Bankside Singapore and Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) have held the first Cross-Examination Competition judged by Bankside arbitrators Dr Anna Kirk and Hon Sir Mark Cooper KC, Justice Debbie Ong, and Deputy Attorney-General Goh Yihan, on 24 June 2026 at courtrooms 26B and 26D of the Singapore State Courts.
Bankside Singapore members Robert Heath KC, Polly Pope, Rina See and Karen Chow, and Bankside Singapore Coordinator David Grief also attended the inaugural competition which showcased Singapore’s emerging advocacy talent.
Bankside Singapore’s partnership with the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) is part of Bankside Singapore’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Singapore legal community, including its emerging practitioners.
The inaugural Cross-examination Competition was designed to give young lawyers a rare opportunity to develop and showcase their cross-examination skills in a realistic courtroom setting. “We know it can be difficult for younger practitioners to get advocacy experience, so this is a fantastic opportunity to practise those skills in a supportive environment,” said Dr Anna Kirk.
Congratulations to competition winner Laura Sim, who will receive a two-week placement with Bankside Singapore members in New Zealand.
“Laura was outstanding in her cross-examination. She controlled the witness and had a confident and natural courtroom presence” says Polly Pope. “We look forward to having her join us here at Bankside in Auckland in early 2027.”
"This win would not have been possible without the foundation I built at SMU and the International Moots Programme”, said Laura.
We also congratulate Lau Yi Hang (Louis) for receiving the award for Best Handling of a Witness, and Alicia Seah and Dennis Saw Teng Sheng for receiving first and second runner up awards respectively.
The competition featured a series of structured rounds involving live witnesses, assessors, and moderators. Participants were assessed on their cross-examination technique, advocacy skills, and overall performance.
"It was a fantastic event and an excellent opportunity for emerging advocates to develop their skills," said Robert Heath KC. "We look forward to offering the competition again for Singapore lawyers."
Bankside Singapore would like to thank Kevin Kwek, Jiamin Leow, Cherisse Foo and their team at SAL, for supporting the competition.
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