In 2020, law students in Singapore vigorously prepared for the most important exam of their lives-- the Bar exam. Because of this, most of them were shocked to learn that some of their peers dared to cheat to pass. Now, the Law Society carefully reviews applications and investigates several trainee lawyers who cheated on their Bar exams.
In this article, you'll read:
- Trainee lawyers cheated on the 2020 bar exam
- Requirements to become a lawyer in Singapore
Trainee lawyers cheated On The 2020 Bar Exam
The Law Society pledged to "carefully review" the application of trainee lawyers who cheated in their qualifying exam. They'll also look at any evidence of actions they've taken to rectify their previous behaviour.
"If the Law Society is not satisfied that they are fit to be admitted as lawyers, we will object to their admission."
As mentioned, the Law Society considers the seriousness of the case. They also hope to maintain the reputation of lawyers as officers of the court. Furthermore, they value maintaining a high standard of professional and personal conduct.
"Good character and integrity are fundamental traits that every lawyer must have," said the Law Society's spokesman.
Additionally, the Law Society aims to assess the fitness and sustainability of every aspirant lawyer. They must also evaluate every person who applies for admission as an advocate and solicitor. This makes most people believe that they manage the administration of the Bar exams.
However, the Law Society is not responsible for conducting the qualifying exam. Because of this, they cannot address how the cheating incident occurred.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General decided to assess the five other applications submitted by the candidates who cheated in the 2020 Bar exam.
The 2020 Bar Exam Was Held Online
In 2020, the trainee lawyers who cheated had achieved their feat thanks to the online Bar exam. For the next set of applicants, the Attorney-General chose to object to new admissions for the Bar exams. The cheating incident also possibly fueled his decision to reject hopeful trainees.
According to him, he felt that such applicants would not be currently fit for the job. It is essential for them to work in their supposed duty as advocates and solicitors of the Supreme Court of Singapore.
Additionally, the trainee lawyers' misconduct is proof that they did not embody the critical qualities of honesty and integrity. Moreover, the spokesman emphasized the value of the two qualities that the trainees did not possess.
Five of the six candidates whose admissions were delayed were found to have shared answers in six papers through WhatsApp. In turn, they were required to retake the whole exam.
Meanwhile, the remaining one colluded with another person taking the exam and cheated on three papers. The said candidate also had to retake the entire preparatory course for Part B of the Bar exam.
The Candidates Who Cheated Passed the Required Exam
The trainee lawyers who cheated in the online Bar examination passed the necessary exam. However, their application to be called to the Bar has been postponed. The delay was six months for the five and a year for the other.
On the other hand, law graduates need to go through a six-month course and pass the Bar exam, known as Part B. Aside from that, they also need to complete a six-month training contract with a law firm.
Afterwards, the aspiring lawyers in Singapore need to qualify in order to proceed to the Bar. Additionally, applications get screened by the Attorney-General, the Singapore Institute of Legal Education, and the Law Society.
Requirements to Become a Lawyer in Singapore
There are many paths to becoming a lawyer in Singapore, none of which are easy. This also applies to almost any country because these people are expected to serve the law. Furthermore, most legal professionals work for the government.
You might be one of the aspiring lawyers in Singapore but do not have an idea of the requirements to become one. Bearing Academy shared the latest requirements that an aspiring lawyer like you should know.
- Candidates need to obtain a four-year bachelor of law course from the National University of Singapore (NUS) or Singapore Management University (SMU). Along with this, A JD post-graduate program from SMU will also be recognized.
- The Law Society of Singapore will recognize foreign law degrees from a list of foreign accredited institutions.
- To practice law, candidates must pass the Bar Exam. Students who have obtained their law degree from Singaporean University are required to take part B of the Bar Exam. Overseas candidates who have completed their law degree outsides of Singapore must complete both Part A and Part B of the Bar Exam.
- Part A encompasses a six-month course offered by NUS, and candidates will have to participate in six months of supervised legal practice.
- Part B is offered at the Singapore Institute of Legal Education, where candidates are required to take seven courses over 5 months
- A supervised practice legal training period of six months is required to qualify as an advocate or a solicitor.
- To qualify as a lawyer, candidates must pass the Bar and complete their training.
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