How to get a job as a lawyer in Singapore?
Asked by: Chloe Wolff | Last update: October 15, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (42 votes)
To become a lawyer in Singapore, you must obtain a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree. After completing your LL. B, you must pass the Singapore Bar Examinations and complete a six-month practice training contract (commonly known as "pupillage") with a qualified law firm.
Can a US lawyer work in Singapore?
Foreign-qualified lawyers who pass the Foreign Practitioner Examinations (FPE) can register with the Legal Services Regulatory Authority as a foreign practitioner under Section 36B of the Legal Profession Act to practise in permitted areas of Singapore law.
Is lawyer in demand in Singapore?
Hence, the demand for legal professionals in Singapore has increased within the last decade, particularly in the fields of corporate law, commercial law, finance, and intellectual property. A few of the highly reputed law firms in Singapore are mentioned here: Drew & Napier LLC. Allen & Gledhill LLP.
How to qualify as a lawyer in Singapore?
Under the new regime, qualified persons who pass Part B of the Singapore Bar Examinations from the 2023 session onwards will be called to the Bar after passing Part B; if they wish to practise law, they will need to complete a 12-month training contract before they can obtain a practising certificate.
Is it difficult to become a lawyer in Singapore?
Becoming a lawyer in Singapore requires a combination of academic qualifications, practical training, and passing the bar exams. The profession is regulated by the Legal Services Regulatory Authority, and the process of becoming a lawyer typically takes several years to complete.
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Do lawyers get paid well in Singapore?
Lawyer salaries in Singapore
The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is $7,808 per month, with an average salary of $6,650 per month. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.
Can a foreigner study law in Singapore?
Although most of the LLB students are Singaporeans, the programme is also open to international students. The LLB degree is an honours degree. Students must complete a minimum total of 160 units in four years.
What are lawyers called in Singapore?
Unlike the legal profession in England which is divided into barristers and solicitors, the Singapore legal profession is a fused profession, with each lawyer who is called to the Bar known as an 'Advocate and Solicitor' with the exclusive right of audience to appear before all courts of justice in Singapore1.
Is Singapore good for law?
The Master of Law (LLM) program is a prestigious postgraduate degree to enhance legal knowledge and expertise for aspiring business professionals. Singapore, known for its robust legal framework and global business environment, offers unique advantages for obtaining an LLM degree.
How much do international lawyers make in Singapore?
Foreign lawyer salaries
If we look at the Foreign lawyer salary statistics in Singapore as of 15 January 2025, the represented employee makes $168,744; to be more precise pay rate is $14,062 per month, $3,516 per week, or $79.9 per hour.
What are the Big 4 law firms in Singapore?
The Big Four law firms in Singapore are generally regarded to be Allen & Gledhill, Rajah & Tann, WongPartnership and Drew & Napier.
Which country is best to work as a lawyer?
The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.
How long is law school in Singapore?
The LLB programme can be completed in 4.5 to 6 years, and the JD programme can be completed in 4 to 6 years.
Can a US citizen get a job in Singapore?
American Citizens need a visa to live and work in Singapore. There are many work permits, called work passes, for skilled workers and professionals. Spouses or dependents of these visa recipients are also eligible for work passes. Eventually, expats can apply for permanent residence.
What is the bar exam in Singapore?
It is conducted by the Singapore Institute of Legal Education for qualified persons seeking admission as a Lawyer (NP). Attending the Part B Course and passing the Part B Examinations are requirements for admission as a Lawyer (NP) pursuant to sections 11B(1)(d) and (e) of the Legal Profession Act 1966.
What is the language of law in Singapore?
Of these four languages, English is dominant, in the sense that the authoritative texts of all legislation and the judgements of courts of record are expressed in English.
How can I get into law in Singapore?
Law Higher Education in Singapore
To work as an attorney in the country, individuals will need to apply for admission to the Singapore Bar Association. To do that, students must first complete the requirements of a bachelor's level of education in the field of law. This education must come from an approved school.
Which law school is famous in Singapore?
Singapore Management University (SMU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) offer highly respected law programmes.
Can a foreigner be a lawyer in Singapore?
A foreign lawyer may be employed by a local practice. There are no citizenship restrictions on foreign legal consultants. What rules govern foreign lawyer admissions? A foreign lawyer can obtain a full licence to practise law in Singapore and will be subject to the same requirements as a local applicant.
What does it take to be a lawyer in Singapore?
Becoming a Lawyer in Singapore involves completing a law degree, passing the Bar Exam, and undergoing supervised legal training, with recognition possible for certain foreign degrees.
Who makes more, an attorney or a lawyer?
The national average salary for an attorney is $97,879 per year , while a lawyer has an average salary of $96,557 per year . Although the average earnings have a slight difference, you may earn more or less depending on your years of experience, employer, location and skills.
Can you become a lawyer without going to law school in Singapore?
Practice and Careers
In order to practise law in Singapore, you will need to obtain at least a JD (with Merit) from NUS. After that, you must complete the requirements of practical training and exam for the Singapore bar.
Is Singapore law very strict?
Singapore is known for its strict laws and well-regulated environment, ensuring a clean and safe society. Travelers should also be aware of regulations surrounding the Singapore Visa and ensure they have adequate Singapore currency for fines or fees if needed.
Is Singapore law similar to English law?
The roots of Singapore's legal system can be traced back to the English legal system and it has evolved over the years. Our sources of law are derived from our Constitution, legislation, subsidiary legislation (e.g. Rules and Regulations etc) and judge-made law.