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He may be 59 years old, but Rajoo Ravindran has no plans to retire yet.
Instead, this month, you will start a new job as an apprentice at a law firm.
The father of two was one of 11 students who graduated Tuesday from the Juris Doctor (JD) law program at Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).
The graduates, pioneers of a program for students who already have degrees, have obtained practical training contracts with law firms.
On average, they achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.81 out of five.
SUSS Law School, Singapore’s third and newest, was created in 2016 to address the shortage of criminal and family law lawyers in Singapore.
Mr. Rajoo, the oldest in his class, where the average age of students is 40, has been dreaming of joining the profession for a long time.
He became a police officer in 1978, after completing his O levels.
Rajoo rose through the ranks and spent 29 years in the Police Intelligence Department.
He retired in February as a coach in the department, with the rank of assistant superintendent.
“I have been involved in solving many major crimes … I have always enjoyed the process of working with people (whistleblowers, witnesses, suspects and accused) to uncover the truth,” Rajoo said.
He said he received greater satisfaction when an accused person changed for the better.
“Some even visited me at the police station after serving their prison terms to express their appreciation.”
Mr. Rajoo used to set aside time to speak with them and offer advice, in the hope that they would not commit crimes again.
“I think rehabilitation begins at the police station, not in jail,” he said.
With the support of a friend who practices criminal law, Mr. Rajoo obtained a part-time law degree in 2002 from the University of London, offered by the Singapore Institute of Commerce.
He completed the program, but continued to serve in the police to receive his full pension.
Still, he kept his dream of becoming a lawyer, and when SUSS established the law program, he applied immediately.
“It was not easy to work and study part-time. It took three traits: commitment, discipline, and a willingness to make sacrifices,” said Rajoo, who completed his degree with second-class honors.
The JD program for those who already have a first degree can be completed within four to six years, while the Bachelor of Laws program for those who do not have a degree can take 41/2 to six years.
Mr. Rajoo had afternoon classes twice a week, with weekends reserved for homework.
Last year, she missed a semester of school because she had to recover from major knee surgery.
“I reviewed lecture recordings and had very good classmates who shared notes with me so I could do my homework,” he said.
His daughter, 29, and son, 34, have also been married in the past three years.
“I had to do what I had to do as a parent and still balance work and school. If you want something, you have to go for it and do it.”
Mr. Rajoo will begin an apprenticeship at Peter Ong Law Corporation tomorrow, a firm well known for its criminal law expertise.
“My mind was already set. The law is not something I wanted today or even yesterday, but something I have wanted for a long time.
“I didn’t want to miss this opportunity,” he said.
“My goal is to learn as much as possible from senior attorneys and gain new skills and knowledge. I want to serve people and the community at large.”
In a speech to mark the completion of the program, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, said that the goals set for the third law school have started to bear fruit through the first batch of graduates.
Addressing the graduates, Ms Indranee, who is also Second Minister for Finance and National Development, added: “You also fulfill a much higher calling. As specialists in criminal and family law, you will regularly be asked to be the voice of whom you need help.
“I encourage each of you not only to be good professionals, but also to be attorneys of the highest integrity and compassion.”
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