Background:

Anitha graduated from the University of London with an LLB (Hons) in 1996, which was her second degree in law. She went on to pursue her LLM in University of London in 2006 focussing on criminology and youth justice. Whilst pursuing the second degree and the Masters program, she worked in Singapore Law Practices and gained good footing in various aspect of the law, particularly, general litigation, family matters, probate and administration and accident claims. In 2004, she joined the then Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports (MCYS). 

There, as a Senior Probation Officer, she undertook rehabilitative work with youthful offenders and adult offenders with mental health issues. In 2009, she joined the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) as an Assistant Public Prosecutor and subsequently was appointed as a Deputy Public Prosecutor. During her stint at the AGC she handled a wide variety of criminal prosecutions. She was also actively involved in matters concerning youth offenders and human trafficking. She left the Legal Service in July 2018 and was subsequently called to the Bar as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore in November 2018. 

Main Areas of Practice:

During her undergraduate days she worked closely with Dr G Raman and gained an in-depth understanding in Probate and Administration practice. Dealing with families and empowering them to resolve conflicts was the mainstay of her work at the Probation Services Branch. Anitha has good understanding of the criminal justice system in Singapore and has conducted numerous trials, both in the State Courts and the High Court. Therefore, Anitha’s practice, naturally focuses on Crime, Probate and the full array of Family/Youth Court matters including Child Protection. Her maturity, experience and varied background enables her to undertake a wide array of work with ease. She is also especially adept with Accident, Personal Injury and Work Injury Compensation matters from the experience gained while working for the Late Mr K Jayabalan & Late Mr Soo Tat Kun of Cooma, Lau & Loh.

Criminal Practice:

Anitha has a clear understanding of the policy and public interest perspectives that direct prosecution in Singapore. She confidently and fearlessly presents arguments in court to ensure that the charging, plea-bargaining and sentencing positions are in line with the policy and public interest objectives. She has also acted for clients who wished to commence private prosecutions. She actively volunteers her time and represents accused persons under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme and was a recipient of the Certificate of Appreciation in 2019. She believes that after all, “in a dark confused world the kingdom of God may reign in the hearts of men (Martin Luther King)”. 

Family Law Practice:

Anitha has vast experience in dealing with familial issues, child protection and youth court matters during her stint at MCYS (now MSF). She has represented parents who resisted the care and protection order and the removal of their child by the officers of the Child Protection Services. She has represented clients in various matrimonial disputes and divorce proceedings. Under the tutelage of Dr G Raman she sharpened her skills in dealing with estate matters and matters involving complex trust principles. Writing of wills, application for Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration aside, Anitha has represented clients who have challenged the validity of wills and grants of probate. She has also ably argued before the high court on severance of joint tenancy to seek a fair and equitable apportionment for her client. Her maturity, conflict resolution and problem solving skills and ability to connect with her clients have made her very popular amongst her clients. Anitha is a panel lawyer with the Legal Aid Bureau and represents clients with limited means to have equal access to law and justice.