A total of 60 lawyers have been appointed under Singapore Academy of Law’s Specialist Accreditation Scheme

Singapore, 11 January 2019 — 34 specialists from two disciplines of law received their specialist accreditations this week. The accreditations were presented as part of the Singapore Academy of Law (“SAL”)’s Specialist Accreditation Scheme.

Lawyers accredited are from two specialities: Building and Construction, and Maritime and Shipping Law. Accreditations are of two tiers – eight appointees received the title of Accredited Specialist, meant for younger legal practitioners. A further 26, who are more experienced lawyers, were designated Senior Accredited Specialists. This week’s appointment brings the total number of lawyers accredited under the scheme to 60.

Senior Accredited Specialist applicants must have had at least 10 years’ post-qualification experience in their specialist fields to be considered. They were assessed by a selection panel comprising members of the judiciary and industry practitioners who took into consideration the complexity and type of cases handled, as well as hours spent on the practise of this specialised area of law. Younger legal practitioners with at least five years’ post-qualification experience applying for the title of Accredited Specialist were also required to pass a written examination.

Commenting on the new accreditations, Justice Quentin Loh, Chair of the Specialist Accreditation Board, which administers the Scheme, said, “It is very encouraging that more specialists from more disciplines were accredited this year. Our goal is to provide users of legal services with a comprehensive list of specialists to procure appropriate legal assistance, as well as encourage our lawyers, especially our junior members, to continually deepen their knowledge and experience in their chosen fields of practice.”

Added Ms Serene Wee, SAL’s Chief Executive, “We are encouraged by the positive response to the accreditation scheme. The scheme benefits both lawyers and users of legal services — the former benefit from the increased recognition the accreditation offers them, while users of legal services can tap on a comprehensive list of specialists when procuring legal assistance. We look forward to the continued contribution of appointees to the development of law and practice.”

The list of newly-appointed specialists is appended in Annex A.

Applications for the next round of accreditation for Maritime and Shipping Law are open until 5pm on April 1, 2019. Legal practitioners with at least five years’ post-qualification experience and who practise this area of law are invited to apply.

BACKGROUND ON SPECIALIST ACCREDITATION SCHEME

Launched in 2017, the Specialist Accreditation Scheme recognises lawyers who have proven themselves in their area of practice. Participation in the scheme is entirely voluntary.

Accredited professionals can use these titles in their legal practice’s marketing collaterals for two years from the date of their accreditation. Accreditation is subject to renewal every two years, ensuring that the highest standards are maintained.

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About the Singapore Academy of Law

The Singapore Academy of Law (“SAL”) is a promotion and development agency for Singapore’s legal industry. Our vision is to make Singapore the legal hub of Asia. SAL works with our stakeholders to set new precedents of excellence in Singapore law through developing thought leadership, world class infrastructure and legal solutions. Our mandates are to build up the intellectual capital of the legal profession by enhancing legal knowledge, raise the international profile of Singapore law, promote Singapore as a centre for dispute resolution, and improve the standards and efficiency of legal practice through continuing professional development and the use of technology. As a body established by statute, SAL also undertakes statutory functions such as stakeholding services and appointment of Senior Counsel, Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public.

More information can be found at www.sal.org.sg.