Lawyers play an important role in the legal system of Singapore. 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 Singapore. To become a Lawyer in Singapore, you must complete the following 6 steps:
How to become a Lawyer in Singapore
Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Law
- This step involves completing a three-year full-time or four-year part-time undergraduate law program at a university recognized by the Ministry of Law.
- You can study at a local university in Singapore or at a foreign university recognized by the Ministry of Law.
- Additional requirements, such as minimum GPA or entrance exams, may be imposed by some universities.
Step 2: Pass the Singapore Bar Examination
- After completing the Law degree, you must pass the Singapore Bar Examination, which is administered by the Board of Legal Education.
- The Bar Exam is a two-day written exam that assesses your understanding of Singapore law as well as your ability to apply that understanding to practical legal problems.
- The exam covers a wide range of legal topics including criminal law, contract law and tort law.
Step 3: Complete the PLT Program
- After passing the bar exam, you must complete the Practical Legal Training (PLT) program, which is designed to give you practical legal experience.
- The PLT program consists of both classroom instruction and supervised practical training.
- You will learn about drafting legal documents, client interviews and negotiations, among other things.
Step 4: Complete a Period of Pupillage
- Upon completion of the PLT programme, you must complete a period of pupillage under the supervision of a qualified mentor.
- Pupillage is typically six months long and allows you to gain practical experience in a law firm or chamber.
- You will be assigned a mentor who will provide you with advice and supervision on legal work and professional conduct.
Step 5: Get Admitted to the Bar
- You will be eligible to be admitted to the bar and practise law in Singapore once you have completed your pupillage.
- Before you can be admitted to the bar, you must apply for admission and be of good character and standing.
- Submitting all required documents, appearing for an interview, and passing a background check are all part of the application process.
Step 6: Take a CPD Course
- To keep your license to practice as a lawyer in Singapore, it is mandatory to take a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course and gain a certain number of CPD points.
- CPD courses aim to improve lawyers’ professional skills and knowledge while keeping them up to date with the latest legal developments.
- CPD courses are available in a variety of formats including online, personal and self-study.