Fountain Court marked one year of its office in Singapore this month, as well as Singapore’s 50th year of independence, with its annual party and presentation of the Christopher Bathurst Prize on 1st September 2015.  It is the 6th year Chambers has awarded the prize in memory of Christopher Bathurst QC (1934-2009) who as a member of Fountain Court developed a substantial practice in Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore, whilst still being a leading practitioner at the Commercial Bar in London.  The prize was kindly supported again this year by the Singapore Academy of Law.

The party was held at the newly renovated Lantern Bar at The Fullerton Bay Hotel, which has spectacular views across Marina Bay.  The guests were old and new friends of Fountain Court, spanning across the legal profession in Singapore and the Pan-Asia region.

Fountain Court was represented by its Head of Chambers, Stephen Moriarty QC and, as in previous years, the prize was presented by its former Head of Chambers and close friend of Christopher Bathurst, Michael Brindle QC.  Member Niamh Cleary, Senior Clerk Alex Taylor and Practice Manager (Asia) Caroline McConnon also attended the event on behalf of Fountain Court and were joined by our Australian door tenant, Kanaga Dharmananda SC.

The winner was Mr Ivan Lim Jun Rui, a Senior Associate at Allen & Gledhill, whose prize is an all-expenses paid trip to spend 2 weeks at Fountain Court in London.

Participants were asked to submit a piece of written legal advice, not more than 5000 words, in a hypothetical scenario.  Entrants were judged on a variety of criteria, namely, originality, critical analysis, succinctness, clarity, persuasiveness and pragmatism. The judges were Mr Michael Brindle QC, Mr Toh Kian Sing, SC of Rajah & Tann LLP and Ms Sandra Annette Booysen, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore. Fountain Court are grateful for their ongoing commitment to the Prize.

The winning and runner up advices can be found below:

  • Mr Ivan Lim Jun Rui, Allen & Gledhill LLP
  • Mr Pang Weng Fong, Singapore Management University

Fountain Court would like to thank everyone who has continued to support them in Singapore and London, and to congratulate Singapore on its 50th anniversary.