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Image of career: Lawyer

Lawyer

Overview

Lawyers provide legal advice to clients and represent them in court cases, while researching and preparing required legal documents.

Description

  • Defend clients’ rights in court.
  • Develop strategies that solve cases swiftly and cost-efficiently.
  • Advise clients on legal issues or on lawsuits filed against them.
  • Research case details and relevant laws.
  • Prepare legal documents like contracts, wills, and deeds.

Entry requirements

  • You'll need at least a Bachelor's Degree in Law, as well as a pass on Parts A and B of the Singapore Bar Examination. You’ll also have to go through a six-month practice training period.

Salary

$5,300 – 7,700

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Lawyers start as associates, and are usually promoted to partner after six to nine years. Non-equity partners earn a salary and have limited voting rights on major firm decisions, while equity partners own firm shares and voting rights on major firm decisions.

What to expect

You should be prepared for tight deadlines and late nights. Your salary depends on your specialisation, so do your research the different legal fields before deciding.

Soft
skills

Teamwork

Able to work well with diverse teams and clients.

Communication

Able to explain difficult legal concepts clearly to various audiences.

Creative Problem-Solving

Ability to identify challenges and develop imaginative solutions.

Commercial Awareness

Good understanding of market dynamics and their legal implications to advise businesses.

Legal Reading and Writing

Ability to critically analyse legal texts and express complex arguments.

Knowledge of Local Laws

Deep understanding of Singapore’s legal system, laws, and regulations.

Hard
skills

Shen Rong, Lawyer
"You will need the help and support of other people. All of that contributes to a successful case."

Shen Rong, Lawyer

National Youth Council

Frequently asked questions

You'll need to pass Parts A and B of the Singapore Bar Examinations as well as the Foreign Practitioner Examinations (FPE). Take note that you need three years of legal experience to take the FPE, and after passing, you’ll only be allowed to practise in certain fields.

You may, but there are benefits to sticking with one area. As you gain experience, salaries increase significantly.

Common specialisations include corporate, criminal, family, intellectual property, environment, and immigrant law.

If winning seems unlikely, they may explore reaching a settlement with the opposing party. This involves negotiating a mutually agreeable resolution that saves time, money, and stress for everyone involved.

Lawyers may represent people they know as long as there are no conflicts of interest and they may still provide competent representations.