Becoming a lawyer in Singapore requires a combination of academic qualifications, practical training, and passing the bar exams. The profession is regulated by the Legal Services Regulatory Authority, and the process of becoming a lawyer typically takes several years to complete. To become a lawyer in Singapore, you will need to follow these specific steps:
Obtain a law degree: You will need to obtain a law degree from a recognised university. In Singapore, there are several universities offering a law degree, such as the National University of Singapore, and Singapore Management University.
Complete the Singapore Bar Exams: Once you have obtained your law degree, you need to pass the Singapore Bar Examinations. Students who have obtained their law degree from a Singaporean university are required to take Part B of the Bar Exam. Overseas candidates who have completed their law degree from an approved overseas university must complete both Part A and Part B of the Bar Exam. Part A encompasses a 6-month course on 5 subjects including company law, criminal law, evidence, land law and Singaporean legal system. Part B is a 5-month courses on 7 practical subjects plus 2 electives including Civil Litigation Practice, Criminal Litigation Practice, Insolvency Law and Practice, Real Estate Practice, Family Law Practice, and Ethics & Professional Responsibility.
Complete a Practice Training Contract: After passing the Bar Examinations, you need to complete a 6-month Practice Training Contract before you can be called to the Bar as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore. During this period, you will work under the supervision of a qualified lawyer and gain practical experience in legal practice.
Apply for admission to the Singapore Bar: After completing your Practice Training Contract, you can apply for admission to the Singapore Bar. You will need to fulfil other requirements set by the Singapore Institute of Legal Education, such as character and suitability assessment, and comply with the Continuing Professional Development requirements. After being admitted to the Singapore Bar, you can practice as a lawyer in Singapore. You can work independently or join a law firm or legal department of a company.
The process of becoming a lawyer in Singapore can take several years, and the requirements may change from time to time. It is important to keep yourself updated with the latest regulations and requirements set by the regulator.
