I am currently traveling in Southeast Asia and have spent a couple of weeks in Singapore, meeting lawyers and firms to get a stronger handle on the state of play in the region. It’s my first work trip (and also my first holiday) in three years, so it all feels very foreign to me.

Just as foreign a concept is the willingness I’ve found among Singapore lawyers to speak candidly. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. Lawyers who are willing to call a spade a spade are my favorite.