Ji En Lee
⚒️ What do you do?
I am the CEO and co-founder of Chambers Lab.
I am on a mission to help disputes practitioners practice in a happier (and better!) way. Chambers Lab takes care of the “unsexy” but crucial components of a successful independent practice (everything from virtual admin support to business development support to tech support) so that our clients can focus on what truly matters – the practice of law.
We also work with David Grief, who has years of experience as “the Law’s Middleman”, to help lawyers (both independents and law firms) build the right team for their cases.
🏆 What is your proudest achievement?
I had the privilege of working with my good friend, Too Xing Ji, to represent Pannir Selvam – a death row inmate in Singapore. We were instructed at the dock in the Singapore Court of Appeal on 23 May 2019 – the day before Pannir was scheduled to be executed. Fortunately, the CA agreed with us on that day and granted Pannir a stay of execution.
I am proud to have known Pannir as a person. Despite the setbacks in his life, Pannir remains determined to live a meaningful life. He even managed to write some songs in the prison! You can check out “Arah Tuju” by Santesh and “Bukan Sekadar Hikayat” by Saint T.F.C. on YouTube.
⌛ There are now 25 hours in a day! How do you spend your extra hour?
Sleep! We live in a sleep-deprived society, and I think we will all be much happier and much more productive if we sleep better (both in terms of quality and quantity).
If I had enough sleep, I would probably spend that extra hour taking life in the slow lane – meditate or do some reflections.
🚀 If you weren't a lawyer, what would you do?
Well, I think my current role is the answer to this question. I have always enjoyed solving problems and tinkering with technology, so I am very grateful that my current role allows me to combine these passions with my passion for law (and the notion of justice).
😋 Your favourite food haunt
My favourite “mamak” (i.e. Indian-Muslim eateries in Malaysia, which I consider to be an institution in the Malaysian food culture) is the one under the big tree in Kepong Baru in Kuala Lumpur. For the longest time, this “mamak” existed without a name. We just referred to it as the “mamak” under the big tree, and everyone would know where you were referring to.
Their nasi lemak and fried chicken (with sambal) are to die for. There is also something very comforting and “chill” about eating and hanging out under a big tree. You can find it on Google Maps as the “Big Tree Head Mamak”: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FbBhToxa9mQfPy5x5
For the more health-conscious crowd, Ganga Cafe (the place featured in my picture above) is a must-try if you are in KL, Malaysia. They serve delicious Indian and vegetarian food, as well as a great Pranic juice.