Areas that you specialize in and why you choose this practice area
I specialize in dispute resolution and guide my clients through potential and actual legal disputes. I believe in achieving commercial solutions and through the offering of practical legal advice, I assist my clients to settle their disputes in an amicable and cost effective manner. When a legal action is appropriate, I work tirelessly in advancing each of my clients’ case and in persuading a court or a tribunal of my clients’ rights. I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to resolve a wide variety of disputes, including, disputes relating to statutory interpretations, shareholder and private equity investments, family and matrimonial issues, estate and trust issues, constitutional and administrative law, commodities and shipping and defamation and reputation protection. I am instructed as lead counsel and assist as second chair in matters before the Singapore Courts and also regularly appear in commercial arbitrations before the International Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre.
Disputes can be complex, costly and disruptive and, if not resolved effectively, can adversely impact a client’s reputation and value. I find it meaningful and enjoy the challenge of helping my clients to navigate through these disputes and in helping them to obtain the best possible outcomes.
What made you want to be a lawyer, and what drives you today
From a very young age, I have been interested in finding creative solutions to difficult and sometimes, impossible, problems. I remember when my family gave me the Lego 8880 Super Car set in 1995. It was a 1343 piece set that took me some years to finish. I recall the satisfaction I felt when I finally completed building the car.
I find the practice of law similar to building that car; it is challenging, it demands hard work and dedication and it requires patience and understanding of how each individual piece fits into the bigger picture. The satisfaction I get when I resolve disputes in a manner that benefits all relevant stakeholders provides me with the drive and motivation to remain in a practice area which consumes a large amount of my time.
Common misconceptions about your practice area
People expect all successful litigators to be cold blooded individuals who are overly aggressive. While this may be true of some litigators, the art of persuasion does not lie in how loud one speaks or the extent of a person’s aggression.
If you were to start a business someday, what would it be and why?
A business that focuses on providing education for the soul. Human behavior, namely what drives and motivates us as individuals and as a society is a topic that I take great interest in. I believe that finding happiness and contentment can be a lifelong struggle for some and I would very much like to help others in this search.
Your most prized possession
Patience. I am grateful to have inherited the art of being patient from my father. In a profession where there is a high level of stress and never ending demands from clients, opponents and the judicial system, I am fortunate to be able to patiently absorb these demands, and balance and meet expectations in a focused and a clear-minded manner.
Fun facts about you
#1. In my youth, I used to participate in track and field events competitively. My favourite events were the 200 meters run, long jump and high jump. Sadly, the only ‘sports’ I do now consists of occasionally visiting the gym and, less occasionally (thankfully), running to court when the taxi queue is too long.
#2. I am big on Greek philosophy. I enjoy reading how Greek philosophers such as Pythagoras, Socrates and Aristotle approached the difficult questions of life; Who are we? How can we be happy? Currently, I am reading Apology or ‘apologia’ (which means defense in Greek) by Plato.
#3. I am obsessed with Star Wars and consider myself the NUMBER ONE Star Wars fan. I recently took part in the 10 km Star Wars run and watched the Force Awakens under the stars. It was amazing!
About Ushan
Read more about Ushan or find out more about his firm Withers KhattarWong.
Come ask Ushan questions on cyberbullying and defamation on 8th June 2017
Ushan will be one of the lawyer panelists speaking on cyberbullying and defamation at Collision 8 on June 8 from from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Come hear him share what you need to know about protecting yourself from cyberbullying and defamation.
This event is organized with Collision 8.
Sign up today!
This article does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion on any matter discussed and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and practice in this area. If you require any advice or information, please speak to practicing lawyer in your jurisdiction. No individual who is a member, partner, shareholder or consultant of, in or to any constituent part of Interstellar Group Pte. Ltd. accepts or assumes responsibility, or has any liability, to any person in respect of this article.