Lawyer

Lawyers give Legal advice to clients and represent them in cases. They are responsible for researching and preparing any required Legal documents. They also serve as Advocates, Advisors and Counsellors to their clients.

Lawyer Job Description

Appear in court to defend their client's rights in front of a Judge or Jury.

Develop strategies that solve cases swiftly and cost-efficiently to prevent their client's case from going to trial.

Advise clients on lawsuits that are filed against them or explain Legal issues they are concerned about.

Research the details of the case and the relevant laws regarding the case.

Prepare Legal documents such as contracts, wills, and deeds.

Negotiate settlements to resolve disputes outside of court.

Protect the confidentiality of all client information as part of the ethical duty of confidentiality.

Participate in mediation and arbitration as alternative dispute resolution methods.

Note

In a firm, Lawyers start as Legal Associates for 6 to 9 years before becoming Partner, also known as Shareholder. Non-Equity Partners earn a salary and vote on decisions, while Equity Partners share ownership and profits as well as vote on decisions.

A day in the life

Criminal Defence Lawyer

Watch Criminal Defence Lawyer Josephus Tan explain criminal proceedings and how the law works.

Lawyer

Heated court trials aren't all that Lawyers take part in! Find out more as Sheng Rong shares about what it takes to be a Lawyer.

What you should know about Lawyer jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

Your salary depends on the type of Law you practise, so read up on the different types of Law before deciding on your specialisation.

Key Advice

There will be many tight deadlines, so be prepared to work late into the night or even early the next morning.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Minimally a bachelor's degree in Law.

You will then need to pass Parts A and B of the Singapore Bar Examinations followed by a Practice Training Period of six months.

After completing the Bar examinations and the Practice Training Period, you must apply for and gain admission to the Bar in Singapore to be legally authorised to practice Law.

In many jurisdictions, including Singapore, Lawyers must obtain a practising certificate from the relevant Legal authority, which may require meeting additional criteria such as good character and fitness to practise Law.

Obtaining certifications or additional qualifications in specialised areas of Law (such as Intellectual Property, Family Law or Tax Law) can enhance your marketability and expertise.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Law career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Commercial Awareness

Understanding of market dynamics and the Legal implications for businesses to advise effectively.

Legal Reading And Writing

Ability to critically analyse Legal texts and articulate arguments clearly in written form.

Knowledge of Local Laws

Comprehensive understanding of Singapore's Legal system and regulations affecting various sectors.

Soft Skills

Teamwork

Collaborative spirit to work effectively within diverse Legal teams and with clients for optimal outcomes.

Communication

Strong verbal and written skills to convey complex Legal concepts clearly to non-experts.

Creative Problem-Solving

Innovative approach to navigating Legal challenges and developing strategic solutions.

“You will need the help and support of other people. All of that contributes to a successful case.”

Shen Rong, Lawyer

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can Lawyers practice Law in Singapore if they studied overseas?

Yes, they can. On top of passing both part A and part B of the Singapore Bar Examinations, Lawyers will need to pass the Foreign Practitioner Examinations (FPE). An FPE can only be taken if they have at least 3 years of experience in the Legal sector either overseas or in Singapore.

Moreover, they will only be allowed to practice in certain areas such as Intellectual Property Law or Banking and Finance.
Can Lawyers switch their field of specialisation during their career?

Yes, they can. However, there are merits to sticking to their specialisation - as Lawyers become more established in their field of specialisation, their salary increases significantly. With five years of experience, they can earn around $120,000 annually. Another five years and their pay is expected to be an average of $150,000 a year.
What can Lawyers specialise in?

Some common specialisations include Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Intellectual Property Law, Environmental Law, and Immigration Law.
How do Lawyers handle a case they cannot win?

If Lawyers determine that winning a case is unlikely, they will often explore the possibility of reaching a settlement with the opposing party. This involves negotiating a mutually acceptable resolution, which can save time, money, and emotional stress for all parties involved.
Can Lawyers represent someone they know?

Lawyers may represent someone they know as long as there are no conflicts of interest. There are ethical rules they must adhere to if there is a risk of being unable to provide competent and diligent representations due to personal relationships.