6 October 2003

Dialogue Session with Members on the Report of the Solicitors’ Real Estate Scheme (‘SRES’)
Council met members of the SRES ad-hoc committee, namely, Ms Hairani Saban, Mr Derrick Wong and Mr Aziz Tayabali. The members of the committee discussed the Committee’s recommendations to widen the scope of services of conveyancing lawyers. Council agreed that the two options proposed as models for the scheme should be put forward to members for their feedback at the dialogue session that was held on 7 October 2003.

De-linked Practising Certificates
Council was advised that the final report of the Law Society has been completed and was being reviewed by the Practice Structures committee. The finalised report would be submitted to Council for consideration by the end of the year.

A Voluntary Practice Management Quality Mark for Law Practices
Council was advised on the status of this project which was supported by a financial grant from the Society’s brokers Alexander Forbes (Singapore) Pte Ltd. Council noted that three members of staff from the Law Society of England would conduct a two-day training course on 9 and 10 October for relevant secretariat staff following the Society’s knowledge buyout of the English Practice Management Standards called Lexcel on which our standards would be modified for implementation in Singapore law practices.

Appointment of Ad-Hoc Bailiffs Under S 15A Subordinate Courts Act (Cap 321)
Council met two members who were part of a Working Group on the appointment of lawyers and support staff as ad-hoc bailiffs under s 15A Subordinate Courts Act. Council discussed the proposed changes in the bailiffs system, the ethical and professional indemnity issues when lawyers and their support staff act as bailiffs.

Council agreed to discuss this matter further at its next meeting before providing feedback on the same to the Subordinate Courts.

LawAsia Councillors Meeting Held on 1 September 2003 in Tokyo
Ms Malathi Das reported on her attendance at the biennial conference meeting of LawAsia at which the country councillors meeting was held before the conference. Ms Das had attended the conference as a representative of the Law Society. Council congratulated Ms Das on her personal appointment as a member of the LawAsia Exco.