Going Out On Your Own

Thinking of starting your own practice but not sure where to start or get help? The good news is that help is now available at the click of your mouse!

The Law Society’s Practice Management Committee tasked three long-standing members of the Committee, namely Ms Shamim Dhilawala, Mr Andrew Hanam and Mr Ganesh Ramanathan, together with Ms Yasho Dhoraisingam, the Chief Executive Officer of the Society, to draft an easy to read guidebook to help you start your own practice.

Shamim was a practising lawyer for 15 years before leaving practice to become an inhouse counsel. Andrew and Ganesh have run their own practices previously while Yasho was tapped for her knowledge of regulatory rules passed by the Council pertaining to the practice of law.

The book includes up-to-date information not only on the setting up of a legal firm but also the essentials for maintaining a good and risk-free legal practice. Some of the chapters covered in the book include the prerequisites to be considered in setting up a practice; acquiring proper research tools, maintaining accounts and managing files; knowing your duty to your client and your duty to the court; keeping abreast with the law; and financial management including the all important aspects of billing and debt recovery. Not to be left out is a critical chapter on risk management and avoiding common pitfalls, enthusiastically contributed by Mrs K Sarogenei who has over 10 years of experience with the terms of the Society’s mandatory insurance policy and the common problems which give rise to claims.

In a nutshell, this guidebook equips you with the basic essentials you need to know if you are thinking of striking out on your own. Even for members who are content with their current practices, we are certain you will find this guidebook a useful resource tool. For other members about to embark on this journey of going out on your own, we wish you all the very best and every success in your endeavour.

This guidebook is the Society’s first electronic version guidebook and will be uploaded in the Law Society’s Homepage in June 2003 for members’ use.

Chu Sooi Yoon
Law Society of Singapore