BAC Law Society's Historic First Visit
to Othman Hashim & Co

On 26th August 2025, in a milestone event, members of the BAC Law Society and aspiring legal professionals were granted a rare opportunity to visit the prestigious Othman Hashim & Co. The firm is one of Malaysia’s foremost commercial law firms, highly regarded for its expertise in insurance and banking law. Designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice, the visit provided valuable insights into the inner workings of a top-tier legal firm and the realities of legal practice.

A Legacy of Legal Excellence

Established in October 1983 as Othman Hashim Chen & Co. by Dato’ Othman Hashim and Peter Chen, the firm has evolved remarkably from its early focus on non-litigation work, such as conveyancing, banking and corporate advisory services. Dato’ Othman, formerly a law lecturer at ITM, brought academic depth to the firm’s early foundation. Today, the firm is renowned for its specialisation in insurance disputes, banking matters and real estate law, widely regarded as one of the country's top names in contentious insurance work.

The Visit: An Unforgettable Experience

The day began with everyone heading to Othman Hashim & Co., where they were warmly welcomed by the firm’s team, setting the stage for an engaging and informative morning. Participants were then taken on an in-depth tour of the firm’s offices, offering a rare opportunity to observe the dynamic work environment and get a firsthand look at how daily operations run in a fast-paced legal practice.

A Candid and Inspiring Sharing Session

The heart of the visit was a highly anticipated sharing session. Unlike traditional panel discussions, this session was kept informal to create a relaxed and relatable atmosphere, especially for newer law students. The goal was clear: to inform, inspire and encourage.

The speakers included:

Mr. Tai Wei Hao, who recounted his journey across various law firms before finding a permanent position at Othman Hashim & Co. He underscored the importance of gaining broad legal exposure before settling into a specific path.

Ms. Kimberly Yap Mei Chyi, who spoke about her chambering experience and how she secured a permanent position at the firm. She also provided an overview of general civil law, litigation and banking practices, emphasising the significance of perseverance and performance.

Ms. Ong Hui Yi, who prepared a concise slide presentation detailing her professional growth within the firm. She offered valuable insights into commercial and banking procedures, with practical advice for students considering a similar career path.

Ms. Puvarnisha Paskaran, the session’s highlight speaker, engaged the audience with a heartfelt reflection on the challenges faced by young legal professionals. She emphasised the unseen struggles and shared empowering advice on navigating the early stages of a legal career.

The visit also included a Q&A and networking session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers and other legal practitioners from the firm. Discussions ranged from career development to the inner workings of corporate law and, notably, the niche and highly specialised field of insurance law. Between the tour and the sharing session, the firm graciously served refreshments to all attendees, fostering a warm and welcoming environment. To mark the occasion, each participant received a thoughtful gift pack that included a notebook and planner, perfect tools for future legal professionals.

A Historic First

As Ms. Karina, a representative from Othman Hashim & Co., proudly shared, this event marked a historic milestone as the first-ever official student visi to the firm since its founding in 1983. It was not just a visit, but it was a pioneering collaboration that opened new doors for students to understand the legal world beyond the classroom.

This meaningful engagement with Othman Hashim & Co. not only enriched participants’ understanding of the Malaysian legal industry but also offered inspiration and guidance to those preparing to take their first steps into the profession. It stands as a testament to the power of experience-based learning and the value of mentorship within the legal community.

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