29 September 2006

Review of Legal Aid in Singapore

Mr Jimmy Yim, SC, a co-chair of the Society’s ad hoc Legal Aid Review Committee, presented the Committee’s report on a review of legal aid in Singapore to Council. The report made 13 recommendations to improve the provision of legal aid to the needy, particularly, for Singaporeans who were within the ‘sandwich class’ and for foreign workers unable to afford legal representation.

Council decided that the report would be first discussed with members and their feedback would be taken into account before the report was finalised. The dialogue session with members was agreed at the meeting to be fixed for 16 October 2006.

Limited Liability Law Partnerships (‘LLP’)

The Council approved the draft LLP Rules and necessary consequential amendments to the Professional Indemnity Rules which would be conveyed to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

The Law Society’s First Bi-annual Lecture

Council appointed Mr Jimmy Yim, SC as chair of the organising committee of the bi-annual lecture, together with Mr Thio Shen Yi, a member of Council. Mr Yim will co-opt other members to the committee as required.

International Bar Conference (‘IBA’) Conference 2007

The President advised that there would be a Rule of Law symposium immediately preceding the annual IBA Conference 2007, which would be held in Singapore. The Council was advised that a host committee to help the IBA organise the conference was appointed comprising IBA stalwarts and others in the profession.

A Survey by the Civil Practice Committee

Council approved the proposal of the Civil Practice Committee to conduct a survey amongst third and fourth year National University of Singapore law undergraduates to determine if they would undertake litigation work upon being called to the Bar. The Committee hoped to determine from the survey what needed to be done to ensure the attractiveness of litigation as a career.

Sponsorship Support for the Society’s Social Programmes

The Council agreed to enter into an agreement with The Penny Black, a pub at Boat Quay, to sponsor social programmes of the Society and offer special dining privileges to members until December 2006.

Advocacy Teachers Training

Council approved a budget put up by the Advocacy Committee to sponsor a maximum of five advocacy teachers for training in Melbourne in 2007.