The Singapore Law Gazette Readership Survey 2004

Earlier this year, The Law Society of Singapore and LexisNexis jointly conducted a Singapore Law Gazette (‘SLG’) readership survey. We received responses from 125 readers. The survey contained 11 questions that sought the readers’ feedback on:

•     which among the SLG, Inter Se and ALB, did the reader find to be a ‘must read’ for them to keep updated on legal knowledge and changes to the profession;

•     the general contents of the SLG;

•     the visual appeal of the SLG; and

•     possible changes to the SLG, along with suggestion for new columns and ‘hot topics’.

The survey was open to both practising and non-practising legal professionals and a lucky draw was conducted that saw 12 participants walk away with an Aurora Italian Fountain Pen worth S$155 each, courtesy of LexisNexis.

Approximately 65% of those who responded were lawyers and the remaining 35% comprised corporate legal professionals. This survey was unique as it was the first time that we sought the opinions of corporate counsel as well. This was possible as LexisNexis, the publisher of the SLG, has been distributing complimentary copies of the SLG among corporate counsel from the beginning of 2004.

The last survey was held over two years ago, so we felt it was time again to poll the readers on their opinion of the SLG. The survey results proved to be very informative and reassuring.

Studying the profile of the survey respondents, there were more males than females while the age group was made up of an even mix. More than 17% read the SLG exclusively while 52% read the SLG, Inter Se and Asian Legal Business. The SLG has maintained its position as the most read legal journal in Singapore with over 88% choosing it as a ‘must read’ to keep updated on legal knowledge and changes to the profession.

On the whole, 71% found the contents of the SLG to be:

•     informative;

•     relevant;

•     above average in terms of topics covered; and

•     above average in terms of length and written style.

Among the many sections that readers found useful, Legal Updates (77%) was the most important and sought after section. Second was Features (63%) which covers articles on current legal issues. Most readers found the Columns (57%) to be the next most useful. Columns contain articles on practice matters, foreign law, IT, tax, legal business and risk management.

Readers found the News (56%) section to be the next most important. News includes matters concerning the Society and its members and decisions of Council reported under the Council Bulletin; practice directions and guidance notes from Council; as well as reports of the Law Society’s social and sporting events.

The purpose of the survey was also to provide an avenue for readers to give us their opinions and suggestions on how the SLG could be improved to better serve their needs. Participants were asked to choose what they thought would be welcome additions to the SLG. The following is a summary of the responses:

•     77% suggested more space be devoted to Legal Updates;

•     53% had strong interest in a Forum page;

•     47% felt an International News section was necessary;

•     47% requested for a Q & A column between corporate counsel and lawyers;

•     43% asked for more corporate counsel information;

•     43% wanted more Lifestyle articles; and

•     42% were in favour of Interviews with legal personnel.

We also learnt that the online SLG was quite frequently (34%) accessed by those who received the SLG. Many readers also apparently treasure their copies of the SLG as 64% of readers actually keep an archive of past copies for reference.

Having studied the very valuable suggestions and opinions, both the Law Society and LexisNexis had set about discussing possible changes to the SLG and incorporating some of the suggestions received. As the SLG aims to stay relevant to its readers who range from those just called to the Bar to very senior practitioners and corporate counsel, changes have been introduced over the last few months to incorporate the many requests from readers. These include the incorporation of articles on more current topics, including commentaries on cases and legislation; a column called ‘Thinking Out Loud’ was also created to be an arena for readers to voice their thoughts on any matter related to the legal profession; an interview column has been included to feature legal professionals; and more photographs and pictures have been added to create a more lively appearance to the SLG.

In 2005, a forum would be incorporated within the SLG for lawyers and corporate counsel to put forward their thoughts and ideas; there will be more articles that have been identified as a ‘hot topic’ among readers; a column would also be created to profile law firms that are working towards becoming PrimeLaw certified; more interviews among lawyers and corporate counsel; a Q & A session would also be started where questions from legal professionals will be answered by their peers and finally, more exciting lifestyle topics will be introduced.

As we strive to maintain readers’ satisfaction, we hope that the changes that have already been implemented and those to be put in place will help to ensure the SLG remains the legal professional’s most read legal magazine.

The Law Society and LexisNexis would like to thank those who participated in the survey for their time and valuable input. Suggestions or comments are always welcome and should be sent to the editor, Vimala Chandrarajan at vimala.chandrarajan@lexisnexis.com. We also invite legal practitioners and corporate counsel to contribute articles to the SLG.

Vimala Chandrarajan

LexisNexis