Law Ministry to review criteria of lawyers, also to encourage pro bono work

The Law Ministry will review the criteria of lawyers qualifying to practice, with a view to increase the pool of lawyers in Singapore.

"I think to re-look not just at external law degrees but also at the needs of the smaller law firms. How we can get people who have the aspirations to become lawyers, but who can't afford to go overseas? And how can we do it in a rational manner so that we have lawyers who are then able to use their skills in our marketplace. I think that's important as well," said Mr Shanmugam.

Law Minister K Shanmugam said he has convened a (Fourth) Committee on the Supply of Lawyers, headed by Judge of Appeal V K Rajah.

The committee will review the current admissions policy, including the policy on external law degrees.

The Ministry of Law is also working to encourage pro bono work among lawyers.

Measures currently under consideration include making pro bono work a mandatory component of legal education.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law, Sim Ann, said in Parliament that this will help foster the pro bono spirit in law students, and allow them to gain practical skills outside the classroom.

The Ministry of Law will also be revising the means test for legal aid.

These amendments will be tabled in the middle of the year.

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