“It’s not what you know, it’s how you use what you know.”
Ian Lim
LL.B. (HONS) (NUS)
PARTNER
Fellow of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators
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The law at its best is a living organism that changes with society. This is particularly true in Ian’s practice of employment law, in a world increasingly shifting to a gig and platform economy – a paradigm shift that he is both watching keenly, and writing and speaking about. Little wonder then, that practice head Ian is considered the go-to expert for Employment & Labour. He has honed his expertise fighting numerous high profile cases and advising multinationals and C-Suite executives extensively in the areas of non-competition, dismissal, redundancy, retirement, data privacy, harassment, M&A employee transfers, investigations and industrial relations.

Employment and labour issues naturally also cross cultures and geographic boundaries, and this has seen Ian travel extensively to speak at diverse conferences and forums. It provides a good opportunity for travel too – Ian otherwise tends to spend his holidays only going to wintry climes to hone his off-piste snowboarding.

Previously an aggressive slide-tackling football defender, Ian now uses the sport as a way to foster connections and team spirit with younger colleagues and the under-privileged through charity futsal tournaments. For many years, until he handed the reins over to June Ho, he also brought his spirit of mentorship as the head of TSMP’s community services programme, organising hands-on charity events for youth-at-risk, the elderly as well as foreign migrant workers. His good work along with that of his colleagues has seen TSMP recognised by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) as the 2018 SME winner in the renowned President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Award.

“Ian Lim is our go-to person in Singapore. He is terrific.”

— The Legal 500 Asia Pacific

“Ian is a very thoughtful attorney,” affirms one admiring client, who goes on to praise him for his “high-quality legal advice.”

— Chambers Asia-Pacific

“An expert in employment and labour issues spanning non-competition, dismissal and data privacy”

— WWL Southeast Asia (Labour, Employment & Benefits)

“He runs a small but very competent team and has good leadership practices which enable the entire team to serve us quickly and effectively. He teaches and guides his team which is really lovely to see as this resonates with our own company values as well.”

— Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific

“Delivers practical, balanced advice on Singapore employment matters, and is helpful, personable and a seasoned professional I can trust.”

— Chambers Asia-Pacific

“Customer-focused, responsive and accessible.”

— Asialaw Profiles

“Ian Lim provides friendly, timely and practical advice.”

— Asialaw Client Service Excellence

“Outstanding lawyer… very conscious of the value proposition and feasibility of solutions when implemented in the real world”

— The Legal 500 Asia Pacific

I hear you are a bit of an adrenaline junkie…

Yeah, I’m really into snowboarding. It’s a pure adrenaline rush. Importantly though, while it’s a sport that makes you challenge yourself and push the boundaries, it’s also equally one where it’s critical to always maintain balance and control, especially when you’re flying through trees off-piste. I also play football on the weekends.

Football - which team do you support?

Everton for soccer and the New Orleans Saints for American football. Not the most common teams to support, and if I’m being honest, both have probably had more downs than ups over the 30-odd years I’ve been following them. They’ve always been my teams though, and I’m a great believer in loyalty and sticking with stuff through thick and thin. I also support the home-grown Singapore Slingers in basketball through a client who’s a part-owner.

Because loyalty should extend to supporting your home team and where you’re from?

Exactly. In fact, sports has a great deal in common with legal practice. All the traits I’ve listed (challenging oneself, pushing the boundaries while always maintaining balance and control, showing loyalty and perseverance) have been integral in shaping how I’ve approached my practice and my work. It’s also wonderful that I’ve been consistently blessed with a great group of colleagues and clients to work with and alongside. They’re a big part of why I still enjoy practice after all these years.

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