How to Become Lawyer in Singapore

However, foreign lawyers can now be admitted to the Hong Kong Bar by obtaining an exemption form (if they have the necessary qualifications to practice a right in another common law jurisdiction). Or by passing a specific exam organized by the Law Society of Hong Kong called Overseas Lawyers Qualification Examination. Getting an internship may be the first step, but after that, it becomes more and more difficult – after all, there is no guarantee that the firm will hire you and fund your admission to the bar (which is a process that involves a 6-month preparatory course, passing Part B of the bar exam, work as a trainee lawyer for 6 months and submission of the necessary forms). Next, applicants must complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Law, a leading professional program dedicated to the training of lawyers in Hong Kong and offered by the city`s leading law schools. Once you have passed the Bar Association and completed your training period, congratulations, you are a full-fledged lawyer certified for practice in Singapore, all you have to do is find a good job, maintain your integrity and remember why you chose the law in the first place. I hope it`s not because of the money, because the working hours (until the early morning don`t really justify the salary). Most importantly, those who truly excel in their area of expertise are motivated by passion rather than compensation. One of the biggest changes in the movement of lawyers at the partner level is from Western firms to Chinese firms or to the Chinese offices of international law firms; career opportunities in Asia`s dynamic legal markets are great. After 8 law schools in the UK were removed from the list of universities approved for admission to the Singapore Bar Association in February this year, students are now in a cold sweat there as although they are not affected as they are current students who joined before the changes, it will be hard to deny that their degrees can be devalued upon their return. Of course, you can stay abroad and work as a lawyer in the country where you graduated, but there is no less competition there. Plus, you`ll be a stranger. Getting good grades in law school is not enough to make you a full-fledged lawyer.

You still have to pass “The Bar”. Not everyone has to take the same exams at the bar. For students who have studied law locally, you only need to take Part B of the exam. For international students, you must complete Part A and Part B. Qualified foreign lawyers who pass the Foreign Practitioner Examinations (EPF) may register with the Legal Services Regulatory Authority as a foreign practitioner under Section 36B of the Legal Profession Act to practice in permitted areas of Singapore law. More information about fpE can be found on the website of the Singapore Institute of Legal Education (SILE). An LL .M. It`s not necessary for an international lawyer to work in China, but it`s very useful, says Hagar.

“China can be a difficult legal market to penetrate. Completing an LL.M. can be one of the best ways to gain connections or experience in China. If you are registered as a lawyer in a foreign jurisdiction, you may register with the Legal Services Regulatory Authority as a foreign lawyer under Part IXA of the Legal Profession Act to practice foreign law in Singapore. You don`t need to take any courses or exams. More and more junior lawyers from all regions of the world are interested in gaining work experience in China, with many partner-level lawyers moving from Western law firms to Chinese law firms, highlighting opportunities for career advancement and global mobility. It takes three years to graduate from law school, and students can enroll in courses that cover all areas of law: First year: The first year at law school includes core courses. However, students can also take elective courses in a specialized area of interest when they enter the second year.

For example, law students can take courses that cover contracts, civil proceedings, law and family relations, court proceedings, evidence, legal research, property, and constitutions. The final year should serve as preparation for the transition to the practice of law. Tip: It is important to do an internship and this could be done in the summer. Some law students participate in internships at law firms, which gives them the experience they need. Apart from that, it is also an ideal way to find job prospects. Passing the bar examIn Singapore, graduates of the law school should take the bar exam and pass it to continue their practice. This exam is prepared by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. If you are interested in becoming a lawyer, you should also have an answer to these questions: Would you be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Most clients expect their lawyers to be available whenever they need them. No matter the time of day, they should be ready to help their clients whenever they need their help. In today`s world, technology plays a very important role. It allows lawyers to stay in touch with their clients wherever they are. So for many lawyers, it`s a job around the clock and doesn`t end the moment they leave their office or law firm.

If you are looking for a career that ends at a certain time, then this one is not for you. Do you have an analytical mind? To become a successful lawyer, you need to think logically and critically. Similarly, analytical skills in all aspects are very important as they help you analyze complex case law, structure a multi-million dollar transaction, or develop a testing strategy. Similarly, if you enjoy solving puzzles, researching, and thinking critically, then practicing law might be enjoyable for you. Are you ready to give up work-life balance? Unfortunately, many successful lawyers don`t follow a 40-hour week. Instead, they have to work several hours and even on weekends. Similarly, travel is quite common, as they often have to meet with clients outside the city and attend remote hearings, site inspections, processes, statements, conferences, board meetings, and other important events. Lawyers who want to stick to a reasonable schedule often sacrifice high salaries just to have the work-life balance they want.

If you are one of those precious weekends and free time you can have, then this career may not be ideal for you. Studying law is not an easy task. Qualifying is extremely difficult. You just need your high school diploma to meet the academic requirements. Even if you do, there is no guarantee of admission. You need to prove your worth in your academic interview, so you need to be able to express yourself and impress interviewers, which is what all aspiring lawyers should do. There are 2 local schools that offer law in Singapore, NUS and SMU, both of which have very limited places. Therefore, some may consider the possibility of going abroad for their studies. The number of law schools recognized by the Department of Justice has been significantly reduced, probably to ensure that we get high-quality graduates and to deal with the oversaturated legal market. Please ensure that the legal degree you receive is recognized by Singapore. You can check out the list of foreign degrees accredited in Singapore here.

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