Singapore, 7 January 2011 – The Honourable the Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong on the occasion of the Opening of the Legal Year today announced the appointment of two new Senior Counsel.  They are:

(a) Mr Roderick Edward MARTIN (罗德里克 爱德华 马丁), who was admitted as an advocate and solicitor on 13 August 1975; and

(b)  Mr CHAN Leng Sun (陈凌新), who was admitted as an advocate and solicitor on 14 July 1993.

The Senior Counsel scheme was started in 1997 to recognise the best and most skilful advocates in the legal profession. Appointment as Senior Counsel is an accolade given to those who possess outstanding ability as advocates, extensive knowledge of the law and the highest professional standing.

Senior Counsel are selected, pursuant to section 30 of the Legal Profession Act, Cap 161, by a Selection Committee comprising The Honourable the Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong, The Honourable Attorney-General Sundaresh Menon, The Honourable Justice of Appeal Chao Hick Tin, The Honourable Justice of Appeal Andrew Phang Boon Leong and The Honourable Justice of Appeal V K Rajah.

To date, a total of 52* persons have been appointed Senior Counsel.

Notes to editor:
1   *This figure excludes the Honourable the Chief Justice, 9 Supreme Court judges, the Senior District Judge and 2 deceased SC.

2   Persons holding office as Solicitor-General and Attorney-General are appointed Senior Counsel pursuant to sections 30(7) and 30(8) of the Legal Profession Act. These statutory appointments include the former Attorneys-General Mr Tan Boon Teik and Professor Walter Woon, former Solicitor-General Mr Koh Eng Tian and the current Solicitor-General Mrs Koh Juat Jong.

3   Senior Counsel who are appointed to a judicial office (other than as a judge of the Supreme Court) will cease to use the Senior Counsel designation for the period of service in judicial office. Senior Counsel appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court will cease to use the designation altogether. There are currently 10 Supreme Court judges (including the Chief Justice) and a senior district judge in the Subordinate Courts who were appointed Senior Counsel.

4   Currently, there are 40 practising lawyers who are appointed Senior Counsel.

5   For other details, please click here to access the  Directory of Senior Counsel.

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