Changing of the Guard at JTJB for 2024
As part of a planned leadership transition at the Firm, John Sze will be taking over as the Managing Partner of JTJB with effect from 1 February 2024. John Sze succeeds Murali Pany, who has been the firm’s Managing Partner since 1 July 2013.
Murali Pany made the following statement:
“Planned succession and renewal are key elements to the successful longevity of any organisation. It is always important, and indeed necessary, to have an injection of fresh ideas, approaches, perspectives and energy. On 1st July 2013, Dato’ Jude Benny passed the baton of JTJB leadership to me. Now, after 10 and a half years, the time has come for me to pass on the baton in turn.”
The full message by Murali Pany can be found here. Murali Pany will continue in active practice as a Senior Partner at JTJB, and a member of the firm’s Exco.
John Sze has been with the firm since June 2003, was appointed Partner on 1 January 2010, and Deputy Managing Partner on 1 January 2015. John primarily practices in Maritime and International Trade litigation. He is a graduate of the National University of Singapore’s Law School and holds a Masters in Maritime Law (Distinction) from the University of Southampton, whilst on a Maritime Port Authority of Singapore scholarship. John is an active participant in Maritime organisations in Singapore and is a Senior Accredited Specialist in Maritime and Shipping Law. John has been the Deputy Managing Partner and a member of the firm’s Exco for the past 8 years.
Dato’ Jude Benny, Co-Founder and Consultant at JTJB, has this to say about the leadership change:
“This leadership transition is a momentous occasion for the firm, being only the third leadership change in the history of the firm. Murali has achieved much during his tenure as Managing Partner, and deserves great credit for strengthening the firm in the past decade. Handing over the firm to John, a maritime and shipping specialist who spent his past 20 years at the firm, 13 of which as a Partner, ensures the continuation of the firm’s fine reputation as a leading law firm in Singapore, whose ethos is built on a strong work ethic, a dedicated and professional practice, and its ability to be an innovative and trend setting law firm. John has built a solid reputation as a leading maritime and shipping lawyer, as well as proven himself as a dedicated and committed member of the management team. I have no doubt that the firm will continue to excel under his leadership.”
In other changes to the management, JTJB’s Senior Partner, Danny Chua will become a Consultant with effect from 1 January 2024. Danny joined the firm in October 1999, and has been instrumental in building up the Firm’s maritime and shipping practice with the Firm’s Co-Founder Dato’ Jude Benny. Danny Chua will continue his active legal practice in the Firm.
Additionally, Ting Chi Yen will be promoted to Senior Partner at the firm, with effect from 1 January 2024. Chi Yen has been in practice for over 20 years and joined JTJB in March 2023. He specialises in Corporate, Banking and Finance matters. Chi Yen’s promotion recognises his ability and experience in his practice areas.
The leadership changes at JTJB will ensure that the Firm continues to regenerate and innovate as it moves into its 36th year as a leading law firm founded in Singapore, with a network of offices around the world.