There's a reason why big 4 assocs move to JLV/FLA firms. They really are getting a foothold/presence in Singapore with more cross-border (and therefore higher-paying) work. Many of these firms also are expanding as they have the resources to do so, unlike the big 4 who have eager graduates applying to them each year and who churn in fresh meat with each new batch of grads.

Also, should probably dispell the notion that just because people start off or move into a big 4 that you will automatically be able to lateral into a JLV/FLA firm. While it does help, there's a reason why people stay in big 4 and not jump elsewhere - the threshold to get in is high.

Thanks, this was very informative.

One thing that I’m not sure, and I’m hoping for someone to share is whether it’s worthwhile to stay till SP.

A friend was saying as a 5PQE assoc in big 4 Corp that she’s waiting to hit SP, but she wasn’t keen on sharing whether the international firms are approaching her.

So I was just wondering if they’re not impressed by her, or she’s not looking to move, or probably both?

Yah of course lol. More lawyers on the payroll would mean that the firm can support more salaries and overheads like your admin staff, the cubicles/rooms, your servers, IT things, etc. you get the point.

And of course with that comes a better reputation. So, where are you looking to go?

Changing Training Contracts
 

Offered a silver circle TC with SG qualification in first year and E and W qualification in the second. Allowance is around 2.5k for the first year and 9k for the E and W phase. Not sure if this will be adjusted come 2026. I am currently holding onto a very good M and A TC at a B4. No news on trainee allowance from the firm yet though the firm is paying 2000 for next year's trainees. Should I switch now or should I sweat it out in my current firm and lateral like all my associates and senior associates?

Agreed but would also add that even the Sg side of some JLV/FLAs pay more than b4. But caveat is that exit opps are usually better at b4 - like some US firms are full of ex A&G lawyers

Lol this is a no brainer, take the silver circle TC. Earning potential is much higher. Plus far easier to lateral from SC than from B4.

Is this Ashurst? The other SC firm which hires trainees in Sg is HSF, which only offers E&W qualification. Unless it's Simmons which is not SC.

Update: Aside from HSF's annual 1-2(3?) E&W trainee(s), Prolegis is now taking 1 PTC trainee each year.

Got a friend who did a vac scheme or internship there. The Prolegis TC is apparently part of their 2 or 3yr E&W. Get called to SG bar first then continue as SG lawyer but trainee for E&W purposes. Trainee allowance is very high.

Stay if it’s A&G!

*and if you like pain🤣