FAQs

Admission (Old Framework)

1. What are the requirements for admission to the Singapore Bar?

A: Please refer to this link Admission to the Singapore Bar for more information.

2. How does one become a qualified person?

A: For graduates from local universities, please refer to this link https://www.sile.edu.sg/singapore-approved-universities.

For graduates from overseas universities, please refer to the infographic which can be found in this link https://www.sile.edu.sg/qualified-person.

3. How does one apply to Court for admission to the Singapore Bar?

A: Please refer to this link https://sileportal.edu.sg/bar-admission-old/procedure for more information.

4. I do not meet one or more of the requirements to gain admission to the Singapore Bar. Does this mean that I am not able to practise as a Singapore lawyer?

A: You must be admitted as an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Singapore in order to practise law in Singapore. If you do not meet one or more of the admission requirements, you cannot be admitted to the Singapore Bar unless you have obtained exemption from the Minister for Law. As the exemptions are granted at the Minister’s discretion, SILE is unable to advise you on the chances of success in obtaining them. Details on applications for exemptions can be found in the Ministry of Law website.

5. When can I file my Originating Summons (OS) and what are the documents required?

A: The OS can be filed any time after receipt of SILE’s letter of ‘Registration of Qualified Person for purposes of admission as an Advocate & Solicitor’ and at least 60 days before the date fixed for hearing application of admission. It is not necessary to wait for the release of Part B Exam results or complete practice training period before filing OS. The OS is valid for 1 year from the date of filing.

6. What must I attach to my affidavit before affirming/swearing of the affidavit?

A: The following documents (all signed and dated on or before the date of affirming or swearing of the affidavit) must be attached to the affidavit:

7. When is the last day I must file my affidavit before attending the hearing of my admission?

A: The Supporting Affidavit for admission must be filed at least 30 days after filing the OS and at least 21 days before the date fixed for hearing of application for admission. Applicants who are unsure should check with the Supreme Court Registry for confirmation on the last day to file the affidavit.

8. When are the available hearing dates for admission?

A: There is a hearing date for admission every 2nd Wednesday of the month except for June and December which are Court vacations. Applicants attending such hearing are advised to check with the Supreme Court to confirm the hearing date.

The hearing date for Mass Call is usually held once a year on a date fixed by the Registrar of the Supreme Court. A Registrar’s Circular will be issued to notify applicants of this date. In recent years, it was held in August.

9. How do I arrange for a Mover to move my hearing for admission application?

A: For Mass Call, a common mover will be arranged. For applicants who are attending hearing for admission, you may approach any practising advocate and solicitor who is known to you.

10. What is the dress code when I am attending a hearing for admission?

A: The dress code is court attire as set out in paragraph 17 of the Supreme Court Practice Directions.

11. Where can I file my call papers if I do not have an eLitigation account?

A: You may file your call papers at the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau. Please visit their website at http://www.crimsonlogic.com.sg for more information.

12. I have not received my Instrument of Admission. How do I obtain it?

A: Please refer to paragraph 134 of the Supreme Court Practice Directions.

end faq



Last Updated: 3 April 2025