INTRODUCTION
Prior to the internship, I was warned by friends and seniors that working in a law firm could be tough—especially in places with toxic work environments, where colleagues might be hostile, unwelcoming, and unresponsive to questions, and where gruelling hours are the norm.
In this article, I wish to convey that, despite the daunting warnings from my friends, my internship at Messrs Hasrina Hakimi demonstrated that it is entirely possible to genuinely enjoy the experience of working in the legal field.
BODY
In terms of workload, I was mainly needed for researching, which was particularly beneficial for me as it had always been my Achilles’ heel. The lawyers frequently guided me on how to effectively use legal databases like LexisNexis and CLJ. They patiently walked me through the process, ensuring I understood and could apply these skills during my pupillage or legal career. This supportive approach extended beyond research. For other tasks such as drafting letters, translating documents, preparing bundles, making calls, and providing legal advice, they were always willing to assist, explaining each task in detail before assigning it. Therefore, I am especially grateful to my colleagues, who, despite their busy schedules, consistently took the time to offer guidance and correct my mistakes.
Nevertheless, when broaching the topic of work-life balance, it is also necessary to delve into the social dynamics of my workplace. The lawyers and the clerk at the firm had managed to make me feel welcomed by consistently making an effort to include me in everything—from client meetings and birthday celebrations to lunches out together. Unlike in larger firms where social hierarchy is often evident, at Messrs Hasrina Hakimi, everyone interacts freely, whether you’re an intern, lawyer, or clerk. It’s a quality I hope to encounter in my future workplaces as well.
I was fortunate to have an employer who was genuinely eager to show me the ropes of the legal field. Throughout my internship, Ms. Hasrina often invited me into her office for small talks, during which she shared valuable insights drawn from her years of experience. One piece of advice that stood out was her emphasis on the importance of building connections in the legal world. She also provided me with honest feedback on an article I had previously written for the firm, reminding me of the critical need to cite facts and data in my future writings, as reliability is the recipe of a good article. Like the other lawyers in the firm, Ms. Hasrina took the time to ensure that I fully understood the matters at hand. She personally explained the details of cases being heard in court and recommended great textbooks on civil litigation for further reading. These insights and critiques were invaluable and would have remained unknown to me had I not interned here.
Beyond being a great mentor, Ms. Hasrina was also exceptionally kind and understanding. She frequently checked in on me to ensure that I was given the opportunity to learn as much as possible in various areas, that I was mentally and emotionally equipped to handle the tasks assigned, and that I comprehended the knowledge I was gaining. It’s safe to say that I hold her in the highest regard in this field, and if I were to be given the opportunity, I would gladly work with her again.
CONCLUSION
When I began this internship, I have to admit that my knowledge was mostly theoretical—what I had learned over the past three years at Universiti Malaya. However, I can confidently say that I walked out of my internship at Messrs Hasrina Hakimi equipped with the knowledge to prepare me for future practical experiences, thanks to my incredible mentors: Ms. Hasrina Hakimi, Ms. Zaidatul, Ms. Farah, Ms. Hafizah, Mr. Kheng Fai, and Ms. Jannah.
Overall, this internship was truly an eye-opening experience that exposed me to the inner workings of a law firm. It offered me a glimpse of what to expect during my chambering period, which will undoubtedly be more challenging. I learned a great deal about collaborating with other lawyers, filing procedures, efficient research methods, and gained exposure to different areas of law such as corporate and litigation. However, what I will definitely miss the most about this firm is the kindness of my colleagues. From Ms. Hasrina’s guidance and advice, Ms. Zaidatul’s thoughtful act of driving me to the nearest MRT station almost everyday, Ms. Hafizah’s sisterly advice, Ms. Farah’s homecooked meals, Mr. Kheng Fai’s dad jokes to the small conversations and shared meals with Ms. Jannah.
Last but not least, even though my internship lasted for only seven weeks, I will always be grateful to Messrs Hasrina Hakimi and hope to have the opportunity to work with them again in the future.
Author: Zayani Hazierah Hisam