October marks Paul Singam’s 32nd year with Ligeti Partners. We spoke to Paul about his long career in insurance law and advice he would give to those entering the industry.
What led you to have a career in Law?
I have always been drawn to how the Law impacts so many facets of our lives and interactions in society. From an early age, my fascination with the Law guided my course and subject selection in studies.
However, don’t underestimate the well meaning influence on an only child growing up in a Malaysian family!
What drew you to the insurance industry?
As a young lawyer, I was working in regional Victoria in a general practice doing all manner of Court appearance work when I got a call from Tom Ligeti out of the blue. He briefed me in an insurance litigation matter. I must have done well enough as he continued to brief me. I loved the work and, thankfully, Tom offered me a job back in the “big smoke” with Ligeti Nicholson, specialising in insurance litigation.
I never looked back.
What has your career at Ligeti Partners looked like?
After graduating from Melbourne Uni, I did my articles with Nevett, Coutts & Wilson, a general practice with offices in Ballarat and Melbourne. I had ambitions of going to the Bar, so stayed on as a Lawyer in Ballarat to gain experience in the Courts after my admission to practice.
When I joined Ligeti Nicholson as a lawyer, it was a relatively small insurance litigation practice. The practice then merged with Phillips Fox, where I was promoted to Senior Associate.
Our Team then left Phillips Fox to form Ligeti Partners, where I was appointed as a “Partner” (as it was then called).
The new firm grew in size, and I was fortunate enough to be offered a financial share in the business together with my buddy, Andrew Sawkins.
What was your most significant professional accomplishment to date?
I’d like to think that I’ve played a part in shaping a place of work that is successful, professional, ethical, promotes diversity and is fun. I also believe that I have been true to the lessons I learned about succession planning and giving good lawyers the same opportunities for advancement as I enjoyed.
What advice would you give to those entering the legal industry?
I’ll borrow that one from Tom Ligeti. Reputation is earned over a long time but can be destroyed in an instance.
What is the best advice you would give to a learning leader?
Your role is to educate and to be the best example of a good lawyer. Be honest and fair with your Team.
