Legal Profession (Amendment) Bill

Explore the details of bill number 32/2023.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

The Legal Profession (Amendment) Bill aims to amend the Legal Profession Act 1966 to introduce a new admission framework for lawyers (NP), allowing qualified individuals to become lawyers without requiring a practice training period.
It mandates an extension of the supervised practice training period from six months to one year, enabling practice trainees limited rights during this initial phase and allowing part of this training to be completed at approved in-house legal departments of qualifying entities.
The bill establishes a provisional practising certificate for lawyers (NP) to operate under solicitor supervision during their practice training, detailing the application process and conditions for issuance.
It includes provisions for a moratorium before practice training contracts can be offered to law students, alongside various other amendments to ensure clear definitions and processes regarding the roles and regulations of practitioners in Singapore's legal landscape.
The bill will not result in additional government expenditure.

Original PDF

Timeline

Bill introduced

The bill is formally presented in Parliament for consideration.

3 years ago

First reading

The bill's title and key objectives are read out, but no debate occurs at this stage.

3 years ago

Second reading

Members of Parliament debate the bill's general principles and overall merits.

3 years ago

Select committee

The bill is examined in detail by a select committee, which may suggest amendments.

3 years ago

Third reading

Members of Parliament debate the final version of the bill, including any amendments made.

3 years ago

Voting

The bill is voted on by the Members of Parliament and, if it receives the required majority, it becomes law. Do note that an exact vote may not be counted; the 'ayes' can simply be louder than the 'noes'.

3 years ago

Bill passed

The bill is passed and becomes law.

3 years ago

Legal Profession (Amendment) Bill

Explore the details of bill number 32/2023.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

The Legal Profession (Amendment) Bill aims to amend the Legal Profession Act 1966 to introduce a new admission framework for lawyers (NP), allowing qualified individuals to become lawyers without requiring a practice training period.
It mandates an extension of the supervised practice training period from six months to one year, enabling practice trainees limited rights during this initial phase and allowing part of this training to be completed at approved in-house legal departments of qualifying entities.
The bill establishes a provisional practising certificate for lawyers (NP) to operate under solicitor supervision during their practice training, detailing the application process and conditions for issuance.
It includes provisions for a moratorium before practice training contracts can be offered to law students, alongside various other amendments to ensure clear definitions and processes regarding the roles and regulations of practitioners in Singapore's legal landscape.
The bill will not result in additional government expenditure.

Original PDF

Timeline

Bill introduced

The bill is formally presented in Parliament for consideration.

3 years ago

First reading

The bill's title and key objectives are read out, but no debate occurs at this stage.

3 years ago

Second reading

Members of Parliament debate the bill's general principles and overall merits.

3 years ago

Select committee

The bill is examined in detail by a select committee, which may suggest amendments.

3 years ago

Third reading

Members of Parliament debate the final version of the bill, including any amendments made.

3 years ago

Voting

3 years ago

Bill passed

The bill is passed and becomes law.

3 years ago