Commencement 2026: Honouring tradition, embracing transformation

On 10 July, the Class of 2026 stepped across the Commencement stage, closing a formative chapter and stepping into a legal landscape undergoing one of the most profound transformations in its history. While the journey through law school has always been a test of endurance and intellect, artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining how justice is researched and framed for this year’s graduates.

Evolving Tools

Addressing the cohort, Guest of Honour Rena Lee ’92 LLM ’98 (Ambassador for International Law, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore) reflected on how radically legal research has evolved. Recalling her student days spent scouring library shelves, learning the difference between square and round brackets in case citations in hardcopy volumes, she said in dry humour, “In short, we were our own Lexis-Nexis, LawNet, Westlaw etc, all rolled into one. When volumes of Current Law were reduced to CD-ROMs, I patted myself on the shoulder for utilising what I considered to be cutting-edge technology.”

Today, the tools available to young legal minds extend exponentially beyond digital databases into generative AI and automated research tools. Valedictorian Theodore Kuah captured this shift with humour and nostalgia, reminding his peers of their early stumbles with technology—from digging out secondary school calculators for data analytics to wrestling with installing VS Code for a course on Law & Technology.

Trial by Fire

Reminiscing how Commencement once seemed a faraway dream, Theodore traced the anxiety in his first year at law school, and when he first learnt of the “doctrine” of doing one’s incompetent best.

He vividly recalled the collective trial by fire of their first Legal Analysis, Research & Communication moot sessions. “Four years ago, every student here stood up, full of foolish confidence … before being summarily dismantled by our tutors. But we all went home, read our cases, practised with our friends, and came back stronger,” he said.

That resilience bore impressive fruit outside the classroom. Members of the Class of 2026 founded start-ups, published papers, drove pro bono initiatives, staged a musical, and earned international acclaim—highlighted by the NUS Law team conquering over 800 teams to win the world Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington, DC.

Enduring Values

As resilience stood them in good stead during their studies, so too would integrity be to them in their legal careers. Ms Lee reminded the audience that no algorithm could substitute core values. Expounding on tools, skills and values, she emphasised how AI were tools for use; the skills of listening, analysis and communication remain fundamental; but the bedrock of practising as a lawyer is to act with integrity. Her key message? “To do the right thing, to not take shortcuts, to give of our best. We must be professional, acting in our clients’ best interests but without subverting the law, always remembering our responsibility to the court, to the law.”

Echoing similar core values, Theodore grounded his valedictory address in humility, thanking the faculty, donors and loved ones who sustained the cohort along the way. Most movingly, he paid tribute to his mother, who “sacrificed everything and single-handedly taught me English, Math, right and wrong.”

Closing her address, Ms Lee left the graduates with a timeless reminder for the road ahead. “Regardless of your professional journey, I hope you remember that there is life beyond your profession, and that you take time to smell the roses. I wish each and every one of you good hunting!”

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!