FAQs

1. What if I am unable to comply with the timelines prescribed under the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2024?

A: You may seek an abridgment of time by applying to Court.

Depending on the circumstances, the Institute may object to a request for abridgement, particularly if the requested abridgement is for a period of four days or more. As a matter of general guidance, do note that abridgement of more than 4 days would generally not be allowed unless there are good reasons. The Court has held that the following are not good reasons: (1) late receipt of Part B exam results; (2) practice training period ending on or shortly after the cut-off date for filing the admission affidavit; (3) getting called earlier being necessary for a salary adjustment; (4) law firm’s manpower shortages (e.g., due to lawyers having tendered their resignations from the firm). The Court will have regard to the reasons for the delay, whether the delay has led to prejudice on the part of the stakeholders, and the attitude of the applicant.

2. How do I draft my affidavit?

A: You may prepare your affidavit using Forms A(1), A(2) or A(3) of the Admission Rules 2024 Forms as applicable to your circumstances. However, if the wording of the prescribed Forms of the affidavits do not apply to your circumstances, or if you need to declare additional information, you must adapt your affidavit accordingly. Please note that we are unable to advise you on the wording / content of your affidavit.

We advise against preparing your affidavit by amending one used by another person. It is important that you prepare your affidavit by direct reference to the Admission Rules 2024 Forms. Please take note of paragraph 7(j) of Form A (1), paragraph 8(c) of Form A (2) and paragraph 7(c) of Form A (3), and ensure that you declare particulars of any facts and circumstances which may affect your suitability to practise. You are encouraged to refer to the caselaw on admission matters to understand your duty of disclosure in the admission process.

3. If I make a mistake in my affidavit, how do I rectify it?

A: You will need to file and serve a supplementary affidavit indicating the errors and the corrections you wish to make.

4. What should I do if I am overseas when I am due to file my affidavit?

A: If you are outside Singapore, you must sign the affidavit in the presence of a Notary Public or the Consular Office at the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in your location. We encourage you to seek independent legal advice or clarify with the Consular Officer the procedure for preparing the affidavit for use in Singapore courts.

end faq

Last Updated: 19 September 2024