FAQs

1. I am working in a law firm as a paralegal/intern. Can my work be recognised as undertaking relevant legal training?

A: Work as a paralegal/intern does not qualify as “relevant legal training”. However, if at the end of the training period, the law practice at which you received the training is able to certify in writing that you had entered into a formal training arrangement with them and that during the relevant period, you had received supervised training in relation to the practice of Singapore/foreign law, the training that you received will be recognised as relevant legal training.

2. I am currently undertaking my relevant legal training. By when must I complete it in order to be eligible to attend the Part B Course and Exams of that year?

A: The last day for you to complete your 6 months of relevant legal training (after taking into account any no-pay leave, study leave and any other leave or firm closures) will be the last working day before the Part B Course begins.

3. If I only take 3-hours leave to attend Part A during my relevant legal training, do I need to make up the 3 hours?

A: As relevant legal training is calculated based on either half days or full days, you will have to take at least a half day leave from RLT, and you must make up the half day.

4. I did not take any leave during my RLT. However, my firm declared 2 days’ closure. Do I need to make up the 2 days?

A: Yes, you would be required to make up 2 days because of the firm closure days.

5. I did not take any leave during my RLT. I worked on 2 days when my firm declared a firm closure. Do I need to make up the 2 days?

A: Yes, you would be required to make up the 2 days. Days on which there were firm closures do not count towards the 6 months requirement, regardless of whether or not any work was done on those days.

6. I started my relevant legal training on 6 October 2024. Does 6 months from that date mean that the end date is 5 April 2025, which falls on Saturday?

A: As 5 April 2025 is a Saturday, you will complete your 6 months of relevant legal training on 7 April 2025, which is the next working day.

7. I am working as a legal counsel in XYZ Management Group Pte Ltd. Is this counted as relevant legal work?

A: XYZ Management Group Pte Ltd must be listed on the official list of a securities exchange in Singapore or elsewhere in order for your work there to be counted as relevant legal work. Since XYZ Management Group is a private limited company and not a listed company, your work at XYZ Management Group Pte Ltd cannot be recognised as relevant legal work. Please refer to the definition of relevant legal work under Rule 2 of the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules.

8. What is the difference between relevant legal training, relevant legal work or practice and practice training?

A: Relevant legal training, relevant legal work or practice is one of the requirements for graduates of overseas scheduled universities to be qualified persons. Graduates from local approved universities are not required to complete relevant legal training, relevant legal work or practice to be qualified persons.

Practice training is a requirement for admission as an advocate and solicitor for all qualified persons (whether from an overseas scheduled university or a local approved university).

end faq

Last Updated: 4 February 2025