Lawyer Salary

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Year 3 student here, can't get a TC. Should I try smaller firms like ://.wmhlaw.com.sg/

You aren't in a position to be choosy buddy. BTW this firm's lawyers have big firm pedigree so if I'm sure they're quite discerning as to who they'll take in. What makes you think they will want you

Originally Posted by Unregistered

You aren't in a position to be choosy buddy. BTW this firm's lawyers have big firm pedigree so if I'm sure they're quite discerning as to who they'll take in. What makes you think they will want you

Beggars can't be choosers - this also applies to small law firms who just cannot find good candidates to take in as trainees. Therefore, almost any tom dick and harry with a qualifying law degree could get into small law firms.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

You aren't in a position to be choosy buddy. BTW this firm's lawyers have big firm pedigree so if I'm sure they're quite discerning as to who they'll take in. What makes you think they will want you

Big firm pedigree lol. Just because they were associates at big 4?

They have balls.

I won't call them "big firm pedigree" either. 1 - 3 years in a big 4 doesn't count for much. You're just a paper churner, probably not heavily involved in case strategy with limited client interaction.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Big firm pedigree lol. Just because they were associates at big 4?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

They have balls.

I won't call them "big firm pedigree" either. 1 - 3 years in a big 4 doesn't count for much. You're just a paper churner, probably not heavily involved in case strategy with limited client interaction.

true, but that doesn't change the fact that OP is a beggar trying to be a chooser, esp if he cant get a TC at this stage of year 3 already

he should realise that even Tan Ah Kow LLP in People's Park Centre may not want him: 1) too many other candidates who will take any TC offer they can get and 2) they might not have the budget for trainees

Is the prospects for law graduates still great?

From what I can see, there has been a glut of lawyers since 2015. And in the long run, AI is poised to supplant lawyers in some areas of practice. Therefore, is it still worth it to spend 4 years in uni + 6 months on a tc (provided that I can even secure a tc in the first place) earning around 1/5 of my peers, to enter a career where I have a 75% possibility of quitting within 10 years?

Yes, the government has cut down on the number of UK schools that are recognised here, as well as increased the size of the pie by promoting Singapore as an international arbitration center. The legal industry is also probably protected, where local supply is monitored and regulated. However, no one knows the effectiveness of these measures and even if they do work as intended, how long will it take?

I have accepted an offer to study law locally, but there is still an opportunity for me to switch to other courses (Business and Computing may be?). As someone with no particular interest / preference, should I make the switch?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Is the prospects for law graduates still great? ...

Short answer, no. As you've mentioned, increased supply of law grads and contracting demand for legal services has led to a downward trend in terms of prospects.

On the AI issue, yes there's going to be automation of many tedious jobs that junior lawyers are typically tasked with e.g. discovery, first cuts of draft agreements, etc. However, I don't think AI can ever replace lawyers in the near future. It's likely that it'll free up juniors from mundane tasks and focus on more complex issues that can't be automated. Like most other experienced lawyers here, I've spent years on soul-crushing jobs but I can't say I've really learned very much. The most valuable experience I've had tended to be higher up-stream.

Now more than ever, being successful in law is a tough gig. You need stellar grades to even get internships in a hope to get a TC at a reputable firm. If you're middle of the pack, it's a tricky decision whether to invest the time to get a law degree and pursue a career in law. I'd speak to more lawyers in the profession to get a feel if it's a path you wanna take..

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Is the prospects for law graduates still great?

From what I can see, there has been a glut of lawyers since 2015. And in the long run, AI is poised to supplant lawyers in some areas of practice. Therefore, is it still worth it to spend 4 years in uni + 6 months on a tc (provided that I can even secure a tc in the first place) earning around 1/5 of my peers, to enter a career where I have a 75% possibility of quitting within 10 years?

Yes, the government has cut down on the number of UK schools that are recognised here, as well as increased the size of the pie by promoting Singapore as an international arbitration center. The legal industry is also probably protected, where local supply is monitored and regulated. However, no one knows the effectiveness of these measures and even if they do work as intended, how long will it take?

I have accepted an offer to study law locally, but there is still an opportunity for me to switch to other courses (Business and Computing may be?). As someone with no particular interest / preference, should I make the switch?

Do double degree computing and law. Then you can work on the AI that replaces the lawyer.
But honestly all professions are at risk of being replaced by AI. Doctors, engineers included.
If it is a true AI , there would be no job left. Except for the world oldest profession.

I just ended SMU JD. However my tc is with a very small firm which pays rather pathetic and not paying for my Part B course. The firm is also not retaining. I wonder why must I put myself through this torture.

I am in debt. I spent $70,000 on JD.

I want to know whether is the NUS Graduate Law Program students are also facing same issues as I am? Do they make it to big 4 law firms / international firms?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I just ended SMU JD. However my tc is with a very small firm which pays rather pathetic and not paying for my Part B course. The firm is also not retaining. I wonder why must I put myself through this torture.

I am in debt. I spent $70,000 on JD.

I want to know whether is the NUS Graduate Law Program students are also facing same issues as I am? Do they make it to big 4 law firms / international firms?

I have friends who did the GLB, most of them only managed to secure TCs with small or medium firms. Only one person who was on the deans list once got into big 4. Somehow the GLBs just didn't do well enough in school, didn't get placed on dean's list, didn't do well in moots.