MORE than 20 individuals and organisations were given awards and certificates for their voluntary services at a dinner organised by the Subordinate Courts on Friday.

The annual Court Volunteers' Appreciation Dinner, held at the Furama City Centre Hotel, recognises the contributions of court volunteers who have worked with the Subordinate Courts.

Among the services rendered by them are assisting low-income families at legal clinics in civil cases and mediating at the Family Resolutions Chambers.

One of the recipients of the Outstanding Court Volunteers awards on Friday night was lawyer Lim Tat.

The 50-year-old has been a volunteer mediator at the Primary Dispute Resolution Centre since 2009.

Mr Lim was also a volunteer trainer at a two-day mediation advocacy workshop for lawyers.

"I've learnt from practice that one should try to excel in his chosen profession. But that does not mean that you need to do great things all the time. One should always strive to do the small things great all the time," said Mr Lim of his contributions.

Speaking at the event last night, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon said such volunteers play a "complementary role to our judges and staff in serving the users of our courts".

"Collectively, this valuable partnership between the courts and big-hearted members of our community enables us to do more for the less fortunate in society," he added.