Singapore needs to make legal profession sustainable, not easier, says Edwin Tong

Singapore's legal profession must focus on sustainability rather than ease to retain practitioners, according to Minister for Law Edwin Tong. He acknowledged the demanding nature of legal work but stressed its inherent purpose of advocating for others.

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The question is therefore not how to make the profession easier, but how to make it sustainable, so that those who are drawn to it for the right reasons are not driven out by the wrong ones.

Responding to parliamentary questions on July 7, 2026, Mr. Tong addressed findings from a Law Society of Singapore (LawSoc) study. The study highlighted issues such as toxic workplace cultures, bullying, unreasonable workloads, and the intrusion of work into personal lives as reasons lawyers are leaving private practice. These concerns echo longstanding worries previously raised by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, who noted that a significant number of new lawyers might quit within three years due to workload and poor culture.

"The question is therefore not how to make the profession easier, but how to make it sustainable, so that those who are drawn to it for the right reasons are not driven out by the wrong ones," Mr. Tong stated in a written answer. He recognized that many lawyers enter the profession finding meaning in their work and are willing to accept the associated responsibilities and stresses.

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Overall, the survey has revealed some troubling findings, and they must be taken seriously, with decisive changes made where appropriate.

LawSoc has formed a task force to examine the study's findings and propose recommendations, while a joint Judiciary-LawSoc committee is addressing feedback within the courts' purview. Mr. Tong noted that efforts to improve retention must consider various reasons for departure, including workload, workplace culture, inadequate mentorship, and attractive external opportunities. However, he also pointed out that the profession's attrition rate has remained stable over the last decade, describing it as "the overall picture."

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That remains the overall picture.