From Finance to the Frontlines of Pro Bono Justice: SMU JD Alumnus Asoka Markandu’s Journey of Mentoring Aspiring Lawyers
After leaving a decades-long career in finance, Asoka Markandu embarked on a new path by enrolling in the Juris Doctor (JD) programme at SMU. Following graduation, he began his legal career as a prosecutor, before moving into criminal defence. Beyond the courtroom, he mentors aspiring lawyers through the SMU Pro Bono Centre, guiding students on real cases and championing access to justice. His journey exemplifies curiosity, adaptability, and making a meaningful difference through the law.
When the global financial crisis unfolded in 2008, Asoka Markandu found himself reassessing his decades-long career in the financial services industry.
“I had spent more than 20 years in finance. While the work had been meaningful, the financial crisis made me question whether I wanted to continue working in the field amidst the volatility,” he recalls.
Choosing to step away from the industry, he made the bold decision to pivot to law, enrolling in the Juris Doctor (JD) programme at SMU. This decision marked the beginning of a second career that would take him from the courtroom as a deputy public prosecutor to criminal defence, pro bono work, and mentorship.
That transition began with a return to the classroom, one that would reshape his professional direction in law.
Making the career pivot through the SMU Juris Doctor programme
Asoka’s decision to study law was shaped by both personal and practical considerations. Returning to finance would likely have meant stepping into another regional role with extensive travel and time away from family, prompting him to seek a new career path that would keep him closer to home.
“Law appealed to me as a profession that was intellectually demanding, yet more grounded,” he adds.
This led him to the SMU JD programme, designed for graduates and working professionals looking to transition into legal practice.
What stood out to Asoka was SMU’s discussion-based pedagogy and diversity of students—ranging from engineering, medicine, to business—which enriched the classroom discussions with varied perspectives.
Returning to academic life after years in the workforce came with challenges, as presentations and group work required careful coordination and adaptability. Yet, these experiences helped him build the practical skills needed for legal practice.
A second career in law: Lessons from being a prosecutor
After graduating from the SMU Yong Pung How School of Law (YPHSL) in 2011, Asoka began his legal career as a prosecutor at the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
Over the next decade, he handled a wide range of criminal cases, developing courtroom advocacy, and a deeper understanding of the justice system and the individuals navigating it.
Reflecting on his career as a prosecutor, he shares, “You will appreciate the difference between ‘truth’ and ‘evidence’. You learn to engage with people from all walks of life, and appreciate humanity in all its colours.”
From prosecution to defence: A broader perspective on justice
Following a decade in prosecution, Asoka transitioned into criminal defence, seeking greater control over his time and the types of cases he handled. Today, he serves as a director at law firm Anitha & Asoka LLC.
Working on both sides of the courtroom has broadened his perspective on justice. Prosecutors, he explains, exercise significant discretion in deciding whether charges should be brought or withdrawn. On the other hand, defence lawyers often operate with fewer resources.
“You compensate for the lack of resources by giving more of yourself,” he adds. “It is a unique experience—both gratifying and, at times, draining.”
Championing justice and mentoring the next generation of lawyers
As Asoka’s understanding of the justice system deepened, so too did his commitment to pro bono work and mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.
During his time as a prosecutor, he observed the challenges faced by individuals without legal representation—particularly those from lower-income backgrounds—navigate language barriers and unfamiliar legal procedures.
Determined to help, Asoka began working with students from the SMU Pro Bono Centre’s Project Lighthouse. “By working with them, I realised I could extend that impact and assist far more individuals than I could on my own,” he explains.
Through Project Lighthouse, Asoka mentors SMU law students working on pro bono cases under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS), guiding them through client interviews, legal research, letter drafting, and mitigation plea preparations.
These experiences give students firsthand insight into the realities of working on legal cases, including a deeper appreciation of the lived experiences behind each case—something that classroom learnings alone cannot fully convey.
“With real experience—sitting opposite a client, attending court sessions, and shouldering responsibility—maturity follows naturally,” Asoka reflects.
For Asoka, the Award serves as a humble reminder that his efforts remain meaningful. “It means I am doing something right, and I wish to continue doing just that,” he adds.
Wisdom for aspiring lawyers
Asoka’s journey of transitioning from finance to law reflects a willingness to embrace change and a commitment to continuous learning. Through the JD programme, he embarked on an enriching second career—one that enables him to make a meaningful difference in society through the law.
Looking back on his journey, Asoka believes the legal profession rewards those who remain curious and adaptable.
“The practice of law has redefined my personal life journey,” he advises. “To enjoy the journey, you must keep evolving and growing. The learning never stops.”
For aspiring lawyers, that willingness to keep learning may be the most valuable preparation of all.
Inspired by Asoka’s journey? Discover more about the SMU Juris Doctor (JD) programme and how the SMU Pro Bono Centre enables lawyers to give back and serve the community.
