On November 7, 2023, significant amendments to the Legal Profession Act were passed in the Singapore Parliament, introducing new requirements for law graduates aspiring to enter the legal profession. The Legal Profession (Amendment) Bill aims to elevate the overall standards of legal training and prepare a workforce ready for future challenges, as stated by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law Rahayu Mahzam.

Under the newly adopted provisions, law graduates will now have the option to be admitted to the Singapore Bar without completing the traditional practice training. A new designation, “Lawyer (Non-Practitioner),” will be created for those who have passed the Part B Singapore Bar Examinations, allowing them to enter the Bar earlier. However, these graduates will not be permitted to practice in law firms; instead, they may work as in-house counsel, academics, or in other sectors requiring legal expertise.

The changes also include an extension of the minimum practice training period from six months to one year for those intending to pursue a career in private practice. This adjustment aims to provide practice trainees with enhanced mentorship opportunities and exposure across various areas of law, enabling law firms to conduct more comprehensive assessments of their performance.

Notably, the Bill will allow trainees to acquire limited rights to practice after completing a minimum of six months of their training, with up to three months potentially spent in approved in-house legal departments. The criteria for these approved entities will be established in subsidiary legislation, ensuring they are adequately equipped to handle Singapore law-related work.

To address concerns about the availability of training contracts, the Bill will implement a moratorium period during which students cannot apply for training contracts, and firms cannot offer them. The specific details regarding this moratorium will be released at a later date.

During parliamentary debates, some MPs raised concerns regarding the potential financial burden on law firms due to the extended training period. Nominated MP Raj Joshua Thomas pointed out that with an increased training duration, trainees might expect higher allowances, which could be challenging for smaller firms.

In contrast, People’s Action Party MP Yip Hon Weng expressed worries that longer training might leave trainees susceptible to exploitation, proposing a minimum wage for trainees. Rahayu responded that setting a minimum honorarium could be overly restrictive and would need frequent adjustments to align with market conditions, potentially limiting training opportunities for graduates.

The government encourages law firms to offer a “fair and reasonable honorarium” that acknowledges the contributions of trainees while helping them meet their financial commitments. As these new measures come into effect in 2024, they aim to foster a robust and competent legal workforce in Singapore.