Legal Counsel

Legal Counsels lend their expertise to organisations, serving as consultants for Legal issues by providing solutions and ensuring compliance. They also offer in-house Legal guidance, ensuring the issues adhere to the law.

Legal Counsel Job Description

Draft and enforce performance guidelines.

Utilise existing resources for well-informed decision-making.

Come up with solutions for Legal problems.

Assist in the administrative duties of organisations.

Carry out contract negotiation and drafting on Legal matters.

Interpret laws, rulings and regulations, and advise on the Legal implications of proposed and current corporate strategies and business initiatives.

Provide advice on Employment Law matters, including drafting and reviewing employment contracts.

Note

Passing the Singapore Bar Examinations is not a requirement to become a Legal Counsel! In-house Counsels are not moderated in Singapore.

What you should know about Legal Counsel jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

You’ll provide Legal advice, draft Legal documents and ensure compliance with local laws for organisations or clients.

Key Advice

Visit the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA) and the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) for industry information, resources & events! (https://www.scca.org.sg/)

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Minimally a bachelor's degree in Law or equivalent.

Must have the ability to draft Legal documents and communicate complex Legal concepts in an understandable way.

Specialised knowledge in Intellectual Property, Corporate Finance, Labour Law, International Law or regulatory compliance may be beneficial.

Must have practical Legal experience, preferably in a corporate environment or in Law practice areas relevant to the organisation's industry.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Legal Counsel career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Computer Software Skills

Proficient in Legal research tools and office software to manage cases and documents efficiently.

Organisational Skills

Ability to manage multiple cases and projects effectively, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines.

Research Skills

Skilled in conducting thorough Legal research and analysis to support cases and advise accurately.

Soft Skills

Communication

Excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate Legal advice clearly and persuasively.

Creative Thinking

Innovative approach to problem-solving, crafting unique solutions to complex Legal issues.

Interpersonal Skills

Strong ability to build and maintain professional relationships, working well with clients and teams.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Must Legal Counsels always attend court hearings?

Attending court hearings is not a big part of Legal Counsels' jobs. In Singapore, Legal Counsels are unable to appear in court unless otherwise allowed.
If Legal Counsels have foreign qualifications, can they still practice in Singapore?

Yes, they can still practice in Singapore. Knowing foreign Legal systems could even aid them in dealing with international clients! However, it is important to have a good grasp of Singapore's Legal system to practice here.
Who do Legal Counsels work for?

Legal Counsels generally work for Law Firms, Corporations, Government Agencies, Non-profit Organizations, or as Independent Consultants.
What kind of legal advice and support do Legal Counsels provide?

They offer a wide range of legal services and support, such as helping to review, draft, and negotiate contracts, ensuring that the Terms and Conditions of contracts are legally sound and protect their clients' rights and interests.
Who moderates Legal Counsels in Singapore?

Legal Counsels are typically regulated and moderated by professional organisations and Government bodies in the country or jurisdiction they practice.