Structure of the Singapore Legal Service

Judicial Branch

Legal Branch

Structure Of The Singapore Legal Service

There are about 448 Legal Service Officers in the Legal Service. Although they comprise about 10% of all practising lawyers in Singapore, these officers play a vital role in administering justice and upholding the rule of law in our country. The Legal Service consists of two branches - the Judicial Branch and the Legal Branch. Legal Service Officers appointed to the Legal Service may be posted to either branch in the course of their careers.

The Supreme Court consists of the Court of Appeal and the High Court. The Chief Justice, the Judges of Appeals, the Judges of the High Court and the Judicial Commissioners dispense and superintend the administration of justice in Singapore. Legal Officers who are appointed by the Legal Service Commission may serve in the Supreme Court Registry as Deputy, Senior Assistant or Assistant Registrars. They assist the Registrar of Supreme Court in the day to day running of the Registry and perform judicial functions such as the hearing of interlocutory applications made by way of summonses-in-chambers, pre-trial conferences, bankruptcy matters, among others, as well as administrative functions. The Subordinate Courts comprise the District Courts, Magistrates' Courts, Juvenile Courts, Coroner's Courts and the Small Claims Tribunals. Legal Officers serve in these Courts as the Senior District Judge, District Judges, Magistrates, Coroners, Small Claims Tribunals Referees, Registrars and Deputy Registrars. They assist in the disposal of civil and criminal cases within the jurisdiction of the Subordinate Courts. Legal Officers posted to the Attorney-General's Chambers are given the statutory status of Senior State Counsel, Deputy Senior State Counsel, State Counsel and Deputy Public Prosecutor. They assist the Attorney-General in his functions. There are four divisions in the Chambers - the Civil, Criminal Justice, International Affairs and Legislative Divisions. In the Civil Division, State Counsel provide legal advice and services to government bodies. In the Criminal Justice Division, State Counsel, also gazetted as Deputy Public Prosecutors, assist in the institution and the conduct of prosecutions, in addition to advising police and other investigating authorities on criminal proceedings. In the International Affairs Division, State Counsel provide legal advice and services to government bodies on international law matters, including the drafting of agreements and relevant legislation. In the Legislative Division, State Counsel draft and shape all written law in Singapore. Legal Officers are also posted as representatives of the Attorney-General to various Ministries. They provide advice on all relevant legal matters, draft and vet various kinds of contracts and related documents, and assist in the review and drafting of relevant legislation. They are also involved in the central management and administration of the Ministry. This includes policy direction, planning, financial and personnel administration, prosecution, tenders and contracts, staff training, mechanisation and computerisation, statistical information and public relations. In the Ministry of Defence, the Legal Department also handles court martial cases. Legal Officers in the Legal Branch may also serve in a government Department/Registry. Each one is headed by a Senior Officer who is primarily responsible for its overall management and administration. Legal Officers posted to Departments/Registries assist in implementing and enforcing the various pieces of legislation administered by the Department/Registry.