31 August 2006

A Domestic Arbitration Scheme

 Following in-principle approval by Council of the ADR sub-committee’s report in 2005 on the role of the Law Society in promoting domestic arbitration, and a proposal for Law Society to establish a domestic arbitration scheme for small value cases, the Society’s ADR Committee presented a report on the proposed arbitration fee structure, a draft code of conduct for arbitrators, a draft form of declaration of impartiality and independence and draft arbitration rules to Council. 

The objectives of the proposed arbitration rules were simplicity and speed, since the type of arbitration to be covered by the rules were small value cases. The rules presented to Council were drafted largely based upon the UNCITRAL Rules of Arbitration.

Council gave its feedback on the arbitration fees to be charged which Council recommended should be a fixed fee rate structure. Feedback on the draft rules of conduct and arbitration was also given to members of the Committee.

Council noted that necessary infrastructure must be put in place at the Society’s secretariat to implement and promote the arbitration scheme when set up.

Revised Budget for the New Financial Year Adopted by the Law Society from 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007

Council noted the terms of the revised budget. At the meeting, Council was advised that the Society’s income would now be taxed from 1 April 2007. The Treasurer, Mr Michael S Chia, took Council through the revised budget for the financial year. The revised budget was adopted by Council which was a deficit budget of $30,000.

Council agreed at the meeting to review the budget in 
six months.  

Adoption of the Audited Accounts of the Law Society for the Period 1 August 2005 to 31 March 2006

Mr Michael S Chia took the meeting through the audited accounts of the Society and advised Council that in view of the proposed taxation of the Society’s income, Council had changed its financial period from 1 August to 1 April to 31 March each year. The Society’s accounting policy had also been changed to an accrual basis.

Council accepted and adopted the audited accounts of 
the Society.

Proposed Resolution for $100 Increase in Membership Subscription of the Law Society

Council agreed to send to members in early September, the information leaflet presented at this meeting explaining why Council, at the Annual General Meeting on 16 October 2006, would put forth a resolution for a vote to increase practitioner membership subscription by $100 for each category. The leaflet would be sent to each practitioner member via e-mail, fax and the e Jus News newsletter .

First Status Report on the Work of the Ad Hoc Committee to Review Capital Punishment

Mr Chia Boon Teck advised Council that the report of the ad hoc committee would be put to Council by December 2006.

Renovation of the Subordinate Courts Bar Room

Council was advised that the total renovation costs would be about $63,000 and that the Bar Room would be closed from 16 September to 15 October 2006 for the renovations. The Social and Welfare Committee was requested by Council to consider, with the Treasurer, a budget for a wireless zone and re-installing a personal computer in the Bar Room.