Council Updates |
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20 July 2001
Multi-Disciplinary Practices
The President reported that the MDP Committee's report of 5 July 2001 has been
finalised and was circulated to the Chief Justice, Attorney General's Chambers
and the Ministry of Law. The Council approved the circulation of the report to
members.
Professional Indemnity Scheme - HIH Liquidation -
Rescue Package
Council was informed that the Professional Indemnity Committee has approved a
circular to be sent to inform members of the Rescue Package worked out between
M/s Alexander Forbes (the Brokers of the Professional Indemnity Scheme), the
Professional Indemnity Committee and the Council, to help members affected by
the liquidation of Casualty and General Insurance Ltd ('HIH'), one of the
participants in the Professional Indemnity Scheme.
EFS - Front-End (Web) User Agreement
Phase 2 of EFS, allowing for the use of EFS via the internet platform, was
implemented on 2 July 2001. A Front-End User Agreement was being proposed by
Singapore Network Systems ('SNS'), to be signed by SNS and the law firm end
users. Council is currently reviewing the draft of the agreement.
Continuing Legal Education ('CLE')
A draft Memorandum of Understanding ('MOU') has been drawn up between Singapore
Network Systems ('SNS') and the Law Society on the proposed collaboration
between SNS and the Society on a pilot Web-based e-learning project and a
proposed trip to Australia to study advances in CLE and e-learning. Council
agreed, in principle, to the collaboration with SNS on the e-learning project
and to the MOU, subject to negotiation on certain points concerning the MOU.
Law Society Rules on Mediation and Arbitration of
Disputes on Costs
Council agreed, in principle, to the draft rules and encouraged continued work
in this area by the ADR Committee and the Secretariat.
Survey on Litigation Costs
The Council agreed there should be further meetings between representatives of
the Council, the Civil Litigation Committee and the Registry of the Supreme
Court to discuss matters relating to litigation costs.
Problems Faced by Sole Proprietors and Smaller
Firms on Coping with Changes
Council agreed to the proposal to organise informal dialogue sessions with sole
proprietors and smaller firms to hear the problems they are facing during the
economic downturn. These sessions will also allow members to share experiences
with one another on how to cope with the situation. A Council member will be
present during these dialogue sessions.
Annual General Meeting and Council Elections
The Council approved the following dates for these annual events required under
the Legal Profession Act:
