From the Gallery to the Front Row: A Courtroom Charade
As a fresh law graduate undergoing pupillage at Alex Chang & Co., I never expected to be thrown into the chaos of a complex court case filled with heavy accounting jargon. The case revolved around intricate inancial accounting principles, making it both challenging and eye-opening.
Day of Trial
1 Given the complexity of the matter, both parties called accounting experts to assist the court, together with external auditors and resident accountants, 6 accountants were called as witnesses. We were representing the Defendant. The most unforgettable moment of my pupillage came during one of the trial days when we were representing the Defendant.
2 My master unexpectedly called me aside and asked me to assist in the trial—not in the usual manner, but by helping the Plaintifff’s opposing expert during cross-examination. As a pupil of attached to the Defendant’s counsel, this was highly unusual.
2.1 It is rare for one party to extend assistance to the other, especially when it involves the Defendant helping the Plaintiff’s expert witness, a key material witness. However, my master agreed, and suddenly, I found myself playing a role in what should have been the opponent’s responsibility.
2.2 The Plaintiff’s expert was struggling to navigate the mountain of documents before him. His hearing was not the best, and the disorganised stacks of legal bundles made it difficult for him to keep up, leading to delays in an already time-sensitive trial.
3 In an instant, I went from being an observer in the public gallery to sitting in the front row—right beside the expert witness, a seat typically reserved for court interpreters. It felt like I had been handed a golden ticket to the front rowlines of a high-stakes legal battle.
My Role in the Game
4 My task seemed simple—call out page numbers, guide the expert to specific sections, and ensure he remained on track. However, maintaining composure, decorum, and politeness while practically shouting instructions in open court proved to be quite a challenge. I am happy to note, I managed.
Courtroom Charades
5 Repeating, “Page 32, paragraph 5!” at regular intervals with professional restraint was not something I had anticipated. The expert, sitting beside me, would glance over and asked confirm, “Page 38, paragraph 6?”
6 It felt as though he was playing a peculiar game of courtroom charades, much to the quiet amusement of those present.
7 Despite the unusual situation, I managed to navigate the ordeal without any major missteps. My name even appeared in the court’s notes of proceedings—a small but memorable achievement for a pupil in chambers.
The Cross-Examination
8 Looking back, what stood out most was not just the complexity of the case but the unwavering dedication of my master, Mr Alex Chang, and my senior, Miss Lim. Observing their skill and professionalism was truly inspiring.
8.1 Sitting in the front row allowed me to witness the subtle facial expressions of the witnesses, lawyers, and even the learned judge— an entirely different perspective compared to the usual view of mine of the robed backs (of counsel) in court from the gallery.
8.2 It was not just about furrowed brows and serious expressions; it was about the sharp, incisive questions posed by our team and the confident responses (to the challenges from the opponent) that highlighted our team’s their deeper grasp of the subject compared to the struggling opposition.
Dismantling the Argument
9 Mr Alex Chang masterfully dismantled the Plaintiff’s argument by getting their own expert to admit that if the reference date provided by the Plaintiff was incorrect, then his entire report would be flawed.
9.1 That admission shattered the very foundation of the Plaintiff’s claim, which was entirely reliant on the expert’s calculations. After four and a half days of intense cross-examination, the Plaintiff’s case had been severely weakened.
Undermined the Expert’s Credibility
10 Mr Alex Chang further undermined the expert’s credibility by questioning his qualifications and expertise, significantly diminishing the weight of his testimony in court.
10.1 The balance tipped even further in our favour when the expert admitted under cross-examination that he did not possess neither an AF nor an NF, number for audit and non audit practices from the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
10.2 The Plaintiff’s is so-called expert, whose purpose was to assist the court by providing an opinion on audited accounts, lacked the very qualification necessary for such an assessment!
11 The meticulous preparation undertaken by my master and my senior became evident. They had spent countless hours reviewing documents, consulting experts, and studying the case from every possible angle. Their command over accounting matters, despite being legal professionals, was truly impressive.
11.1 Our team even managed to get the expert to concede that a particular accounting principle cited in his report was not found in any recognised accounting standards. A lawyer had succeeded in making an accountant admit that his expertise was unsupported by any documented standard.
12 This experience reinforced a crucial truth: no matter the subject or expertise involved, once inside the courtroom, it is the lawyers who control the game. A skilled lawyer possesses the ability to deconstruct even the most technical arguments and emerge victorious through legal strategy and advocacy.
13 The extensive groundwork put in by Mr Alex Chang and Miss Lim paid off. Their long hours of consultation, document organisation, and thorough case analysis enabled them to systematically dismantle a significant portion of the Plaintiff’s arguments with ease.
14 They demonstrated that being an exceptional lawyer is not just about intellect—it requires tireless preparation, unwavering diligence, and the commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for the client.
15 I am grateful for the opportunity to witness such professionalism firsthand. This experience has provided invaluable lessons that I will carry with me as I continue my journey in the legal profession.
