The sources of legal and professional ethics can be found in statutes or in codes specific to the appointment held by the legal professional. Where the principle or rule is found in the Acts or Subsidiary Legislation, these are binding in law. Where it is found in a code , it may not be legally binding, unless it is incorporated into the contract or appointment of the legal professional. The disciplinary tribunal and the Courts may also consider these materials where relevant, for the purposes of determining if the legal professional has conducted themselves in a satisfactory manner while in the course of the particular appointment.
The list below is not exhaustive. You may refer to Singapore Statutes Online for the complete list of subsidiary legislation enacted under the Legal Profession Act 1966.
| Title | Comments / Notes |
|---|---|
| Legal Profession Act 1966 | This Act amends and consolidates the law relating to the legal profession, among other things. |
| Legal Profession (Professional Conduct) Rules 2015 |
These Rules set out the guiding principles and rules applicable to, among other things, the practice of law in Singapore, the practice of law before a Singapore Court, and the relationship with other legal practitioners. These Rules are important for any lawyer or law student in understanding what is expected of them when they enter the legal profession. |
| Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules | These Rules set out the qualifications and requirements that a person has to possess and satisfy to be a qualified person as defined in the Legal Profession Act. |
| Legal Profession (Pro Bono Legal Services) Rules 2013 | These Rules set out the exemption for the provision of permitted pro bono legal services by a non-practising solicitor. |
| Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2011 |
These Rules set out the requirements for a person to be admitted to the Singapore Bar. Please take note of the declaration that the person is required to make when being admitted to the Bar: see First Schedule of the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2011. DECLARATION I, A.B., do solemnly and sincerely declare (and swear) that I will truly and honestly conduct myself in the practice of an advocate and solicitor according to the best of my knowledge and ability and according to law. (So help me God.)
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The list below contains examples of codes which are only applicable to individuals who are acting in a particular capacity / appointment. It is a good practice to check for the applicable code of conduct (if any) before assuming an appointment.
| Title |
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Singapore Corporate Counsel Association Code of Ethics Last accessed on 15 June 2023 |
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Singapore International Arbitration Centre Code of Ethics Last accessed on 15 June 2023 |
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Code of Conduct for appointed mediators: https://mediation.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Annex-C-Code-of-Conduct.pdf Code of Conduct for appointed adjudicators: https://mediation.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/12/Code-of-Conduct-for-Adjudicators-15-Dec-2019.pdf Last accessed on 15 June 2023 |
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Judicial Code of Conduct for the Judges and Judicial Commissioners of the Supreme Court of Singapore Last accessed on 15 June 2023 |
| Title | Comments / Notes |
|---|---|
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The Law Society’s consolidated Practice Directions & Guidance Notes (2018/2019) Last accessed on 15 June 2023 |
The Law Society’s purposes include maintaining and improving the standard of conduct and learning of the legal profession in Singapore: s 38(1) LPA 1966. The Law Society is also specifically empowered to answer questions affecting the practice and etiquette of the profession and the conduct of members of the profession. |
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The Law Society’s list of Ethics Resources Last accessed on 15 June 2023 |
The Law Society provides general resources and case notes related to ethics guidance. Please note that the Law Society’s Professional Ethics Digest is only available to members of the Law Society. Members of the Law Society who require guidance on an ethical issue, may send an email to ethics_enquiry@lawsoc.org.sg for their query to be referred to the Advisory Committee. They should note the guidelines set out in Part C of Practice Direction 2.1.3. when submitting such request. |
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The Code of Practice for the Conduct of Criminal Proceedings by the Prosecution and the Defence Last accessed on 15 June 2023 |
The non-binding Code sets out best practices guidelines in the conduct of criminal proceedings and is jointly issued by the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Law Society of Singapore. |
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Supreme Court / State Courts / Family Justice Courts Practice Directions Supreme Court: https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/news-and-resources/practice-directions/supreme-court-practice-directions State Courts: https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/news-and-resources/practice-directions/state-courts-practice-directions Family Justice Courts: https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/news-and-resources/practice-directions/family-justice-courts-practice-directions Last accessed on 15 June 2023 |
The Practice Directions issued by the Supreme Court, State Courts and Family Justice Courts set out, among other things, the rules of etiquette and decorum for conduct of proceedings before Singapore Courts. |