A Legacy of Excellence
Karpal Singh & Co. was founded in 1970 by the late Karpal Singh, setting up his main office in his home town Penang, and soon thereafter, establishing his branch office in Pudu Lama, Kuala Lumpur.
Karpal started his early education in St Xavier’s Institution, Penang. He then read Law in the National University, Singapore and was called to the Malaysian Bar on 15 January, 1969.
Karpal’s return to Malaysia, upon completion of his University education, led to his involvement in politics which was unsurprising, given his commitment to justice, democratic principles and human rights even as a student in the University, where he held the role as President of the Student Union.
He was elected Member of Parliament of Jelutong for 21 years and later for Bukit Gelugor for 10 years. His long-standing career in politics thrived as he quickly became a house hold name, synonymous with courage and integrity.
Known to be a vocal critic, he placed great emphasis on transparency, accountability, equality, good governance, democracy, and human rights. He fearlessly spoke out against corruption, fought for civil liberties in Malaysia and strived to ensure that all Malaysians had a voice.
In Court, Karpal very quickly developed a reputation for his dedicated and powerful defense of those with little hope, successfully taking on drug trafficking cases which then carried the mandatory death penalty. His relentless pursuit in upholding the rule of law and fighting for the rights of the marginalised has been of significance influence on Malaysia's legal and political landscape and remains a cornerstone of the Firm’s principles.
Karpal pursued his personal life, legal and political career with great dedication, fervor and enthusiasm, defying numerous challenges that came his way, never compromising on providing counsel to all who needed him.
Karpal was recognised as one of the foremost legal minds of his time and remains an inspiration to many to this day.
The rise of our Firm would not be complete without due recognition given to Gurmit Kaur. Gurmit, Karpal’s wife, was a steadfast pillar of the Firm from its inception and remains so to this day. Always standing courageously by his side, Gurmit held their family and the Firm together when Karpal was detained under the Internal Security Act in 1987, until his release in 1989. Her tenacity was seen throughout, even as she nursed Karpal back to health, after a crippling road accident in 2005. With her support and tiger-spirit, Karpal made a remarkable come back to Parliament as the first elected wheelchair-bound Malaysian Parliamentarian.
Karpal and Gurmit raised five children, Jagdeep Singh Deo, Gobind Singh Deo, Ramkarpal Singh, Sangeet Kaur Deo and Mankarpal Singh. Four of his five children followed in his footsteps, taking up careers in law. His sons, Jagdeep, Gobind and Ramkarpal started their legal careers in the Firm and have since gone on to follow their father’s footsteps in the political arena, each carving out outstanding individual reputations and contributing significantly to the law and their respective fields.
His daughter, Sangeet, now helms the Firm with a team of knowledgeable, experienced, and vibrant litigators, who are committed to staying true to carrying forward the indomitable spirit and the principles of excellence practised by the founder of the Firm, Karpal Singh.