A GUIDE TO LIVING AND WORKING IN SINGAPORE

Introduction

The last few years have seen big changes in the legal community in Singapore, most notably with the advent of the Joint Law Ventures ("JLV's") between the leading Singaporean firms and a number of large international practices. It is fair to say that some JLV's have been more successful than others and a couple have already split as a result of cultural differences. However, it remains the case that only Singaporean firms can practice Singaporean law and so they represent the only way for international firms to get involved to any extent at all in local work.

Given the restriction on non-Singaporean firms practicing local law, the international firms are limited to advising clients on cross border deals and off-shore work. The practical effect of this for overseas lawyers is that opportunities to work in Singapore are more limited than in, say, Hong Kong and that the international firms, who are most likely to employ them, tend to focus their practices in quite limited areas of the law. In spite of this, and the difficult economic environment in South East Asia over recent years, there are still numerous international practices with a presence in the Lion City, and a not insignificant band of overseas lawyers plying their trade there.

Outside of work, Singapore has a great deal to offer. It is exceptionally clean, safe and offers an extremely pleasant equatorial environment in which to live, where the sunny, hot weather changes little throughout the year. Accommodation is good and, compared to Hong Kong, very reasonably priced. These factors, together with an excellent local education system, make Singapore very popular with ex-pats and particularly amongst those with young families.

Leisure-wise, Singapore again scores very well. Locally, there is excellent shopping, as well as plenty of tropical parkland in which to stroll and of course beaches on which to enjoy the good weather. Sports clubs, such as the Singapore Cricket Club, are popular with ex-pats and offer the chance to play competitive sport as well as having excellent facilities. Dining options are plentiful, varied and typically excellent. There is also no shortage of bars and clubs for those individuals who like to spend their evenings out on the town. Outside of Singapore itself, you are within easy reach of some of the finest beach resorts in the World, including those in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Getting away to such places couldn't be easier, the Singapore international airport being one of the best and most user-friendly in the world.