New law reforms will impact training periods and admission to the Bar for law graduates.
On November 7, 2023, Singapore’s Parliament passed significant amendments to the Legal Profession (Amendment) Bill, marking a shift in how law graduates are trained and admitted to the Bar. These changes, aimed at raising the standards of legal training, will begin to take effect in 2024.
A key change is the introduction of a “Lawyer (Non-Practitioner)” title, which allows law graduates who pass the Part B Bar examinations to be admitted to the Bar without the requirement to undergo practice training. These individuals will not be permitted to work in law firms but can pursue careers in in-house legal departments, academia, or other sectors where legal expertise is valuable.
For aspiring lawyers intending to practice, the new law extends the mandatory practice training period to one year, up from the previous six months. This extended period aims to provide trainees with more comprehensive mentorship and exposure to various legal fields, helping them become better equipped for private practice. Additionally, trainees will be able to complete part of their training within approved in-house legal departments, with the approval of entities that meet certain criteria.
The Bill also addresses concerns regarding the potential financial burden on law firms caused by the extended training period. MPs raised concerns about increased trainee allowances, as firms may need to pay higher compensation due to the longer training. However, the government has not mandated a minimum wage for trainees, arguing that such a measure could unintentionally reduce the availability of training places, particularly in smaller firms. Instead, the government encourages firms to offer fair honorariums to ensure trainees are compensated appropriately for their contributions.
These changes, which were initially proposed in 2018, reflect Singapore’s commitment to enhancing the professionalism and readiness of its legal workforce. The government is also considering the introduction of a moratorium period, during which law students cannot apply for training contracts, though further details will be announced later.
