Law careers you can consider in Singapore
A career in law in Singapore can be noble, respected, and very fulfilling. It offers the chance to help with justice and improve society. Lawyers here play an important role in upholding the law and defending the rights of people and organisations.
The legal field in Singapore has many different opportunities. You could work in courtroom litigation or advise multinational companies based in Singapore.
There are many areas to specialise in, like corporate, criminal, family, environmental, or labour and employment law. With enough experience, you could even start your own practice. Legal work is always changing, so you can keep learning and growing professionally.
This guide is for you if you are thinking about a legal career or switching to a different field in law. We will help you understand the wide range of opportunities that Singapore offers. You will also find the information you need to find the best path for your interests and goals.
Here is what we will cover:
What are careers in law?
Careers in law encompass various roles, from attorneys to support and administrative positions. Legal professionals can work in diverse settings, including private law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organisations.
Strong verbal and nonverbal communication, active listening, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities are essential skills for a successful legal career.
To pursue a career in law, you need a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree, an advanced diploma in law, or a related degree from a recognised university. This typically three-year course provides extensive knowledge about law and legal systems. If the course includes a professional year, the duration extends to four years.
After completing your LL.B, you must pass the Singapore Bar Examinations, which can take up to 9 months. During this time, gaining practical experience through an internship at a Singapore law firm is crucial.
You can be admitted to the Singapore Bar to work as an advocate or solicitor upon completion. The cost of obtaining a law degree in Singapore ranges from SGD 75,000 to SGD 120,000.
Careers in law you can explore in Singapore
There are various career paths in the legal field that you can pursue in Singapore. Each path offers unique roles and responsibilities, depending on your interests and specialisation. Here are some options:
Practising law
Practising law involves providing legal services and representation to clients. Lawyers apply legal principles and judgment to their clients' situations or objectives. They represent clients in court proceedings, offer advice, and draft legal documents. The roles of lawyers vary depending on their area of specialisation.
1. Finance law
Finance law in Singapore regulates financial services, such as banking, insurance, securities, and consumer protection. It ensures fairness in the financial system and the proper functioning of financial markets.
Financial lawyers in Singapore structure financial transactions to comply with regulatory standards set by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and represent clients in financial disputes.
To become a finance lawyer in Singapore, you need to complete a pre-university program or equivalent and obtain a law degree from an accredited university. This can be a 3-year program or a 4-year program that includes a professional year. You must then pass the Singapore Bar Examinations.
2. Environmental law
Environmental law focuses on protecting the natural environment, human health, and natural resources through regulations and policies. It deals with issues like pollution control, biodiversity preservation, and waste management, all of which are critical in a city-state like Singapore, where land and environmental sustainability are key concerns.
Environmental lawyers in Singapore ensure regulatory compliance, represent clients in legal disputes, and advise on environmental policies aligned with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030.
To pursue a career in environmental law, start with an LL.B. in Law from a recognised university. Degrees in humanities, economics, or political science can also provide a strong foundation.
3. Criminal law
Criminal law involves defining conduct related to dangerous actions to protect society and includes the punishment and rehabilitation of offenders. Criminal lawyers defend individuals and organisations charged with crimes, aiming to resolve cases ethically and professionally. To become a criminal lawyer, pursue a degree in criminal law through a Bachelor of Laws program.
4. International law
International law sets standards and rules governing relations between states, covering issues like human rights, economic relations, and diplomacy. International lawyers handle legal relationships between nations, international organisations, and private parties. They often work with bodies like The United Nations and the World Trade Organisation.
To specialise in international law, earning a degree in international studies or a Master of Law (LL.M.) in International Law can be beneficial. Practical experience can be gained by working for a law firm specialising in this field.
Law enforcement
Law enforcement involves a system of government members and agencies that enforce laws and maintain public order. Law enforcement officers aim to protect the public, life, and property to maintain peace in society. Many law enforcement agencies require a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant work experience in the field.
1. Legal advisors
Average monthly salary: SGD8,000
Legal advisors provide legal guidance and support to various organisations, including law enforcement agencies. They specialise in specific areas of law and offer advice on legal matters such as labour disputes, workplace conflicts, contract disputes, and harassment suits. You can pursue this position after completing an LL.B or LL.M in Law.
Working in court systems
Working in the court system can be both challenging and rewarding, with various roles and responsibilities. Below are some legal jobs in this domain:
1. Judges
Average monthly salary: SGD 24,750
Judges in Singapore preside over court proceedings, ensure adherence to court rules, and issue rulings on cases. They make legal rulings on motions and determine appropriate sentences upon conviction. A strong knowledge of politics, criminal justice, legal studies, or business is essential.
Experience practising law as an attorney is beneficial for those seeking a judgeship. Singapore's judiciary is known for its integrity and efficiency, making it a prestigious career path.
2. Law clerks
Average monthly salary: SGD3,800
Law clerks conduct legal research, write legal opinions, and assist judges with case preparation. They draft trial briefs and other legal documents and verify briefs. An LL.B in Law is typically required for this position.
3. Court reporters
Average monthly salary: SGD6,165
Court reporters create verbatim transcripts of court proceedings using specialised stenography equipment. They also keep track of documentary exhibits used during the proceedings and may offer real-time translation services. Essential skills for this role include the ability to type at speed, attention to detail, and proficiency in shorthand.
Law consulting
Law consulting involves legal professionals providing expert advice, analysis, and guidance on legal issues to clients. Here are some jobs in legal consulting:
1. Legal consultants
Average monthly salary: SGD9,380
Legal consultants provide specialised legal expertise to businesses or individuals on specific legal issues, such as compliance, intellectual property, transactions, risk management, litigation, and governance. Specialising in areas like employment, real estate, or medical law can be beneficial.
2. Management consultants
Average monthly salary: SGD8,991
Management consultants analyse business operations and recommend solutions, often with legal implications. They provide expert advice on organisational structure, finance, strategy, and operations.
A bachelor's degree in business administration, business, economics, marketing, or IT is often beneficial. Singapore’s status as a global business hub makes this field highly relevant.
3. Compliance officers
Average monthly salary: SGD6,633
Compliance officers ensure that an organisation adheres to relevant laws and regulations. They also provide training and guidance to employees on compliance matters. Popular bachelor's degrees for this career include legal studies, economics, accounting, and management.
With Singapore’s strict regulatory environment, especially in finance, compliance is critical for legal professionals.
Legal education
Legal education involves providing education and training in the principles, practices, and theory of law. Below are some jobs in this field:
1. Law professors
Average monthly salary: SGD13,291
Law professors teach law courses at universities and train future generations of lawyers. They serve on committees within the law school and publish academic articles, books, and other publications. Starting with an LL.B in Law, you would need further qualifications, such as an LL.M, to pursue a career in academia.
2. Legal writing instructors
Legal writing instructors help law students develop strong legal writing and research skills. They design and deliver a curriculum on legal research and writing. Typically, an LL.B in Law is required for this role. Joining campus organisations and participating in pro bono opportunities after law school can provide valuable practical experience.
Legal administration
Legal administration involves organising and managing legal operations in corporations, government agencies, and law firms to ensure compliance with legal procedures and processes. Some jobs in legal administration include:
1. Paralegals
Average monthly salary: SGD5,891
There are different levels of lawyers within the legal profession. Paralegals assist lawyers with various legal tasks such as case preparation, legal research, and document drafting. Completing a bachelor's degree in legal studies or a related course followed by a paralegal associate degree is a common pathway into this role.
2. Legal assistants
Average monthly salary: SGD4,130
Legal assistants perform administrative and clerical tasks in legal settings. Their responsibilities include preparing legal documents, filing paperwork, and managing client intake. Many firms in Singapore require a completed LL.B in Law and a call to the Bar for this job.
In summary
A career in law in Singapore can be morally fulfilling and financially rewarding, offering opportunities to influence policies and positively impact lives. There is increasing demand for legal professionals in various domains, including finance, business, and environmental law, which are particularly relevant in Singapore's context.
You can specialise in areas such as corporate, criminal, family, tax, and intellectual property law. Typically, an LL.B in Law is required for legal roles in Singapore.
Your workload and environment will depend on your specialisation and place of work. When choosing a specialisation, consider your interests, strengths, values, and preferred lifestyle.
FAQs
Here are some FAQs you can refer to:
- What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Singapore?
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.
Once you meet these requirements, you can be admitted to the Singapore Bar as an advocate and solicitor. - What type of lawyer is high in demand?
Corporate lawyers and legal professionals with experience and expertise in compliance and regulatory affairs are currently in high demand due to the growth in the business and finance sector. - What type of lawyer is the highest paid?
Heads of legal in banking and financial services are among the highest-paid legal professionals. Tax and litigation lawyers working for prominent law firms also earn substantial salaries. - How long does it take to qualify as a lawyer in Singapore?
The typical pathway to becoming a lawyer in Singapore takes about 4 to 5 years. This includes 3 to 4 years to complete an LL.B degree, followed by passing the Bar Examinations and completing the 6-month practice training contract. - Which areas of law are most popular in Singapore?
Popular areas to consider include business, criminal, constitutional, and family law. Research these areas to ensure they align with your personal goals and interests. - Which areas of law offer a better work-life balance?
Areas such as estate planning, health law, labour and employment law, and intellectual property law are typically less stressful. These areas often offer more predictable schedules and less adversarial work environments. - Besides being a lawyer, what jobs can I get with a law degree?
With a law degree, you can work in fields such as journalism, academia, human resources, and tax consulting. Your degree demonstrates strong communication, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. - How much can I expect to earn as a lawyer in Singapore?
Salaries for lawyers in Singapore can vary widely based on experience, specialisation, and the law firm's size. Junior lawyers typically earn between SGD 3,500 and SGD 6,000 per month, while experienced lawyers, especially those in corporate or finance law, can earn significantly more. Senior partners in large firms earn over SGD 20,000 per month. - What are some entry-level jobs in the legal field?
Entry-level legal jobs include legal assistant, paralegal, administrative assistant, and legal support staff roles.
