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Dr. Julie Lo
General Counsel
General Counsels in the economic and healthcare landscape of Singapore are known to navigate challenges by driving innovation and fostering sustainable growth. Dr. Julie Lo, General Counsel at the National Healthcare Group (NHG) who refers to herself as an ‘accidental lawyer', entered the legal profession at a time when there were limited degree options, and law seemed the most appealing. She was inspired by the classic legal drama 'Paper Chase’, which focused on the complexities of legal practice, that advocated ‘knowledge is power, and preparation is paramount'. Dr. Julie was hence drawn to the legal profession, attending the prestigious University College London to complete her legal studies, and this laid the groundwork for a meaningful and fulfilling legal profession.
Embarking on an engaging conversation with CEO Insights Asia magazine, Dr. Julie divulges the intricate facets of her journey as one of the prominent General Counsels in Singapore. Let's delve into it.
Tell us about the various roles and responsibilities that you currently handle at National Healthcare Group as the General Counsel.
As General Counsel at National Healthcare Group, there are opportunities for me to influence and contribute through strategic planning, risk management, and ensuring legal compliance. I oversee the legal function and strategic management of legal affairs across a diverse portfolio spanning healthcare, education, medical innovations, and research initiatives, ensuring effective legal counsel, risk mitigation and compliance.
Together with my team, we constantly review and align our legal strategy with National Healthcare Group’s broader focus of ‘Adding Years of Healthy Life’, and where our work can positively impact the health and well-being of patients and the population we serve, contributing to their quality of life.
I encourage a sense of accountability & ownership by giving my team members the freedom to decide within their own boundaries & areas of influence
You also went to the US to study a bar course there. How has this cross-border experience helped you in your current role at National Healthcare Group?
I studied at the English Bar and became a barrister to gain specialized advocacy skills. I am also a qualified New York attorney. These have helped me understand and gain wider perspectives of various international legal systems and practices, and enabled me to guide my legal team at NHG to confidently traverse intricate legal and regulatory frameworks, successfully manage disputes, and promote international cooperation. We have as a team deepened our ability to think critically and adapt strategies in a variety of legal contexts.
What is your leadership approach? What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
I lead by example. As team lead, I strive to set the norm for high ethical standards, and professionalism. Another important area is mentoring.
I think that constructive criticism on difficult problems and professional aspirations should be discussed in regular one-on-one or small-group meetings where assistance and support are given. This enhances the efficiency and coherence of the team while also supporting professional growth.
Adaptability and flexibility play a critical role in workload management and sustaining progress on a variety of tasks.
I reallocate resources and modify deadlines as necessary to guarantee excellent deliverables. Building a strong support network within the team enables members to help one another when work gets busy, which promotes cooperation and a positive atmosphere.
I hope to inspire my team to provide their best efforts through this diverse approach. My objectives are to support each person's development, improve the performance of the team as a whole, and help accomplish our tasks and projects well.
How do you impart your knowledge to guide your team to bring out their best potential and how do you ensure to maintain an equal workflow and progress on every task?
I strive to create a culture of continuous learning and growth, empowerment, and mentoring to unlock my team’s full potential. Regular check-ins with my team members are done, during which we discuss any potential challenges they might be facing, caseload, and how best to manage and address them promptly. Giving constructive feedback, recognizing achievements, encouraging everyone’s professional goals and aspirations, and brainstorming solutions to improve the value of our work to the organization are ways to make our legal career in healthcare fulfilling.
I also believe in effective and open communication with my team to learn about their interests, strengths, and areas for development, fostering an environment where team members feel comfortable approaching me with questions, concerns or suggestions.
Through our legal team’s work structure, each member is empowered and has opportunities to develop leadership skills while gaining expertise in diverse legal areas.
I deeply appreciate the exceptional skill, creativity, and collaboration of our legal team members. Their seamless teamwork, expertise, and energy are crucial in driving results and achieving our objectives.
"Dr. Julie was hence drawn to the legal profession, attending the prestigious University College London to complete her legal studies, & this laid the groundwork for a meaningful & fulfilling legal profession"
In terms of encountering legal issues in an organization, what strategies would you come up with to bolster its legal defense?
I start by carefully examining the situation at hand, carrying out in-depth inquiries to obtain accurate information, and identifying important concerns. Effective contract administration is a key component of our strategy. For consistency and clarity, we encourage the use of standardized templates that include essential legal protections and are routinely reviewed and updated for compliance and industry relevance.
In collaboration with our business units, we develop a legal plan that leverages internal knowledge to effectively oversee external counsel and align legal strategies with our corporate goals.
We also provide regular legal training and education to our colleagues and team members to enhance their understanding of legal issues and best practices.
In light of your experience, what is your advice to individuals stepping into the legal field while hacking future opportunities?
I advise aspiring legal professionals to approach their career development from a variety of angles. First, give top priority to laying a strong foundation through education and training, while upholding sound moral principles, resiliency, and a global viewpoint. Focus on obtaining a solid legal education and gaining real-world experience. Second, tap on internships, and practical training opportunities provided to gain hands-on experiences. Third, as your expertise and experience grow, and armed with a broad understanding of various legal areas, do consider specializing in a particular field of law that interests you and where you see future opportunities for further development. Along with learning negotiation and mediation strategies, practice writing clear documents and developing strong arguments and critical thinking.
Finally, professional associations can provide beneficial mentorship programs, guidance and support at various stages of a legal career. Being part of such associations is thus important.
Dr. Julie Lo, General Counsel, National Healthcare Group
With a Bachelor of Laws from University College London, and a Master of Laws from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Dr. Julie Lo is admitted to practice law in Singapore, England and New York. Her extensive legal education, combined with business acumen from her Doctor of Business Administration degree at the University of South Australia, makes her a highly competent legal practitioner.
- Favourite Hobbies: Exercising, Reading, & Traveling
- Favourite Cuisine: European & Asian
- Favourite Book: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahnemann PhD
- Favourite Travel Destination: UK & Japan
- Awards & Recognition: Friend of the Arts Recipient, Covid-19 Resilience Award