Lawyers play an important role in the legal system of Malaysia. They advise and represent individuals, businesses and organizations on a variety of legal matters.
They assist clients with navigating the legal system, drafting legal documents, and negotiating settlements.
In this post, you will learn how to become a Lawyer in Malaysia. To become a Lawyer in Malaysia, you must complete the following 5 steps:
How to become a Lawyer in Malaysia
Step 1: Get a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) Degree
- To practice law in Malaysia, one must first obtain a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a university recognized by the LPQB.
- The LL.B program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive legal education covering subjects such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Commercial Law and Civil Law.
- Some Malaysian universities also offer the LL.B degree as a double degree programme, allowing students to study law alongside other fields such as business or engineering.
- The length of the LL.B degree varies from university to university, with some universities offering 3-year programs for students with pre-law degrees and others offering 4-year programs for students with non-law degrees.
Step 2: Pass the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) Examination
- Candidates must pass the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) examination after completing the LL.B degree, which is a professional examination that tests their knowledge of legal principles and practical skills.
- The CLP examination is administered by the CLP Board, which is appointed twice a year by the LPQB.
- The exam is divided into two parts: the written exam and the practical training exam.
- The written test assesses the candidate’s understanding of legal principles, while the practical training test assesses the candidate’s ability to apply those principles to real-world situations.
- Candidates must clear both parts of the exam to advance to the next stage.
Step 3: Complete Pupillage
- The next step is to complete a pupillage, which is a period of practical training under the supervision of a qualified lawyer.
- Pupillage is usually for 9 months and aims to provide candidates with practical experience in legal work as well as the opportunity to observe and learn from experienced practitioners.
- Candidates will work under the supervision of a senior lawyer during the pupillage and will have the opportunity to assist in the preparation of legal documents and participate in court proceedings.
Step 4: Admission to the Malaysian Bar
- After meeting the aforementioned requirements, candidates can apply for admission to the Malaysian Bar as a practising lawyers.
- The Bar Council, the regulatory body for the legal profession in Malaysia, administers the admissions programme.
- After admission, lawyers have to abide by the rules and regulations of the Bar Council.
- The Bar Council’s Code of Professional Conduct, for example, sets out the ethical standards lawyers are expected to follow in their practice.
Step 5: Participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programs
- All practising lawyers in Malaysia are required to participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs to improve their professional skills and knowledge in addition to developing the law and legal practice.
- The CPD program is intended to improve lawyers’ professional skills and knowledge while keeping them up to date with the latest developments in law and legal practice.
- The Bar Council administers the CPD programme, which is required for all practising lawyers in Malaysia.
- Both the Legal Profession Act 1976 (LPA) and the Legal Profession (Practice and Etiquette) Regulations 1978 require it (LPE).