CLAS Advocate (Criminal Lawyer)

About Pro Bono SG
Pro Bono SG (UEN No. 201700430E) is a registered charity with the status of Institution of a Public Character and a company limited by guarantee. Originally established as a department within The Law Society of Singapore, we have since 2007 expanded our legal initiatives and programmes, helping over 150,000 people with legal awareness, guidance, and representation.

Renamed Pro Bono SG (PBSG) in 2022, our identity reflects the collective commitment of all Singaporeans to doing good in the community.


Vision and Mission
To serve the community by facilitating access to justice for the needy and vulnerable, so that all may have access to justice in Singapore.


About CLAS
PBSG administers the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS), an access to justice initiative that ensures the needy and disempowered receive quality pro bono legal representation and advice in non-capital criminal cases. CLAS operates through a dedicated team of Advocates, Fellows, and volunteer lawyers working together to deliver justice at the State Courts and Supreme Court.


The Role
The CLAS Advocate position offers an unparalleled and exciting opportunity for lawyers with a strong passion for criminal advocacy to dedicate themselves full-time to non-capital criminal pro bono work. Advocates lead a team of CLAS Fellows (junior lawyers) in taking on complex criminal matters and manage their own independent caseload at both the State Courts and Supreme Court.

Advocates will receive an annualised salary package, free ongoing CPD training throughout the year, and access to senior members of the criminal bar for guidance and professional development.


Key Responsibilities

1. Training & Mentorship
Provide structured onboarding, training, mentorship, and leadership to CLAS Fellows, volunteer lawyers (as required or directed by the Community Legal Services (CLS) Directorate), and junior CLAS Advocates. Support their development in legal practice, client advocacy, and ethical conduct.

2. Trial Work & Legal Representation
Undertake trial matters at both the State Courts and High Court, and where appropriate, handle appeal matters. Casework may be carried out independently or in collaboration with CLAS Fellows or external volunteers.

3. File Supervision & Transition Management
Oversee ongoing CLAS files, including those previously handled by the Fellowship upon completion of their tenure, ensuring continuity between batches and minimising delays in case progression.

4. Merits Assessments & Legal Clinics
Conduct merits interviews for applicants in remand or on bail to support timely processing of legal aid applications. Facilitate and lead criminal legal clinic sessions, while training CLAS Fellows and junior Advocates to take on these responsibilities.

5. Knowledge-Sharing & Case Management Oversight
Organise and lead regular knowledge-sharing sessions and case status updates to ensure the legal team remains current on developments in the law, upholds proper file management, and maintains efficient case handling.

6. Volunteer Engagement & Capacity Building
Serve as an ambassador for pro bono work by actively engaging, training, and expanding the volunteer lawyer pool, including outreach to MOU partner firms and the broader private bar.

7. Strategic & Policy Contributions
Support the CLS Directorate in broader pro bono and criminal justice initiatives, including:

• Supporting PBSG and CLAS programme delivery and community outreach;
• Participating in policy consultations and stakeholder discussions within the criminal justice system;
• Contributing to research on criminal defence practice and access to justice;
• Providing input on strategic legal initiatives and programme development.

Requirements
Essential:

• Admitted to the Singapore Bar with at least 3 years of continuous practice, achieved at least two months prior to commencement of employment.
• Relevant experience in criminal litigation at both the State Courts and Supreme Court, including at first instance and appellate levels.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and mentor a team.
• Demonstrated passion for probono work and a sound understanding of the activities undertaken by Pro Bono SG.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and an effective team player.
• Ability to multi-task, work independently, and meet tight deadlines.

Preferred:

• An established track record in pro bono work (e.g. as a CLAS Fellow or Counsel, and/or LASCO Counsel).
• Non-probono criminal prosecution or defence experience.

How to Apply

Please email your detailed resume, details of your notice period, and the contact particulars of two referees to: [email protected].

In the body of your email, please set out the reasons why you believe you are the right candidate for this position.

We look forward to hearing from you.