http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/view_all.aspx The Law Society of Singapore Latest News http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/May/Conveyancing_PDR.aspx The Conveyancing Practice Committee has published an updated edition of the Law Society's Conveyancing Practice Directions and Rulings (2001 Edition). In preparing this new 2009 Edition of the Conveyancing PDRs, the Committee has, among other things, removed outdated directions and rulings and updated references to legislation. The new 2009 Edition is available free of charge to members on the Society' website (go to www.lawsociety.org.sg > Resource Library > Practice Matters > Conveyancing). As such, copies of the 2001 Edition will no longer be sold at the Society's Jus Curio shop. The Committee will, from time to time, publish updates on the 2009 Edition of the Conveyancing PDRs online. Members will be informed of any updates to the Conveyancing PDRs through e Jus News. For a copy of the Conveyancing PDRs, click here. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/view_all.aspx The Law Society welcomed 239 newly admitted advocates and solicitors with a reception after the Mass Call on 18 May 2009. They also received a welcome pack containing information on practising law in Singapore and the Society’s practice and support schemes. The Law Society warmly congratulates the newly admitted advocates and solicitors and looks forward to their participation in the activities of the Law Society. The Mass Call reception was sponsored by UOB. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/view_all.aspx The Bench and Bar Games kicked off on 30 April 2009 with a welcome reception at the Singapore Cricket Club. Over the next two days, teams from Singapore and Malaysia contested each other over 17 games, which eventually resulted in a tie. The closing dinner at the Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel was graced by The Honourable The Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong and the Chief Judge of the High Court in Malaya, Y.A.A. Dato’ Arifin bin Zakaria. The Society thanks Judges, law practices and members for their generous support of the Games. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/February/noticeChange_Particulars.aspx Pursuant to section 27 (3) Legal Profession Act, every lawyer shall notify the Registrar, Supreme Court and Council of the Law Society within 1 week of any change of particulars referred to in section 27(1) or with respect to the status of his practising certificate, including cessation of practice. Please note that notification to the Registrar, Supreme Court and the Council (previously by way of faxing the completed hard copy form to the relevant parties) is to be made online as of 15 October 2008. The online Notice of Change of Particulars form is found on the Supreme Court's website. To locate the form: * Log on to the 'E Filing System' section of the Supreme Court's website at www.supremecourt.gov.sg * Click 'Continue' * Log in your AAS Number, Singapore NRIC/FIN and your date of birth. Please note that upon filing the Notice, you are required to fax a copy of the Notice to Lockton Companies (Singapore) Pte Ltd. at 6225 0682 (Attn: Wendy Wee). http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/February/Lawsoc_InsuranceProtection.aspx Members may sign up for the Law Society of Singapore Protection Plan ('the Protection Plan') which covers personal injuries including sports injuries at $60 per annum. Members who are involved in sports activities organised by the Law Society will enjoy a 50% discount off the annual premium or up to $30 per annum, whichever is lower. To find out more about the Protection Plan, please contact the AIG representatives at 1800 220 2300 or e-mail employeecare@aig.com. To apply for the Protection Plan, click here. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/January/latest03.aspx From 1 May 2009, all sole proprietorships and partnerships will be registrable under the Business Registration Act and ACRA will be the UEN Issuance Agency. Existing sole proprietorships or partnerships (as at 30 April 2009) were automatically registered under the Business Registration Act with effect from 1 May 2009. Sole proprietorships or partnerships which were automatically registered are required to check, via BizFile, the registration particulars submitted to ACRA. If the registration particulars do not reflect any changes which had occurred before 1 May 2009, the sole proprietorship or partnership concerned is required to write (by letter) to ACRA by 1 June 2009 to request for changes to be made to their records. From 1 June 2009, any notification of change of particulars must be by way of filing a 'Change in Business Particulars' transaction in BizFile and the filing fee for each transaction is $20. Click here to read more about UEN. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/January/latest04.aspx Persons wishing to appoint lawyers to seek legal redress in claims relating to structured investment products may click here for a non-exhaustive list of lawyers offering legal services in this area of law. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/June/Santa_Clara_U.aspx The Law Society hosted a lunch on 10 June 2009 for 11 visiting American law students under the Santa Clara University’s Summer Internship Programme. Our visitors were briefed on the role and functions of the Law Society and members from the Young Lawyers’ Committee also shared their practice experiences. The Santa Clara University students are currently undergoing a 3-week course at the National University of Singapore and will thereafter embark on internships in Singapore and other ASEAN countries. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/president_message/President_Message_for_June_2009.pdf "Recently, my attention was drawn to an apparent anomaly in the legislation governing the exclusive rights of practising advocates and solicitors to practise law, as set out in sections 32 to 34 of the Legal Profession Act (the 'LPA')." http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/June/careers.aspx We are seeking highly motivated, experienced and committed individuals to join our team. The closing date for applications is 24 July 2009. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/July/biennial_lecture.aspx The Law Society is proud to present our Biennial Lecture on Friday, 10 July 2009, 7pm, at the Supreme Court Auditorium. At this second Biennial Lecture, we are honoured to have The Right Honourable Lord Peter Goldsmith, Queen’s Counsel, Privy Counsellor, as guest speaker. A leading barrister specialising principally in commercial, corporate and international litigation and appellate work, Lord Goldsmith became Queen’s Counsel in 1987 at the early age of 37. Consistently acknowledged for his prominence, American Lawyer hailed him as having ‘the advocacy skills of one of the finest barristers of his generation.’ He served as Attorney-General from 2001–2007, acting as chief legal adviser to the government on matters of domestic, European and international law and represented the government in numerous cases in the UK and international courts. Lord Goldsmith joined Debevoise as European Chair of Litigation in September 2007 and is now based in the London office. At this Biennial Lecture, Lord Goldsmith will speak on A Life in the Law: Home and Away where he will draw from his diverse experiences both in the private and public sectors, at home and abroad, to share his views and perspectives on the practice of law. The Lecture promises to be inspiring and thought-provoking for legal practitioners, particularly at a time when economic and professional challenges lie ahead. This Lecture is free for all members. Main Sponsor: The Singapore Academy of Law http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/July/pola_conf.aspx The President, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the Law Society attended the 20th Conference of the Presidents’ of Law Associations in Asia held in Seoul, Korea on 3-4 July 2009 on the Global Economic Crisis and the Rule of Law. Representatives from 20 law associations from around Asia exchanged ideas and shared their experiences on various issues including liberalization of the profession, regulation of the profession and the rule of law. The Conference concluded with the signing of the Seoul Declaration by the Presidents of 20 law associations to reaffirm their shared commitment through mutual cooperation to strengthening the legal profession and its institutions, and to establishing and advancing the rule of law throughout Asia. LAWSOC http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/July/early_closure.aspx The Law Society Secretariat Office (including our Pro Bono Services Office) will be closed on Friday, 10 July 2009 at 5.00pm for preparations for the Bienniel Lecture to be held on the same evening. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. LAWSOC http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/July/blood_donation.aspx Would you give a few minutes … to save a few lives? Members are invited to pledge themselves as blood donors in the Law Society of Singapore Blood Donation Drive by registering online at http://go.donorweb.org/thelawsociety or send the completed Pledge Form via fax to 6533 5700 or e-mail the same to communications@lawsoc.org.sg. The Blood Donation Drive will be conducted on Friday, 31 July 2009 at the Subordinate Courts' Bar Room from 11.00am to 5.00pm. Please click here for information on blood donation or visit the Health Sciences Authority website at www.hsa.gov.sg. LAWSOC http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/July/BBvideo.aspx 40th Anniversary Commemorative Video is available for viewing online LAWSOC http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/photo/Default.aspx We had launched our new photo gallery. Take a look at our photos http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/August/recognising_members.aspx The community and representative work of the Law Society would not have been possible without the contributions of our volunteers. To recognise our members' support and contributions, the Council of the Law Society is pleased to inaugurate the following new awards: Volunteer of the Year An annual award will each be given to a small-sized law practice, medium-sized law practice, and large-sized law practice that has made a significant non-monetary contribution to the Law Society’s work and activities. Contributor of the Year An annual award given to the law practice that has made a significant monetary contribution to the Law Society by way of sponsorship or donation, whether in cash or in kind. Pro Bono Ambassador of the Year An annual award given to an individual who has an established track record of providing pro bono services for a period of 5 or more years. LAWSOC http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/president_message/President_Message_for_Aug_2009.pdf "The early years of practice are never easy. To assist the fledgling lawyers among us, I am highlighting the Law Society's support initiatives available to young lawyers (or indeed, older lawyers, where applicable)." http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/September/final_fridays.aspx Final Fridays, a social networking event for all members which takes place on the last Friday of every month, kicked off at Harry’s @ Boat Quay on 28 August 2009. Organised by the Young Lawyers Committee, the inaugural event saw members mingling with one another over drinks at special prices offered exclusively for the event. Join us for the next Final Fridays event on 25 September 2009. Look out for details in upcoming issues of e Jus News. The Law Society of Singapore http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/lawreach/ http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/lawreach/ http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/September/election.aspx Notice of Annual Election of Council Pursuant to section 51 of the Legal Profession Act, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the following dates for the annual election of members of the Council of the Law Society of Singapore have been fixed: * Date of Nomination: Tuesday, 13 October 2009 Nominations will open at 9.30am and close at 4.30pm on the same day. * Date of Election: Friday, 30 October 2009 If an election of members of the Council is required, balloting shall be held at the Law Society Secretariat office at 39 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058673. * Names of the three Scrutineers (1) Billy Low Naifah (2) Paul Ng Wei Chern (3) Tan Mei Ling Debra Ann http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/September/annual_general_meeting.aspx Notice of Annual General Meeting Pursuant to section 67 of the Legal Profession Act, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Annual General Meeting of the Law Society will be held on Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 6.00pm at Ballroom II, Level 2, Grand Park City Hall Hotel, 10 Coleman Street, Singapore 179809. Click here for the Notice of the Annual General Meeting, which is also published on the Society website www.lawsociety.org.sg. (click 'Resource Library' > 'Society Matters' > 'General Meetings'). The Annual Report and Audited Accounts of the Society will be published on the Society website www.lawsociety.org.sg from 12 October 2009 (click 'About Us' > 'Annual Report'). If you would like to receive hard copies of the notice of the Annual General Meeting, the Annual Report and Audited Accounts, please e-mail or write to the Director, Publications Department, Sharmaine Lau, at publications@lawsoc.org.sg by no later than 30 September 2009. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/October/dialogue_on_new_pract_training_contract.aspx Dialogue Session for Practitioners with Ministry of Law on New Practice Training Contracts Regime The Ministry of Law ('MinLaw') will be holding a dialogue session to address any concerns members may have on the new regime of Practice Training Contracts which will replace the current pupillage system. In this connection, MinLaw has circulated a Consultation Paper seeking feedback from members on, among other things, the proposed Guidelines for Practice Training Contracts which will contain the detailed requirements relating to the new regime. For a copy of the Consultation Paper and Guidelines, click here. Please note that the consultation materials are only meant for law practices and practitioners and not for public circulation. Representatives from the Law Society and the Board of Legal Education will also be present at the dialogue session, the details of which are as follows: Date: Thursday, 15 October 2009 Time: 4.00 pm Venue: Law Society Conference Room (tentative) To register for the dialogue session, e-mail your name and contact details to rapinder@lawsoc.org.sg by Thursday, 8 October 2009. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/November/PI_Law_Letter.aspx Click here for the Professional Indemnity Law Letter for the period July-September 2009 which highlights trips and traps when handling conveyancing work. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/October/proBono_guide.aspx The Pro Bono Guide is a handbook for a new lawyer embarking on pro bono service for the first time or a lawyer seeking to fulfill the recommended minimum annual tithe of 25 pro bono hours per year. The Guide highlights the many volunteer opportunities available to lawyers who wish to give of their time and expertise. Click here to read the Pro Bono Guide. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/November/quiz_night.aspx More than 150 members including law students, packed The Penny Black on Friday, 6 November 2009 for this year's final instalment of the Law Society Quiz Night. 10 teams vied for the Champion's cup by tackling questions on trivia and general knowledge. With supporters cheering on, the teams also challenged one another in a boat race (beer drinking) competition. The winners were: Combined team of Premier Law LLC and Lawrence Quahe & Woo LLC - Champion Combined team of Rajah & Tann LLP and Tan Kok Quan Partnership - 2nd place Kelvin Chia Partnership - 3rd place NUS Team B - 4th place SMU Team B - 5th place http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/November/mad_hatters.aspx The Tea Party organised by the Young Lawyers Committee in conjunction with the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association ('SCCA') at the Singapore Cricket Club on 11 November 2009 saw a good turnout with about 60 members from SCCA and the Law Society attending the event. Many participants gamely donned quirky hats befitting the theme 'Mad Hatters' as they enjoyed food and drinks and mingled with one another. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/November/inter_pro_games_event.aspx The annual Inter-Professional Games was held from September to November 2009. Six professional bodies, namely Singapore Medical Association ('SMA'), Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers ('SISV'), Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore ('ICPAS'), Singapore Institute of Architects ('SIA'), Institution of Engineers ('IES') and the Law Society of Singapore competed in Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Chess, Golf, Pool, Squash, Soccer, Table Tennis and Tennis. ICPAS emerged the overall champion while the Law Society and SMA came in second and third respectively. The event concluded with a dinner at the Singapore Polytechnic Graduates Guild. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/November/johor_singapore_games.aspx The 5th Johor-Singapore Games took place on 21 November 2009 at the Palm Villa Country & Golf Club and the Palm Resort. Hosted by the Johor Bar, the games included Soccer, Badminton, Table Tennis, Golf, Netball and Pool. Singapore won the Champion Trophy for the second consecutive year and the event concluded with a dinner for all participants. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/pdf/RecruitmentAd(091119).pdf We are seeking dynamic, highly motivated and committed individuals to join our team. Read details of the available positions here. The closing date for applications is 18 December 2009. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/December/sup_court_closure.aspx The Supreme Court Bar Room will be closed on Thursday, 24 December 2009. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2009/December/secretariat_closure.aspx The Law Society Secretariat Office (including our Pro Bono Services Office) will close at 1.00pm on 24 and 31 December 2009. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2010/January/unavailable_of_website.aspx SingTel will be carrying out network maintenance from 11.00pm on Saturday, 23 January 2010 to 6.00am on Sunday, 24 January 2010. During this period, the Law Society website will not be accessible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/pdf/RecruitmentAdCSOCPD(V4100203).pdf Career with the Law Society http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2010/January/appt_senior_counsel.aspx Appointment of Senior Counsel The Society extends its warmest congratulations to the following members who have been appointed Senior Counsel on 9 January 2010: Mr George Lim Teong Jin, SC Mr Andre Francis Maniam,SC Dr Stanley Lai Tze Chang, SC http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/latest_news/2010/February/bench_and_bar.aspx This year's annual Malaysia/Singapore Bench & Bar Games will be hosted by the Malaysian Bar Council in Penang Island, Malaysia from Thursday, 29 April to Saturday, 1 May 2010. Last year's Games saw Singapore missing by just one point in the overall score, resulting in a draw between Singapore and Malaysia. To win the Judge's Cup this year, we need you to represent Team Singapore! Take your pick from any of the following 17 games: 1.Badminton 2.Boat Race 3.Bowling 4.Cross Country 5.Cricket 6.Darts 7.Golf 8.Hockey 9.Ladies' Soccer 10.Netball 11.Pool 12.Premier Soccer 13.Volleyball 14.Veterans' Soccer 15.Squash 16.Table Tennis 17.Tennis To register to take part in the Games, click here. Please return the completed Memorandum to the Communications Department either by fax 6533 5700 or e-mail to communications@lawsoc.org.sg. ACCOMODATION G Hotel, located in the town area of Penang at 168A Persiaran Gurney, is the official hotel for Team Singapore. The Law Society will provide a 50% subsidy for participants on a twin-sharing basis and full subsidy for pupils on a triple-sharing basis for the period 29 April to 1 May 2010 only. For more information, click here. To make room reservations, click here. Closing date for bookings is 31 March 2010. Transport to Penang is at members' arrangement and cost. SUPPORT THE GAMES The success of the Games depends on the generous support of members of the Bar. All contributions and sponsorships, large and small, are greatly appreciated. To make a contribution, simply complete the Memorandum and make your cheque payable to 'The Law Society of Singapore' and state on the reverse 'Bench & Bar Games'. For more information, contact Hong Xiuling at 6530 0232 or e-mail communications@lawsoc.org.sg. http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/running_practice/forms/Default.aspx http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/running_practice/forms/Default.aspx