A Lens through an Indonesian Corporate Lawyer

Hukum Kita Untuk Muda interviewed Seema Sunghay, a lawyer about her journey into corporate law, from beginning their career as a litigation lawyer in India to unexpectedly continuing in the legal field after moving to Indonesia in 2006. Reflecting on her path, she shared regrets, strengths, and importance for the youth interested in law.

Read the full interview transcript here.

Question: What was your moment that made you realize corporate law was the right path for you?

Answer: I started my practice as a litigation lawyer in India. Before coming to Indonesia, I had practiced for 6 years in District courts and High Court of Karnataka. So, when I moved to Indonesia in 2006, I had no idea that I would continue to be in the legal field. I was willing to take up any job, including being a cashier in a CAREFORE supermarket. It was one Sunday morning that there was an advertisement in the newspaper Jakarta Post calling for lawyers with 5 to 10 years experience that I responded to and got appointed as a senior associate in an international law firm immediately. I was extremely fortunate to have found a place in a law firm. Also note foreign lawyers can only practice on the corporate side in Indonesia and hence, I had to let go of my dream of being a litigation lawyer but was grateful to continue to be in the legal field as a corporate lawyer. Whilst I miss being a litigation lawyer, I am pleased to be a corporate lawyer.

Question: If you could go back and tell your teenage self one thing about law, what would it be?

Answer: I should have pursued law earlier than I did. So, I did my law after graduating in science. This means I had wasted 3 years.

Question: From a professional standpoint, what is the one area of law (e.g., contracts, IP, employment) you wish Indonesian teenagers understood better before they enter the workforce or start a business?

Answer: Contracts and employment. Contracts can be very challenging.. but one must know how to draft it....as the devil lies in details and employment. Yes, of course, you should know both the rights and obligations as an employee.

Question: What is your advice to young teenagers who are aspiring lawyers?

Answer: Work hard, be patient, and be humble....give your best. The law field is a profession. You will reap its benefits in the long run. Don't be tempted by other fields that give you better earnings. There is no shortcut. Don't be in a hurry to make money. Money will follow the quality of work and the person and lawyer you are.

Most of all enjoy your work, rest will follow.

A Lens through an Indonesian Law Student

Through an interview with an Indonesian Law Student’s perspective, we interviewed Arabelle Joky, a student in Law in the University of Gajah Mada, she shared how her interests shifted from business to law, the skills she hopes to develop through legal education, and her growing curiosity toward environmental law. Reflecting on her experiences, she discussed how studying law has changed the way she views everyday issues and why legal education is essential in empowering young people.

Read the full transcript here.

Question: What inspired you to choose law as your field of study?

Answer: In tenth grade I was dead set on wanting to do business. However, my life literally flipped outside down when I watched Suits, yes, really. That show made me realize not only the importance of having soft skills such as negotiation, reading, analytical, and communication skills, but that it can be implemented in every aspect of life, as law touches upon every field of life. Thus, I chose law to enhance those skills and get me a degree that can be useful in any career.

Question: Which subject or area of law do you find most interesting so far, and why?

Answer: Personally, I find environmental law very interesting. Though not so keen yet in having that as my concentration, I’ve learned that environmental law touches upon the usage of the environment and the regulations behind those usages, whether that be on a big or small scale, or conducted by whom (government, civil society, etc.) It is also very in-demand due to the rise of environmental awareness in society.

Question: How do you think legal education can empower young people?

Answer: Law is within us, and we are bound by law. Without the knowledge and education of law, society would fail to recognize their rights, obligations, and the reasons for the changes in our society. It makes the people more empowered and knowledgeable in the way that they not only understand that laws affect their lives, but also how politics, international relations, and the rise in technology can be affected by the legal rules imposed

Question: How has studying law changed the way you view everyday issues?

Answer: Studying law has definitely made me question things more. Not everything is black and white, especially in Indonesia, a lot of the everyday issues we see are quite gray, and hence makes us act to question and not settle to the status quo.

We interviewed a 17-year-old high school student aspiring to pursue law, who shared thoughtful insights on why legal education matters for today’s youth. He reflected on how law shapes life from birth and emphasized the importance of understanding legal changes that can affect young people’s futures. Driven by a strong sense of justice and belief in the presumption of innocence, he expressed his motivation to study law as a way to seek truth and challenge injustice.

Read the full transcript here.

A Lens through an Aspiring Law Student

Question: Why do you think it's important for the youth to learn about law?

Answer: Law pretty much revolves around us and affects us in ways we don't even realize. The moment that we are born, we are bound by some sort of law, be it the laws of nature, the laws of physics, or even law in the meaning of the rules of the country and state itself. The moment you are born, you are tied to a rule you are supposed to follow to what the government believes they find peaceful. Which is why I think it's important for the youth to learn about law, so that when changes occur, when conventions are ratified, they know what's gonna change, and they know what's coming, whether for the good or bad of their future.

Question: What is the main reason or goal that is driving you to become a law student?

Answer: The main reason for me is because I very much pursue the truth in the world. Whenever I see someone being done dirty, whenever I see injustice happening, it compels me a lot more to uncover the truth and defend, because I truly believe that everyone is absolvent before proven guilty.

Question: If you could ask a lawyer one question about a legal issue affecting your daily life, what would it be?

Answer: Perhaps regarding the fortitude of the legality in the first place and if the loopholes are too transparent and injustice happens regularly. That is what I'm most curious about, as my daily life could be changed by people trespassing or circumventing laws with very very tight loopholes.

Question: What area of law in Indonesia do you think will be the most relevant for your generation?

Answer: I will answer with one phrase only. Criminal Litigation lawyers.