft market
Patrick also breaks down what’s changing in our labour laws and how AI is rewriting the future of work.
Because here’s the truth:
No one’s job is 100% safe.
But those who understand the system… stay ahead of it.
🎧 Watch the full episode and tell us your biggest takeaway in the comments.
💬 Let’s talk about what job security really means in 2025.
#AfterTheBar #FutureOfWork #Retrenchment
Follow Patrick Tay:
Unstoppable: Minister Indranee Rajah on the Mindset That Fuels Her Success
Season 3 · Episode 10
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 • Duration 59:36
Is Singapore going extinct?
Should we scrap the PSLE?
Will flexible work ever be a reality?
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Leader of the House, Indranee Rajah, joins Shulin Lee for a bold, no-nonsense conversation on the biggest challenges shaping Singapore today.
Just to name a few - education reform, workplace policies, women in leadership, and the generational shifts redefining success.
🔥 Indranee doesn’t hold back. And for the first time, she reveals how her mother’s influence shaped the unstoppable mindset that drives her today.
This isn’t just another leadership talk. It’s the hard truths, tough questions, and authentic conversations we need to have—right now.
A special episode for International Women’s Day—because real change starts with real conversations.
🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of After The Bar! 🚀
From Gangster to Lawyer: The Josephus Tan Story (Part 2)
Season 3 · Episode 9
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 • Duration 55:57
Imagine losing everything—could you fight your way back?
In Part 2 of this episode, I continue my raw and powerful conversation with Josephus Tan, the "Gangster Lawyer." He reveals how he faced rock bottom and still found the strength to rise.
Despite his career success, Josephus hit some brutal low points:
Low Points:
- Overcommitted to free legal work—almost bankrupt.
- Marriage collapsed.
- Suffered a mild stroke.
- Ended up living in a van.
But Josephus didn’t just survive—he came back stronger.
His Comeback:
- Started smoking at 12, quit at 45—his latest victory!
- Rebuilt his life from nothing, twice.
- Went from a 1-room flat to a penthouse.
- Now a top lawyer, fiercely fighting for justice.
In this episode, Josephus gets real about the hardest moments in life, the importance of second chances, and the advice he’d give his younger self.
You’ll also hear critical tips on what to do if you’re arrested or caught in a police chase, and how defense lawyers handle client confessions.
Josephus Tan’s story is your roadmap to resilience.
This episode will move you—and leave you believing that no setback is final.
Follow Josephus Tan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephus-tan-303352307/
Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/
More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg
What to listen for:
00:00 Start of Episode
00:48 Pro Bono Overcommitment Leading to Debt
03:42 Near Bankruptcy and Failure of First Marriage
07:16 Suffering from a Medical Emergency
10:41 Going on Medication for the Rest of His Life
11:44 Becoming Pest Buster for Vessels
13:49 Dangers of Working on Vessels
15:30 Life of Living in a Van
18:38 Moments When Josephus’s Pride Is Shattered
22:15 Josephus’ Support in Tough Times
23:26 Josephus’ Advice for Life Struggles
From Gangster to Lawyer: Mental Health Struggles & Rising Through Faith – Josephus Tan (Part 1)
Season 3 · Episode 8
Monday, September 9, 2024 • Duration 59:20
In this episode, I sit down with an extraordinary guest, Josephus Tan, famously known as the "Gangster Lawyer," whose life story is a compelling testament to the power of transformation, resilience, and redemption.
Josephus shares candidly about his descent into gang life, his struggles with alcohol that led to destructive behaviour, and the moments of darkness that made him question his path.
At his lowest point, he nearly ended it all.
Discover how a profound spiritual awakening and a deep desire to make amends for his past guided him to quit drinking, pursue a law degree, and eventually train under the legendary criminal lawyer Subhas Anandan.
Join us as we explore his journey from despair to purpose, learning how he overcame his inner battles and embraced a life dedicated to justice and helping others. Plus, for the first time on After the Bar, Josephus reveals an exclusive update—his decision to quit smoking this year.
This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter one’s past, change is always within reach. Josephus Tan’s story will inspire you to believe in the possibility of redemption and the potential to create a better future.
Nailing The Job Interview: Secrets, Tips and Best Practices – Tessa Arquilliere
Season 3 · Episode 5
Monday, May 27, 2024 • Duration 42:03
What are some things you must NEVER say in a job interview?
How can you effectively negotiate your salary package?
What are the biggest mistakes people make during their job search?
How can you turn your career transition into a success story
Ten years ago, Tessa moved to Singapore from Spain to embark on a new career in legal recruitment. She went from knowing nothing about the legal industry in Singapore to becoming a director at Aslant Legal.
Tessa’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
In this episode, discover how Tessa adapted to a new country, excelled in her career, and balanced starting a family. Hear from a former lawyer and seasoned legal recruiter about navigating the complex landscape of career transitions.
We’ll also dive into:
How to stand out in an employer’s market?
What to do if you want to pursue an international career in law?
How did Tessa overcome her career transition adversities to thrive in a foreign market?
Join us as Tessa shares her invaluable tips and tricks to ace job interviews, adapt to new environments, and advance your career internationally.
Don’t miss this chance to learn from her incredible journey and get inspired to take your own career to the next level!
Navigating Mum Guilt, Planning Your Second Act, and Career Pivots After 40 – Rachel Eng
Season 3 · Episode 4
Monday, May 6, 2024 • Duration 47:13
Why is the mid-life career pivot so daunting?
Why does networking pose a greater challenge for women?
How can we retain more talented women in the workforce?
And is it really possible to eradicate mum guilt?
Five years ago, Rachel Eng embarked on what she calls the scariest career move of her life!
Amid countless paths, she chose the “hardest” one. Leaving a prominent role at a top law firm to start her very own law firm. What once seemed audacious, has since paid off!
Today, she remains the only woman in Singapore to ever head up one of the Big 4 local law firms; honoured in 2014 as the esteemed Her World Woman of the Year.
As Managing Director at Eng and Co. LLC, Chair of the Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network, and a Board Member of JTC Corporation, Rachel epitomises success.
In this episode, you will hear about how Rachel manages to stay on top of everything.
How was she able to break that glass ceiling?
What gave her the confidence to make the switch?
How did she manage her successful career whilst raising her children – something she did without a domestic helper?
Join us as Rachel unveils her blueprint for advancing gender equality in the legal profession and imparts wisdom drawn from her extensive career journey.
Topics we discuss in this episode:
Reasons for Leaving a Comfortable Job to Starting a Business
Balancing your Career and Parenthood without a Helper
Building a Company with Female Leadership and Management
Join us, whether you are considering shifting careers, embarking on your professional journey, or already experienced in your field, as we discover Rachel Eng’s outstanding career path and the lessons she has to offer.
Raymond Fong ON: Discovering Purpose – A Former Lawyer’s Journey to Becoming a Pastor
Season 3 · Episode 3
Monday, April 15, 2024 • Duration 46:26
Would you leave a well-paying legal career to be a pastor? That's what Raymond Fong did.
An ex-Deputy Public Prosecutor with a career in the Legal Service, he took a different path to be a pastor. He is now a Pastor-in-Charge at Wesley Methodist Church, a role that he holds with a deep sense of purpose.
In this episode, you will hear about his story: a prosecutor turned pastor. We'll explore the challenges he faced during this career shift, the lessons he learned, and the journey that led him to become a pastor.
We also discuss:
Implications of his transition: significant income loss, working 24/7
His leadership and life lessons
His experience as a prosecutor
Join us, whether you are considering shifting careers, embarking on your professional journey, or already experienced in your field, as we uncover the unique story of Pastor Raymond's dual careers and the lessons he has to offer.
For more about Pastor Ray and his work, check out his newly launched podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wTfH91dRk5bT6VPJ0GuS9?si=c7d7374f8c4e45ae
Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/
More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg
What to listen for:
00:00 Start of Episode 00:39 Introduction 01:29 Pastor Raymond’s 2024 So Far 02:45 Transitioning From Law to Ministry 03:48 Considerations Through the Different Seasons of Life 05:26 Shifting Priorities with a Lower Salary 07:52 Working 24/7 as a Pastor 09:01 Wrestling with Self-Doubt 10:20 Advice for Younger Self 11:20 Setbacks Which Set You Up for Success 14:47 Moving from a Smaller Church to a Bigger Church 19:06 Tips on Being a Good Listener 21:05 Is Leadership an Inborn or Cultivated Skill?23:50 The Pressure of Having People Look Up to You25:06 How to Comprehend Pain and Struggling on Earth27:42 Pastor Raymond’s Experience as a Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP)38:56 What Would Pastor Raymond Be If Not a Lawyer or a Pastor?39:33 What Are You Most Proud Of?41:30 Advice To Those Thinking of Making a Major Career Pivot43:10 Rapid Fire Round45:29 Outro
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