A New Era for the Law Society

SINGAPORE – In a significant shift for the Law Society of Singapore, veteran dispute resolution lawyer Samuel Chacko has officially taken on the role of vice-president, effective immediately. This change comes in the wake of the resignation of his predecessor, Mr. Chia Boon Teck, who stepped down following backlash for insensitive remarks regarding a rape survivor.

Chacko Brings Extensive Experience to the Table

Chacko, a prominent figure in the legal field, is the head of the dispute resolution practice group at Legis Point Chambers. His expertise spans arbitration, commercial disputes, and international trade. An alumnus of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, Chacko earned a Master of Laws from the prestigious University of Cambridge.

Admitted to the English Bar in 1992, he became an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore in 1994. His depth of experience positions him as a strong leader for the society as it navigates through turbulent waters.

The Circumstances of the Change

The change in leadership follows a scandal involving Mr. Chia, who faced intense criticism for comments made about a rape survivor connected to the high-profile case of Lev Panfilov, a TikToker and actor. Chia's LinkedIn remarks, which many deemed as 'victim shaming', sparked outrage and calls for his resignation.

In particular, Chia questioned the victim's awareness during the traumatic incident, comments that he later deleted amid a flurry of discontent from both the legal community and the public.

Community Response and Reflection

The fallout from Chia's comments prompted a strong reaction among peers, including Law Society President Lisa Sam Hui Min and Law Minister K. Shanmugam, who expressed deep concern for the message such remarks send to potential victims.

During a recent meeting, Shanmugam urged Chia to reflect on his statements, emphasizing the need for accountability and sensitivity in discussions related to victims of crime.

Looking Ahead

With Samuel Chacko stepping into the vice-presidential role, the Law Society hopes to restore confidence and strengthen its commitment to advocacy for justice and victim support. As Mr. Chacko embarks on his term, which will run until December 31, 2025, his leadership will undoubtedly be scrutinized in this new and challenging chapter for the society.