Harry Elias, one of Singapore’s best-known trial lawyers and the founder of Harry Elias Partnership (HEP), passed away on Aug. 26. He was 83.
Elias began his legal career at Shearn Delamore & Co. in Kuala Lumpur in 1965. In 1970, he returned to Singapore, joining Drew & Napier, where he was made an administrative partner in 1979.
In 1988, Elias launched HEP, which was initially known as Harry Elias & Partners. During the 1990s, he was regularly in the public eye, winning high-profile defamation cases, including one for then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. In 1997, he became one of the first 12 people to be appointed as Senior Counsel in Singapore.
He is also remembered for his philanthropic work. Elias spearheaded the setting up of the Singapore Law Society’s Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS) in 1985 to help the less fortunate obtain free legal representation. And in the early 1990s, Elias established workshops where young lawyers could practise and improve their courtroom presentation skills.
“For our firm, Harry was our founder, leader and mentor. For our profession, Harry was the epitome of a fearless and first-class advocate,” said Philip Fong, managing partner of HEP, in a statement. “For our society, Harry was a trailblazer with lasting legacy. For us personally, Harry was a true friend, a teacher and a kind and generous soul. We are honoured to have walked with him for a part of his impactful life.”
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