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Image of career: Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel

Overview

Legal counsels are consultants for organisations’ legal issues, providing solutions and ensuring compliance.

Description

  • Draft and enforce performance guidelines.
  • Use resources to make well-informed decisions.
  • Develop solutions for complex problems.
  • Carry out contract negotiation and drafting.
  • Provide advice on employment law matters, such as drafting and renewing employment contracts.

Entry requirements

  • You'll need at least a Bachelor's Degree in Law or equivalent, as well as practical legal experience.
  • You must be able to draft legal documents and explain complex concepts clearly. Specialised knowledge in areas like IP, corporate finance, or labour law is beneficial.

Salary

$6,700 – 9,000

/mo

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

Trivia

In-house counsels aren't regulated in the same way as practicing lawyers, and you would not need to pass the bar exams to become one.

What to expect

You'll provide legal advice, draft documents, and ensure compliance for organisations. Visit the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA) for more information! Passing the Singapore Bar Examinations or holding an active certificate is not a requirement. You'll provide draft documents and ensure compliance for organisations.

Soft
skills

Communication

Ability to share legal advice well and clearly to various audiences.

Creative Thinking

Able to craft innovative solutions to complicated issues.

Interpersonal Skills

Capable of building and maintaining professional relationships.

Computer Software Skills

Skilled in legal research tools and Microsoft Office software to manage documents.

Organisation Skills

Able to manage multiple cases and projects well at the same time.

Research Skills

Ability to conduct thorough research and analysis.

Hard
skills

Frequently asked questions

Legal counsels may not appear in court unless they have special permission, so attending court hearings won’t be a big part of your job.

Yes, knowing foreign legal systems could help with international clients. However, you will still need to understand Singapore’s legal system.

Legal counsels generally work for law firms, corporations, government agencies, non-profit organisations, or as independent consultants serving various client needs.

They offer a wide range of services, including reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts.

Legal counsels are typically regulated by professional organisations and government bodies. They operate under the internal guidelines of the corporation or agency they work for, ensuring the organisation complies with general business laws.