Becoming a lawyer is no easy feat—it requires dedication, perseverance, and a whole lot of hard work. The journey towards becoming a legal professional is often arduous and demanding, pushing aspiring students to the limits of their intellectual capabilities and resilience. It all begins with a rigorous academic path. Aspiring lawyers typically embark on their journey by enrolling in a local law school or overseas scheduled university to pursue their law degrees. Opting to pursue a law degree abroad presents a wealth of opportunities and unique advantages that attract students from Singapore. The allure of experiencing life abroad, gaining a global perspective, and immersing oneself in a different culture can be incredibly enticing.
While pursuing a law degree overseas may offer these exciting prospects, returning to Singapore to sit for the bar examinations requires careful planning and preparation. It is vital for overseas students to familiarise themselves with the specific requirements and procedures set by the Singapore Institute of Legal Education (SILE). Recognising the importance of this, SMU Academy, in collaboration with RHT Legal Training Institute and SMU Law Academy, has developed the Part A Bar Course. This course aims to provide graduates from Overseas Scheduled Universities with a comprehensive understanding of Singapore law, enabling them to approach the bar examination and subsequent legal practice in Singapore with confidence.
Introducing the contributors behind this article, whose extensive experience and profound knowledge in the legal profession bring invaluable insights. Alexander Woon, a Lawyer at RHTLaw Asia and Lecturer at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, and Clement Tan, a Senior Consultant in the legal domain at Kerry Consulting Pte Ltd, have come together to share their expertise. Together, they offer a comprehensive perspective on assessing and validating your commitment to pursuing a career in law. Let us now delve into the ways in which they can guide you on this path.
To ascertain the student’s conviction to follow this path
The legal industry is fiercely competitive, with a saturated market and countless aspiring lawyers vying for limited opportunities. In this landscape, your conviction becomes your strongest weapon—the unwavering belief in your abilities and the burning desire to succeed will set you apart from the rest. Now that you've made the decision to embark on this journey, it's time to focus on how you can excel in the bar examinations.
Sharpen your mind, dedicate yourself to rigorous study, and seek every opportunity to deepen your understanding of Singaporean law. If you're determined to take the leap, the SMU-RHT Legal Training Institute Part A Bar course is your invaluable ally on this journey. Specifically designed to assist graduates from Overseas Scheduled Universities in preparing for the bar examinations in Singapore, this transformative program is tailored to meet your needs. With a team of experienced faculty members from SMU Yong Pung How School of Law and legal practitioners from RHT LTI, this course offers a wealth of specialised training and practical expertise. Remember, conviction coupled with relentless preparation will serve as your guiding light as you navigate the challenges that lie ahead. Enrolling in the Part A Bar Course will give you the extra edge necessary to confidently navigate the challenges ahead.
Discover the 5 advantages of enrolling in the Part A Bar Course:
1. Learn From the Best
Let leading experts in their fields, Professor Walter Woon SC and Dr. Kevin YL Tan, be your guides and mentors. Professor Woon was formerly Attorney-General of Singapore, and Dean of the Singapore Institute of Legal Education. He is the pre-eminent expert in Company Law, author of the leading text, Walter Woon on Company Law, and, as Attorney-General, in charge of all criminal prosecutions in Singapore. Dr. Tan is a renowned scholar of Constitutional and Administrative Law, author of The Singapore Legal System, and formerly taught for SILE’s own Part A Bar Examination course.
2. Learn From Experience
All instructors in the SMU – RHT LTI Part A Bar Course have extensive academic or practical experience, or both. The unique feature of this course is that it does not just give you the book learning, but also the practical applications of the law that you are studying. It is not just about passing the exam but preparing you for practice. Remember that passing the bar exam is only the first step, finding and keeping a job as a lawyer is the real challenge.
3. Learn Your Own Way
What the course gives you that textbooks cannot is the ability to interact with your instructors. Ask questions. Seek advice. Personalise your learning experience. Make the most of having a living, breathing human being to guide you. The SMU – RHT LTI Part A Bar Course offers by far the most contact time with instructors, with a market leading 120 hours of contact time in total.
4. Learn What You Didn’t Know and Don’t Know
You can self-study what you know you don’t know, but you can’t self-study what you don’t know you don’t know. The unknown unknowns are what often trip law students up. Whereas the instructors in the SMU – RHT LTI Part A Bar Course are experienced professionals in their fields and will help you to ensure that all your bases are covered, including new cases or obscure and tricky areas of the law.
5. Learn in a Like-Minded Community
It’s always tough to start fresh in a new place. Participating in the SMU – RHT LTI Part A Bar Course means connecting with a community of like-minded students who are similarly making a fresh start. Friendships and connections are forged during the course that will last you well beyond it. Having a network of friends and peers is an essential part of surviving and thriving in practice as a lawyer.
What happens after you clear the bar examinations?
For overseas students who have successfully conquered the bar exams in Singapore, the world of possibilities expands in front of you, offering a myriad of exciting opportunities to shape your legal career. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect as you embark on this post-bar exam journey as an overseas student:
1. Training Contracts
These contracts provide a valuable platform for you to gain practical experience, refine your skills, and receive guidance from experienced legal professionals. As an overseas student, your unique background and international perspective can bring a fresh and diverse outlook to the firm, making you an asset in tackling complex cross-border legal matters.
2. In-house Legal Counsel
MNCs and organisations often seek out overseas law graduates who have successfully completed the Singapore bar exams. Joining their in-house legal teams allows you to work closely with businesses on a global scale, navigating intricate legal challenges and contributing to strategic decision-making.
3. Government Agencies
Government agencies and public sector organisations also eagerly welcome overseas students who have proven their legal acumen through the bar exams. These roles allow you to make a meaningful impact on public policy, contribute to the development of legislation, and engage in matters of public interest.
Remember, the path you choose today will lay the foundation of your desired legal career. The SMU-RHT Legal Training Institute Part A Bar Course is more than just a means to prepare you for the bar exams—it is a unique experience that equips you for the challenges and opportunities that await in the legal industry. Through this course, you will not only acquire the necessary knowledge and skills but also gain insights from industry practitioners who have successfully navigated the legal landscape themselves. Their guidance and expertise will deepen your understanding of the profession and inspire you to aim for excellence. By enrolling, you are taking a significant step towards realising your ambitions and becoming a confident and accomplished legal professional.
Embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and forge your path in the legal world. Your journey starts here—unlock the doors to a future filled with limitless possibilities. Enrol in the SMU-RHT Legal Training Institute Part A Bar Course now!
This article is contributed by:
