Can a Singapore law practice ("SLP") hire a foreign lawyer?
A SLP that wishes to employ a foreign lawyer can apply to the Legal Services Regulatory Authority ("LSRA") to register him or her under the Legal Profession Act.
Before doing so, the SLP should check that it meets the threshold requirements under rule 3 of the Legal Profession (Law Practice Entities) Rules 2015, and will continue to be able to meet those requirements should the registration be approved.
If it is intended for the foreign lawyer to be a partner, director or shareholder in, or to share in the profits of, the SLP, the SLP will also need to submit an application for approval for the foreign lawyer to hold interests in the SLP.
Related questions
How do I register as a foreign lawyer in Singapore? Which category should I choose?
Can I be registered as a foreign lawyer if I can only engage in supervised legal practice? When will I be required and/or eligible to register as a foreign lawyer in Singapore?
Does a foreign lawyer whose employer is an overseas law firm need to be registered with the Legal Services Regulatory Authority ("LSRA") if he works from the Singapore office?
Can a non-lawyer employee be a director, partner or shareholder in, or share in the profits of, a law practice?
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