11 July 2003

Survey on Changes to the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules

Ms Yasho Dhoraisingam presented to Council results of the survey. The results are to be circulated to all members. Council noted that there was support from law practices for two of Council’s proposals to amend the Rules, namely monthly reconciliations of clients’ accounts and for partnerships and law corporations, the requirement of a co-signatory for cheques or authorisations of payments above $5,000.

Law Society’s First Family Day

Council was advised that response from members to the Family Day event had been very encouraging with over 180 members and their families registered to attend the event. Sponsorship had been garnered from Standard Chartered Bank and Fuji Xerox. Council was thankful for the support from the sponsors.

Adoption of the Society’s Annual Budget for the Financial Year 1 August 2003 to 31 July 2004

The Treasurer, Mr Sivakumar Murugaiyan, reported that there would be no substantial increase in expenditure or income for the coming financial year.

Council approved the budget for the new financial year.

Council agreed to set aside funds for the Sports Fund as the Society hosts this year’s Bench and Bar Games from 11 to 13 September 2003. As CLAS’s Fund was in deficit for the current financial year, as is the Council’s practice, the deficit would be met by a grant from Council. Council also agreed to make a grant to the Law Awareness Fund to meet its current financial year deficit. The Chairs of the three committees would be advised of the transfer of funds.

Bench and Bar Games 2003

Council was advised that all games hosted by Singapore would be held in Singapore except for golf, which would be played in Johor.

Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (‘CLAS’)

Mr Wee Pan Lee, Chairman of CLAS, appeared before Council. Mr Wee requested Council’s assistance to raise funds for CLAS as it was expected that contributions and donations for this year could be reduced given the current economic climate.

Council agreed to assist the CLAS Committee to approach various bodies to raise funds. The President, Mrs Selvam, agreed to assist personally in this area.

Profile of Lawyers Who Did Not Renew Their Practising Certificates

Council noted that the lawyers who ceased practice were junior lawyers and tended to come from the larger law practices.

Council decided that a survey ought to be conducted among lawyers who did not renew their practising certificates.

The Young Lawyers Committee was also tasked to come up with a mentoring scheme to help young practitioners cope with the pressures of practice early in their career.

Appointment of a Law Society Nominee to Serve on the Legal Services Inter-Agency Committee

Council agreed to nominate Mrs Arfat Selvam as the Law Society’s nominee to serve on the Committee following the sad demise of our immediate Past President, Mr Palakrishnan.