It is now easier for experienced lawyers who are overseas to be admitted to the Singapore Bar.

The Ministry of Law has fine-tuned the requirements that were announced by Mr K Shanmugam, the Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs in February this year.

Singaporean citizens or permanent residents from approved universities previously had to take Part A of the Bar Examination, which would test their knowledge of Singapore law, Part B of the Bar Examination, which would include a 5-month practical law course; and a 12-month Training Contract, at least 6 months of which would have to be done at a Singapore Law Practice after passing Part B.

Now, lawyers who are qualified in a common law jurisdiction and who have gained at least two years of legal experience would only need to pass Part A of the Bar Examination. The legal experience in this case refers to formal legal training (including pupillage) or practice as a qualified lawyer in a law firm, or equivalent experience as in-house counsel in a commercial entity. This can be acquired either in Singapore or overseas.

Meanwhile, overseas graduates, whether qualified in a common law jurisdiction or not, who have gained at least six months of legal experience, will only need six more months of the Training Contract requirement. They will still need to pass both parts A and B of the Bar Examination.

In this instance, the key change is that they will now be allowed to complete the six-month Training Contract after passing Part A, rather than after passing Part B.

Minister Shanmugam said, "We have received feedback from experienced lawyers overseas that they want to return to Singapore to practise law. We have an opportunity to enhance our position in the global competition for talent and these changes enable us to take full advantage of the window of opportunity."

"Singapore will continue to be an important legal and arbitration hub for the region.The return of our experienced lawyers will augment our talent pool and make our legal sector more vibrant."

The National University of Singapore (NUS) will hold the first Part A Bar Examination later in November, with the three-month optional preparation course commencing in August.In view of the changes, NUS has extended the deadline for applications for the optional course by one month to 15 June 2009.

Details of the changes to admission requirements can be found at www.minlaw.gov.sg