Apart from having top-tier advocacy skills, professional integrity and being learned in the law, Senior Counsel have a duty of leading and being an example to the rest of the Bar, especially younger members. They are also required to demonstrate contributions to the law in the form of academic teaching, writing and research, and contributions to the institutions of continuing legal education. To reflect the significance of their work and commitment, this elite group of advocates are conferred with the title and the corresponding right to suffix their name with the initials “SC”. They have precedence vis-à-vis other advocates with regard to their rights of audience in the courts and tribunals of the land.

Once a year, the Senior Counsel Selection Committee of the Academy, chaired by the Honourable Chief Justice of Singapore, evaluates applications for appointment as Senior Counsel, and appoints persons deserving of this distinction as Senior Counsel. To date, 54 persons have been selected and appointed as Senior Counsel, with another 5 persons holding this appointment ex officio.

 
 

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