Justice Valerie Thean has been appointed as deputy attorney-general, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced on Monday, March 23. Her two-year term will start on April 1.
A Career in Law and Justice
Justice Thean currently serves as a judge of the Supreme Court, a position she has held since September 2017, following an appointment as judicial commissioner in September 2014. She will resign from her current role on March 31 to take on the new position.
She will be joining the existing team of deputy attorneys-general, which includes Mr Lionel Yee, Mr Tai Wei Shyong and Mr Goh Yihan.
Extensive Experience
Justice Thean’s career in the Singapore Legal Service began in 1992 as a justice’s law clerk. Over the years, she has held positions including assistant registrar at the Supreme Court, senior state counsel at the Attorney General’s Chambers, and deputy secretary of the Ministry of Law. She also served as a senior district judge in the family and juvenile justice division of the State Courts.
In addition to her work within the legal system, Justice Thean has also contributed to legal education, teaching arbitration as an adjunct associate professor at the National University of Singapore.
Attorney-General Mr Lucien Wong stated that Justice Thean possesses a “deep and comprehensive understanding of Singapore’s legal system” and that the Attorney-General’s Chambers will “benefit greatly from her vast experience.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Justice Thean’s educational background?
Justice Thean received the President’s Scholarship in 1988. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours) from the University of Cambridge in 1991 and a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School in 1995.
What has been the government’s response to this appointment?
The PMO stated, “The government thanks Justice Thean for her significant contributions during her time with the judiciary.”
What areas of law is Justice Thean particularly known for?
According to the Attorney-General, Justice Thean is “recognised for her contributions to family law and juvenile justice.”
How might this appointment shape the future direction of the Attorney-General’s Chambers?
