The Honourable Attorney-General performs a critical constitutional role. He provides legal advice to the Government with a view to developing a fair and responsive legal system, furthering good public administration and protecting the interests of the State and of the people. As the Public Prosecutor, he exercises overall control and provides direction in criminal proceedings independently of Government. The Honourable Attorney-General is also the guardian of public interest.

There are five divisions in the AGC to which Legal Service Officers may be deployed.

The Criminal Justice Division 1 and 2 institute and conduct criminal prosecutions and advise law enforcement agencies on criminal investigations and proceedings. The Criminal Justice Division 1 deals with litigation in the Subordinate Courts as well as corruption and specialised crimes. The Criminal Justice Division 2 deals with all the complex matters in the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

The Civil Division provides legal advice and representation to Government ministries and departments in all civil matters. The International Affairs Division provides legal advice on international issues and represents Singapore at bilateral and multilateral negotiations as well as at other international fora.

The Legislation & Law Reform Division is responsible for legislation to give effect to Parliamentary intention in a clear, simple, and concise manner. It also reviews and reforms the law to meet the relevant needs of Singapore and its people and revises existing legislation to consolidate, modernise and simplify them.


MINISTRIES, LEGAL SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AND REGISTRIES

Legal Service Officers may be posted to various ministries, departments, registries or seconded to statutory boards to undertake a broad range of work.

Legal Service Officers are posted as representatives or Legal Counsel of the Honourable Attorney-General to the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Manpower, the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry Of Community Development, Youth and Sports. Legal Service Officers provide legal advice, draft and vet contracts and related documents, and assist in the review and drafting of relevant legislation. They may be involved in the central management and administration of the Ministries. Their portfolio may also include policy formulation, financial and personnel administration, and prosecution. Legal Service Officers also perform various statutory duties in specialised Legal Service Departments and Registries. These include the Legal Aid Bureau and the Insolvency and Public Trustee’s Office. Legal Service Officers may also be seconded to statutory boards such as the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, the Competition Commission of Singapore and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The Legal Service Officers posted/seconded to these Departments/Statutory Boards assist in implementing and enforcing the various legislation and policies administered by the Departments.