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Singapore Law Watch
2 days ago
- Singapore Law Watch
Jail for ex-lawyer who provided legal services while barred from practice due to bankruptcy
Jail for ex-lawyer who provided legal services while barred from practice due to bankruptcy Source: Straits Times Article Date: 31 May 2025 Author: Shaffiq Alkhatib Helen Chia Chwee Imm pleaded guilty to two charges – one count each of cheating and pretending to be authorised to act as an advocate and solicitor. A former lawyer was sentenced to six months' jail on May 30 after she charged two victims for legal services, even though she had been barred from practising law due to bankruptcy. On May 26, Helen Chia Chwee Imm, 55, who has since been struck off the roll, pleaded guilty to two charges – one count each of cheating and pretending to be authorised to act as an advocate and solicitor. Two other charges were considered during her sentencing. Before handing down the sentence, District Judge James Elisha Lee said the overriding sentencing consideration for offences under the Legal Profession Act is the need to protect the public. He added that stiff sentences are warranted for such offences. Judge Lee also noted that defence lawyer Nicholas Narayanan earlier told the court that Chia had depression due to incidents involving two other clients. One of them was a woman she represented in 2015, whose child was killed by the father. The judge said that while he empathised with Chia, there was a 'lack of clarity' on whether there was a contributory link between her mental state and her current offences. In earlier proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Michelle Tay said that Chia was admitted to the roll of advocates and solicitors of the Supreme Court in 1999. However, she did not have a valid certificate to practise law from Dec 17, 2016, after a bankruptcy order made against her earlier that month. Despite this, Chia met her first victim on Dec 19, 2016, for a consultation after the woman e-mailed her. They then discussed legal issues concerning the woman's care and custody of her son. Subsequently, and without Chia's involvement, the woman and her son's father signed an agreement to manage aspects of their child's life amicably. But on Aug 24, 2017, the woman contacted Chia again after disputes with the man resurfaced. She told Chia that she wanted to formally engage her as the lawyer. Chia agreed, concealing the fact that she did not have a practising certificate. After collecting $2,000 in legal fees, Chia gave her client legal advice. In a court application filed on Nov 9, 2017, Chia indicated that another lawyer was the solicitor in charge of the case, deliberately excluding her own name. It was only on Dec 18, 2017, after the woman asked Chia to attend a mediation session with her, that Chia revealed she was an undischarged bankrupt. In total, Chia collected nearly $13,700 from the woman. Separately, some time around Feb 12, 2018, Chia's friend – the second victim – asked her to act as the lawyer in her divorce proceedings and her plan to apply for a personal protection order. They met on Feb 13, 2018, and Chia reviewed her friend's divorce papers and personal protection order case file. The friend then formally engaged Chia to represent her in the divorce proceedings, and the latter did not say that she could not practise. Instead, Chia told the friend about the follow-up steps and quoted her legal fees of $20,000, saying it was a 'friend' rate – a third of what she would usually charge. After receiving a $3,000 deposit from her friend, Chia gave her legal advice and did a host of legal work for her. Chia also enlisted another lawyer to attend the court mentions for this expedited order matter. On May 2, 2018, the friend was dishonestly induced into paying her $23,000 as legal fees. Chia's bankruptcy order was annulled on May 22, 2018, and she was allowed to practise law again. But a disciplinary tribunal was appointed after a complaint of misconduct was made against her. In June 2021, Chia's friend found out from an article in The Straits Times about the tribunal that Chia had been a bankrupt and did not have a practising certificate when she was representing her. On Oct 26 that year, the tribunal found that there was cause for disciplinary action against Chia. She was struck off the roll of advocates and solicitors in August 2022. In January 2025, Chia made full restitution to the two victims of the legal fees paid to her. She is now out on bail of $80,000 and is expected to begin serving her sentence on July 21. Shaffiq Alkhatib is The Straits Times' court correspondent, covering mainly criminal cases heard at the State Courts. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print 150
Rakyat Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- Rakyat Post
Can Chia-Soh Make History? Malaysian Stars Chase Unprecedented Fourth Consecutive Final After Singapore Open Triumph
Subscribe to our FREE Fresh off their electrifying Singapore Open victory, Malaysian badminton sensations Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik are on the brink of something extraordinary. Having reached three finals in three weeks – including today's triumph – the world number three pair are now eyeing what could be a historic feat at next week's Indonesian Open: four finals in four consecutive weeks, a rare achievement in modern badminton's gruelling calendar. Their recent run reads like a rollercoaster of emotions. After claiming the Thailand Open and Asian Championships titles, they fell to fellow Malaysians Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in last week's Malaysia Masters final. But rather than letting that defeat derail them, they bounced back spectacularly in Singapore, fighting from a set down to defeat Korea's Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae (15-21, 21-18, 21-19) and end Malaysia's 17-year wait for a Singapore Open men's doubles title. Battle Against Time: Can Tired Bodies Match Fighting Spirit? Despite visible fatigue from their marathon run of tournaments, Chia and Soh's momentum seems unstoppable. 'Physical tiredness is there, but what's most important is focusing on the court,' Chia admitted during post-match commentary after their Singapore victory. At the same time, Soh emphasised their point-by-point mentality, which has been key to their success in the World Tour Super 750 event. As they head to Jakarta for the Indonesian Open, the badminton world watches with bated breath. Jakarta Beckons: The Quest for History Can the double bronze medalist at the Olympic Games, recently named The prospect of reaching four consecutive finals – let alone winning them – would be a remarkable achievement in professional badminton, where physical recovery between tournaments is as crucial as skill itself. The USD74,000 (RM314,980) prize from their Singapore triumph might be in the bank, but history beckons in Indonesia's World Tour Super 1000 event. With their current form and the confidence of three finals (two titles) in three weeks behind them, Chia and Soh might just be on the verge of writing another chapter in badminton's history books. READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
New Paper
5 days ago
- New Paper
Jail for ex-lawyer who provided legal services while barred from practice due to bankruptcy
A former lawyer was sentenced to six months' jail on May 30 after she charged two victims for legal services, even though she had been barred from practising law due to bankruptcy. On May 26, Helen Chia Chwee Imm, 55, who has since been struck off the roll, pleaded guilty to two charges - one count each of cheating and pretending to be authorised to act as an advocate and solicitor. Two other charges were considered during her sentencing. Before handing down the sentence, District Judge James Elisha Lee said the overriding sentencing consideration for offences under the Legal Profession Act is the need to protect the public. He added that stiff sentences are warranted for such offences. Judge Lee also noted that defence lawyer Nicholas Narayanan earlier told the court that Chia had depression due to incidents involving two other clients. One of them was a woman she represented in 2015, whose child was killed by the father. The judge said that while he empathised with Chia, there was a "lack of clarity" on whether there was a contributory link between her mental state and her current offences. In earlier proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Michelle Tay said that Chia was admitted to the roll of advocates and solicitors of the Supreme Court in 1999. However, she did not have a valid certificate to practise law from Dec 17, 2016, after a bankruptcy order made against her earlier that month. Despite this, Chia met her first victim on Dec 19, 2016, for a consultation after the woman e-mailed her. They then discussed legal issues concerning the woman's care and custody of her son. Subsequently, and without Chia's involvement, the woman and her son's father signed an agreement to manage aspects of their child's life amicably. But on Aug 24, 2017, the woman contacted Chia again after disputes with the man resurfaced. She told Chia that she wanted to formally engage her as the lawyer. Chia agreed, concealing the fact that she did not have a practising certificate. After collecting $2,000 in legal fees, Chia gave her client legal advice. In a court application filed on Nov 9, 2017, Chia indicated that another lawyer was the solicitor in charge of the case, deliberately excluding her own name. It was only on Dec 18, 2017, after the woman asked Chia to attend a mediation session with her, that Chia revealed she was an undischarged bankrupt. In total, Chia collected nearly $13,700 from the woman. Separately, some time around Feb 12, 2018, Chia's friend - the second victim - asked her to act as the lawyer in her divorce proceedings and her plan to apply for a personal protection order. They met on Feb 13, 2018, and Chia reviewed her friend's divorce papers and personal protection order case file. The friend then formally engaged Chia to represent her in the divorce proceedings, and the latter did not say that she could not practise. Instead, Chia told the friend about the follow-up steps and quoted her legal fees of $20,000, saying it was a "friend" rate - a third of what she would usually charge. After receiving a $3,000 deposit from her friend, Chia gave her legal advice and did a host of legal work for her. Chia also enlisted another lawyer to attend the court mentions for this expedited order matter. On May 2, 2018, the friend was dishonestly induced into paying her $23,000 as legal fees. Chia's bankruptcy order was annulled on May 22, 2018, and she was allowed to practise law again. But a disciplinary tribunal was appointed after a complaint of misconduct was made against her. In June 2021, Chia's friend found out from an article in The Straits Times about the tribunal that Chia had been a bankrupt and did not have a practising certificate when she was representing her. On Oct 26 that year, the tribunal found that there was cause for disciplinary action against Chia. She was struck off the roll of advocates and solicitors in August 2022. In January 2025, Chia made full restitution to the two victims of the legal fees paid to her. She is now out on bail of $80,000 and is expected to begin serving her sentence on July 21.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Straits Times
Jail for ex-lawyer who provided legal services while barred from practice due to bankruptcy
On May 26, Helen Chia Chwee Imm pleaded guilty to two charges – one count each of cheating and pretending to be authorised to act as an advocate and solicitor. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG Jail for ex-lawyer who provided legal services while barred from practice due to bankruptcy SINGAPORE – A former lawyer was sentenced to six months' jail on May 30 after she charged two victims for legal services, even though she had been barred from practising law due to bankruptcy. On May 26, Helen Chia Chwee Imm, 55, who has since been struck off the roll, pleaded guilty to two charges – one count each of cheating and pretending to be authorised to act as an advocate and solicitor. Two other charges were considered during her sentencing. Before handing down the sentence, District Judge James Elisha Lee said the overriding sentencing consideration for offences under the Legal Profession Act is the need to protect the public. He added that stiff sentences are warranted for such offences. Judge Lee also noted that defence lawyer Nicholas Narayanan earlier told the court that Chia had depression due to incidents involving two other clients. One of them was a woman she represented in 2015, whose child was killed by the father. The judge said that while he empathised with Chia, there was a 'lack of clarity' on whether there was a contributory link between her mental state and her current offences. In earlier proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Michelle Tay said that Chia was admitted to the roll of advocates and solicitors of the Supreme Court in 1999. However, she did not have a valid certificate to practise law from Dec 17, 2016, after a bankruptcy order made against her earlier that month. Despite this, Chia met her first victim on Dec 19, 2016, for a consultation after the woman e-mailed her. They then discussed legal issues concerning the woman's care and custody of her son. Subsequently, and without Chia's involvement, the woman and her son's father signed an agreement to manage aspects of their child's life amicably. But on Aug 24, 2017, the woman contacted Chia again after disputes with the man resurfaced. She told Chia that she wanted to formally engage her as the lawyer. Chia agreed, concealing the fact that she did not have a practising certificate . After collecting $2,000 in legal fees, Chia gave her client legal advice. In a court application filed on Nov 9, 2017, Chia indicated that another lawyer was the solicitor in charge of the case, deliberately excluding her own name. It was only on Dec 18, 2017, after the woman asked Chia to attend a mediation session with her, that Chia revealed she was an undischarged bankrupt. In total, Chia collected nearly $13,700 from the woman. Separately, some time around Feb 12, 2018, Chia's friend – the second victim – asked her to act as the lawyer in her divorce proceedings and her plan to apply for a personal protection order. They met on Feb 13, 2018, and Chia reviewed her friend's divorce papers and personal protection order case file. The friend then formally engaged Chia to represent her in the divorce proceedings, and the latter did not say that she could not practise. Instead, Chia told the friend about the follow-up steps and quoted her legal fees of $20,000, saying it was a 'friend' rate – a third of what she would usually charge. After receiving a $3,000 deposit from her friend, Chia gave her legal advice and did a host of legal work for her. Chia also enlisted another lawyer to attend the court mentions for this expedited order matter. On May 2, 2018, the friend was dishonestly induced into paying her $23,000 as legal fees. Chia's bankruptcy order was annulled on May 22, 2018, and she was allowed to practise law again. But a disciplinary tribunal was appointed after a complaint of misconduct was made against her. In June 2021, Chia's friend found out from an article in The Straits Times about the tribunal that Chia had been a bankrupt and did not have a practising certificate when she was representing her. On Oct 26 that year, the tribunal found that there was cause for disciplinary action against Chia. She was struck off the roll of advocates and solicitors in August 2022. In January 2025, Chia made full restitution to the two victims of the legal fees paid to her. She is now out on bail of $80,000 and is expected to begin serving her sentence on July 21. Shaffiq Alkhatib is The Straits Times' court correspondent, covering mainly criminal cases heard at the State Courts. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
NNI, Lien Foundation roll out early palliative care for patients with neurological conditions
Palliative care patient Chia Shyh Shen (bottom) practising on a communication device with Tan Tock Seng Hospital staff on May 29. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG SINGAPORE – The first time Mr Chia Shyh Shen experienced weakness in his right arm, he thought little of it. It was 2021, and the now-71-year-old was trying to change a ceiling light bulb at home. He could not hold his arm raised. At the time , he and his wife, Madam Tam Fee Chin, 70, attributed what they thought was temporary weakness to old age. But soon, M r Chia, who along with his wife was employed at a relative's gold jewellery shop in Johor Bahru, could not even lift a tray at work. Mr Chia was diagnosed in October 2021 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), t he most common type of motor neurone disease, which affects how nerve cells communicate with the muscles . In 2022, the Malaysian couple sought help in Singapore. There is no cure for ALS, which was formerly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. There are around 300 to 400 people living with ALS in Singapore. The condition is more common to individuals older than 50, and afflicts more men than women. Mr Chia is becoming weaker as his motor neurons – the nerve cells sending signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, enabling movement – degenerate and die. He now has minimal mobility below the neck. And as his disease progresses, he will lose the ability to speak, eat and , finally, breathe. Mr Chia, however, remains cheerful, and is looking forward to future trips. His doctor at the National Neuroscience Institute@Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where Mr Chia is a patient, is helping to make sure this stays the case for as long as possible. While this may not sound like much , it reflects the transformation of care that is taking place there, particularly after NNI and the Lien Foundation rolled out in April 2024 a $6.8m five-year initiative to provide palliative care from diagnosis onwards. They call it NeuroPal, which stands for Neuropalliative Ecosystem of care. Prior to 2024, patients were referred to palliative care after experiencing advanced symptoms, said Dr Ang Kexin, a senior consultant at NNI, who has undergone training in palliative care. 'They came to me when they were bed bound or could not talk. Now they come earlier and can express their needs,' she said. 'We ask them about their hobbies... We anticipate their needs. We journey with them.' NNI and the Lien Foundation held a press conference on May 29 to announce NeuroPal and its aim of integrating palliative care into standard neurological care. It will go some way to help alleviate the suffering of patients living with ALS , dementia, Parkinson's disease and other complex brain, spine, nerve and muscle conditions. Palliative care patient Chia Shyh Shen (bottom) was diagnosed in October 2021 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common type of motor neurone disease, which affects how nerve cells communicate with the muscles. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG NeuroPal has screened nearly 2000 NNI patients with neurological conditions, of which 370 patients are given palliative care. NNI@SGH started the programme at one clinic in 2024. By the time NeuroPal ends in five years' time , it should have supported more than 3,600 NNI patients annually at TTSH and SGH, said NNI and the Lien Foundation. The hope is to expand it to other hospitals, and more community care partners. NNI specialists treat patients at seven hospitals across Singapore. With NeuroPal, patients are routinely screened for psychosocial issues and support can then be tailored for them, based on their distress levels. Associate Professor Adeline Ng, Senior Consultant, Neurology, NNI and NeuroPal co-lead, said they use a self-reported short questionnaire called the Distress Thermometer to understand what matters most to the patients. The initiative pumps funding into training and hiring more palliative care staff, including two psychologists, three medical social workers, four nurses and others. Palliative care patient Chia Shyh Shen (bottom) with Tan Tock Seng hospital staff (from centre-left) National Neuroscience Institute Senior Consultant Dr Ang Kexin, Principal Occupational Therapist Huang Huixin and Senior Speech Therapist Yong Xing Tong at the Centre for Geriatric Medicine, in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, on May 29. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG Lien Foundation's CEO Lee Poh Wah said during the press conference that with the initiative, they want to dismantle the misconception that palliative care is only for the end of life. 'It's naive to frame neurological diseases as a battle to be fought at all costs... I think we need a more humane and humble approach to healthcare, one that acknowledges the complexities of living with serious illness.' Palliative care aims to help relieve the symptoms and stress of serious illness and support caregivers, and it can help to reduce unnecessary suffering when it is given early in the disease trajectory, he said. Neurological conditions often unfold as a long journey of progressive decline, where a patient suffers emotional distress and is gradually robbed of his or her independence. Among those who receive palliative care, 60 per cent are cancer patients, but cancer only accounts for 26 per cent of all deaths, he said. The hope is to train more healthcare professionals to deliver general palliative care, he added. Associate Professor David Low, Deputy CEO (Clinical), NNI, told the media that people often think of palliative care as something that is given at the terminal stages of life. But for neurological conditions, the care can start early, for instance, when a person is diagnosed with motor neuron disease. ALS patients typically live for around 3 to 5 years, but there are a lot of outliers, and Mr Chia is one of them, said Dr Ang. To help improve his quality of life, the NeuroPal team at NNI@TTSH regularly monitor him and recommend solutions to help him cope with the inevitable changes that the disease brings. They recently let him try out an eye-tracking device called Tobii, which will enable him to communicate with others or pick out videos to watch, and a tilted wheelchair that can support his neck. 'We are future-proofing him. With Tobii, he can learn it faster now because he can still communicate verbally,' Dr Ang said. With that wheelchair, should he opt to buy it, he can travel in greater comfort, she added. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
