Singapore, Singapore
With more than a decade of dedicated service, Jessica has traversed an incredible journey at Pro Bono SG, evolving from an Executive Officer to presently spearheading Operations as the Senior Manager in the Representation department. Jessica’s tenure began with facilitating applicants in accessing legal aid, progressing steadily to orchestrating a team of 7 to 8 officers dedicated to the cause. Jessica’s role encompassed the management of not just the core Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS), but also extends support in family justice under the Family Justice Support Scheme (FJSS), and various community law matters. Engaged in some policy-making initiatives, Jessica sits in on meetings with the Criminal Legal Aid Steering Committee (CLA SC), Ministry of Law, and more, together with esteemed counterparts to steer the course of impactful change. Driven by a commitment to ensure legal representation for the needy applicants, Jessica embarked on facilitating pro bono work in 2012, helping individuals without adequate support. To date, Jessica has been privileged to assist over thousands of applicants, a testament to Jessica’s unwavering dedication to empowering the underprivileged through legal aid. This journey continues to fuel Jessica’s drive to serve and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
Jessica led a transformative initiative consolidating three distinct schemes — Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS), Family Justice Support Scheme (FJSS), and another scheme for ad hoc community legal issues — into a unified, streamlined program. Jessica and her team enhanced and streamlined processes for the newly incorporated schemes, ensuring a seamless transition and improved functionality. Embracing a holistic approach, Jessica aligned the department’s strategies with organizational goals, collaborating with other departments to ensure that efforts were synchronized and contributed to the broader organizational objectives.
Jessica engaged in liaising with key stakeholders and was responsible in crucial aspects of team management. This included actively participating in the hiring process and conducting performance evaluations for the team. She dedicated efforts to refine existing processes, optimizing efficiency and productivity within the operations. Additionally, Jessica proactively identified stakeholder needs, aligning strategies to meet evolving requirements and ensuring that services consistently exceeded expectations.
Jessica transitioned from direct operational involvement to a leadership position where she focused on training and mentoring officers to proficiently carry out their responsibilities. By offering ongoing guidance, Jessica ensured a seamless transfer of operational responsibilities while maintaining high standards of performance and efficiency within the team.
In addition to the responsibilities as an Executive Officer, Jessica actively engaged with the public, addressing inquiries, while coordinating and organizing impactful pro bono initiatives. She cultivated productive relationships by liaising with external agencies and authorities.
In addition to the responsibilities as an Executive Officer, Jessica actively engaged with the public, addressing inquiries, while coordinating and organizing impactful pro bono initiatives. She cultivated productive relationships by liaising with external agencies and authorities.
Jessica interviewed applicants to assess aid eligibility, meticulously administered means tests and gathered pertinent information for each case. She organized case assignments for volunteer lawyers, ensuring they aligned with individual needs, and crafted comprehensive reports and correspondences.