Lawyer Salary

#**16121** (**permalink**) 02-03-2022, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered

No, the new 12-month TC requirement will not apply retroactively to qualified persons who passed pre-2023 Part B exams.

Go to Question 5 of the FAQ document at:
://.mlaw.gov.sg/news/press-releases/law-ministry-accepts-recommendations-to-strengthen-professional

On an unrelated note, the cynic in me thinks that the most recent salary revisions by the Big4 are to cater for the anticipated +6 months' TC, and there won't be any further adjustments in 2023 to reflect that law grads will spend additional +6 months drawing trainee allowance/pay (which is ~1/3 of an NQ pay). They're not doing this out of the generosity of their hearts nor fear of losing talent.

Which is still a net detriment to the 2023 batches. Thoughts?

Hard to say cause it's not yet clear whether the B4 trainee salary will be raised. We will see.

#**16122** (**permalink**) 02-03-2022, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered

2PQE (sg scale) in Magic circle, earning 14.5k. Go figure

They are asking about small to mid sized firms, I don't see how your indication on Magic Circle, which is typically the highest of the UK firms, helps unless you can share what % of this assocs in small to mid sized firms of their PQE earn?

#**16123** (**permalink**) 02-03-2022, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Mid Sized Associate.

Been with current firm (Firm C) for 5-6 months, but its increasingly toxic and I don't think I can hold out much longer. I have a 2 month notice period. I think law is not what I want to do. But i'm not ruling out switching firms.

Should I find a job 1 month after I've tendered? Or just tender.

Been with 2 firms previously.

Firm B for 1 year. Firm A for a month.

Can I leave out my time at Firm A on CV? I was previously asked about the short stint prior to applying to Firm C?

Worried that the time at Firm A would hurt my employment prospects.

Grateful for any seniors thoughts

I had a similar experience where I was with a firm for X months (short period) and had to leave due to very pressing reasons which I would not want to discuss. I am in a much better place now all things considered. I would say look at your employment application carefully. Does the firm you are applying to require you or expect you to state every single job/employment you have done for the past few years in no uncertain terms? i.e. is there something akin to the strict duty of full and frank disclosure like the kind required in ex-parte injunctions? Consider also, is it in your latest tax returns or any document that you will submit to the firm? Did you put that firm publicly on linkedin etc? Be clear that what you are doing is exercising the discretion to put forward your strongest and best points in the application, and not concealing/lying about your history.

I had one interview where they asked why i left after X months. This i felt distracted from all the other points in my application.

I moved too. What I did was to search, apply and accept the formal offer prior to tendering the notice. You need to have a secure next stepping stone before leaving the first one. Also, read your letter of appointment carefully to see if there are any "penalties" for leaving.

All the best.

#**16124** (**permalink**) 02-03-2022, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I'm training at a small corporate law firm and wondering if it's possible to lateral into a bigger firm (e.g. big 4 or mid-term) after I get called. Do firms post job ads for legal executives? My grades are decent (strong second upper from NUS). Thanks!

Yes big 4 is always in need of assocs, but do consider carefully as certain mid/big 4s i feel the pay increase may not be worth it. Never take a legal exec role in hope of "conversion", if they need assocs, they will hire assocs.

#**16125** (**permalink**) 02-03-2022, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I am a very junior Assoc. Would appreciate seniors thoughts.

Would it be frowned upon if I leave out a very short stint on a CV?

Very junior PQE Assoc here. I have a 3-4 mth CV gap after getting called, as I took time out after getting called.

Started out in a small size firm (Law Firm A), but left after 1 month. Unfortunately, it just didnt suit me.

Spent 1 year in practice somewhere else in a mid size (Law Firm B) doing liti, and currently around 5-6 months into my present place (Law Firm C), also mid, doing liti, with corp, but smaller firm than my previous employer.

Thinking of applying out, to other Law Firms, In-House and Gov as a Civil Servant as Law

Firm C is quite toxic and its a daily minefield, dont think I can last much longer. Rampant infighting, angkat bola. Still have to serve 2 months notice.

Should I leave out my time in Law Firm A? Seniors any thoughts?

While there is some room for discretion with firms, and be prepared to explain the "gap", when it comes to govt, look at the employment declarations carefully and i feel it will be hard to leave it out.

#**16126** (**permalink**) 02-03-2022, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered

While there is some room for discretion with firms, and be prepared to explain the "gap", when it comes to govt, look at the employment declarations carefully and i feel it will be hard to leave it out.

There are employment declarations concerning gaps in employment?

#**16127** (**permalink**) 02-03-2022, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered

No, the new 12-month TC requirement will not apply retroactively to qualified persons who passed pre-2023 Part B exams.

Go to Question 5 of the FAQ document at:
://.mlaw.gov.sg/news/press-releases/law-ministry-accepts-recommendations-to-strengthen-professional

On an unrelated note, the cynic in me thinks that the most recent salary revisions by the Big4 are to cater for the anticipated +6 months' TC, and there won't be any further adjustments in 2023 to reflect that law grads will spend additional +6 months drawing trainee allowance/pay (which is ~1/3 of an NQ pay). They're not doing this out of the generosity of their hearts nor fear of losing talent.

Which is still a net detriment to the 2023 batches. Thoughts?

But will any firms offer him a six month TC if he is applying for a TC during the 2023 batch when most TC on offer are 12 months. Probably a demand and supply issue then..