General Practice Law at Singapore
General practice law in Singapore is highly developed and regulated, with many law firms offering a broad range of legal services. Unlike smaller jurisdictions, Singapore has a large legal market with both generalists and highly specialized firms. However, many small and mid-sized firms still operate as general practice firms, catering to individuals, SMEs, and local disputes.
⚖️ Overview: General Practice Law in Singapore
✅ Common Areas in General Practice
Civil Litigation
Contract disputes
Property and tenancy matters
Defamation
Tort claims (negligence, nuisance)
Criminal Law
White-collar and regulatory offenses
Traffic and drug offenses
Defense and mitigation pleas
Representation in State Courts and High Court
Family Law
Divorce (Syariah and civil)
Maintenance and custody
Adoption
Personal protection orders (PPO)
Conveyancing & Property Law
Sale and purchase of HDB and private properties
Lease agreements
Landlord-tenant disputes
Title searches and caveats
Wills, Probate, and Estate Planning
Drafting wills and LPAs (Lasting Power of Attorney)
Probate and Letters of Administration
Estate disputes and planning
Corporate and Commercial Law
Incorporation of companies (ACRA)
Shareholder and partnership agreements
Licensing and compliance
Mergers & acquisitions (for smaller firms)
Employment Law
Drafting employment contracts
Wrongful dismissal claims
MOM (Ministry of Manpower) matters
Syariah Law
Muslim family law (divorce, custody, inheritance)
Handled in the Syariah Court of Singapore
🏛️ Legal System in Singapore
Common Law jurisdiction, influenced by English law but developed its own jurisprudence.
Extensive codification of laws (e.g., Penal Code, Contracts Act, Women’s Charter).
Strong emphasis on rule of law, transparency, and commercial certainty.
🧑⚖️ Court Structure
State Courts (Civil, Criminal, Family, Community Justice)
High Court and General Division of the Supreme Court
Court of Appeal
Syariah Court (Family law matters for Muslims)
Small Claims Tribunals (for disputes under SGD $20,000)
🧑💼 Becoming a Lawyer in Singapore
To practice as a general practitioner, one must:
Earn a recognized law degree (local or overseas).
Pass Part A/B of the Singapore Bar Examinations (depending on degree origin).
Complete Relevant Legal Training (RLT) or Practice Training Contract.
Be admitted to the Bar as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court.
All lawyers are regulated by:
The Legal Profession Act
The Law Society of Singapore
🏢 General Practice Law Firms in Singapore
While large firms tend to specialize, many small to mid-size firms in Singapore operate as general practices. Examples include:
IRB Law LLP
Tembusu Law LLC
Gloria James-Civetta & Co.
PKWA Law Practice LLC
Yuen Law LLC
These firms offer bundled services for individuals, families, and businesses.
🔍 Special Considerations
Singapore places a strong emphasis on legal ethics and professional conduct.
Alternative dispute resolution (mediation, arbitration) is widely used.
Government bodies like the Legal Aid Bureau and Pro Bono SG provide legal assistance to those in need.
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