Introduction

The current pupilage system has been replaced with the training contract system with effect from 9 October 2009. Local graduates from NUS and SMU would be required to complete a 6 month practice training contract whereas graduates of approved overseas universities would be required to complete a 12 month practice training contract.

We accept law graduates for practice training contracts. Graduates applying for practice training contracts must be familiar with the following legislation:

1. Legal Profession (Amendment) Act 2009
2. Legal Profession Rules
3. Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules
4. Legal Profession (Practice Training Period) Rules 2009

To find out more on the new training methodology you should visit the Ministry of Law's website at www.minlaw.gov.sg.

Expectation

As a practice trainee at SLP you can expect rigorous and through training from the firm.

We believe it is our responsibility to train you in the best way possible so that you are able to discharge your duties as a lawyer effectively and independently. Therefore, we adopt a traditional approach in our training where we, the members of the Bar, offer our services to teach you the practical and ethical aspects of the practice of the Law.

During your practice training contract you can expect to work in a dynamic legal environment where you will be exposed to various aspects of the Law. We will attempt to develop your core competence areas in the Law. You can also expect to benefit greatly from our open door policy, where you can approach any one of our senior lawyers without fear to clarify points of Law. You will be given the opportunity to put into practice what you have learnt in Law School.

Structured Training

The current pupilage system has been replaced with the training contract system with effect from 9 October 2009. Local graduates from NUS and SMU would be required to complete a 6 month practice training contract whereas graduates of approved overseas universities would be required to complete a 12 month practice training contract.

Your training is guided by the Practice Training Contract Checklist. You should be familiar with the Checklist issued by the Board of Legal Education.

You can expect to be exposed, to 2 or more of the following areas of practice with our firm during your practice training period:

1. Civil litigation
2. Criminal litigation
3. Corporate practice
4. Conveyance practice

Your training will be structured and you will be closely monitored. You can expect your training to be intense so that you derive maximum benefit and exposure to different aspects of the Law. In this respect, you will be given ample opportunities to attend clients' meetings, take attendance notes, draft Court documents and attend Court or Board Meetings with the senior partners.

You will also be given the opportunity to sit in at our regular litigation meetings whereby our litigators share their legal knowledge on current matters and discuss the latest legal changes, issues and other problem areas such as client management and file management. This is one of the quickest ways to acquire knowledge as you would have a first hand experience listening to the lawyers who are handling the cases.

Remuneration Package

Our practice training allowance is $1,500.00 per month. If you are part called, a further allowance of $500.00 per month will be paid to you. Our firm will also absorb your filing fees for the call papers.

If you are retained, your course fees for Part B of the Singapore Bar Examinations will be reimbursed to you by the firm.

A Balanced Life

Life as a trainee in SLP is not all about work. You will also be given ample opportunity to mingle with our lawyers and staff in an informal setting during regular social gatherings like festive lunches, monthly birthday celebrations and firm trips. During these occasions you would get to know other lawyers and staff better and bond with them. Such activities contribute to better working relationships in a fast paced legal environment.

Retention Policy and Benefits

We spend a considerable amount of time and effort teaching our trainees the practical aspects of the law and to be effective lawyers. Therefore, we would like to engage our trainees as lawyers within our practice after the practice training contract.

Newly engage lawyers can expect a starting salary which would be in line with the market at that time.

We distinguish ourselves by offering good career development, good working hours and a friendly working environment. You will also be provided with annual leave, medical benefits and insurance policies.

Continued legal training

If you are retained, we would like you to continually develop and improve your legal expertise. Therefore, you will be encouraged to attend courses, seminars and conferences conducted by the Law Society, Singapore Academy of Law and other relevant bodies.

Applications for Practice Training Contracts

Applications for practice training contracts should be sent to:

The General Manager
Straits Law Practice LLC
36 Robinson Road
18th Floor, City House
Singapore 068877

Email: raju@straitslaw.com.sg

Applications should include the following
The covering letter & Curriculum Vitae
Your "A" level results
Transcripts of results in the first 3 years of LLB examinations
Acceptance into the Part A Bar Exam (applicable only for overseas graduates)