Singapore Academy of Law welcomes Newly Admitted Lawyers at Inaugural Mass Admission Dinner
The Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) welcomed newly admitted lawyers into the legal profession at its inaugural Mass Admission Dinner, held over two nights on 5 and 6 May 2025. The occasion marked a new tradition within Singapore’s legal community, aimed at fostering collegiality and reflection at the start of every lawyer’s professional journey.
Nearly 230 of these new entrants had the opportunity to mingle with close to 70 members of the judiciary and senior members of the legal profession at this historic event, creating valuable connections and affirming their place in a community united by shared values.
The dinners were part of recommendations made by the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee, which was established two years ago to develop a strategy to reaffirm the moral centre and values of the profession, and to help lawyers and those aspiring to join the profession understand that the law is a calling to be answered with honesty, integrity and dedication. One of the Committee’s recommendations was to cultivate shared experiences and “community rituals” to reinforce the values of integrity, professionalism, and justice.
On 5 May, Justice Valerie Thean, who co-chaired the Committee, delivered the welcome address. She reminded the new lawyers of the enduring values that underpin the profession and encouraged them to aspire towards excellence and impact. “The wider world is waiting for the path you alone will carve. Whatever path you choose, aim high; aspire to be the best at what you want to be best at. Do it right and do it well, in the best traditions of our profession,” she said.
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon delivered the welcome address on 6 May. He spoke about the importance of community in the legal profession, which provides unity of purpose, promotes the sustainability of legal practice, and supports the training, formation and development of lawyers. The Chief Justice called for the legal profession to take a more deliberate and intentional approach to community-building, especially in light of increasing commercial pressures and the growing size of the profession, which has made it more challenging and demanding to sustain collegiality and cohesiveness.
The Chief Justice also emphasised the importance of mutual courtesy and respect within the profession, observing that maintaining collegiality with other lawyers can make one’s experience in the law so much more pleasant and enjoyable, which is also tied to the objective of ensuring the sustainability of legal practice.
This inaugural Mass Admission Dinner sets the stage for a second milestone event, the Valedictory Dinner, which will be held later in lawyers' careers as they reach the statutory retirement age. Together, these two events are intended to bookend the legal career with moments of reflection, celebration, and reaffirmation of professional values.
“This inaugural Mass Admission Dinner starts a new tradition for Singapore’s legal profession. It is not only a celebration of the newest members joining the Bar but also of their entry into a community built on trust, mentorship, and shared values,” said Mr Yeong Zee Kin, Chief Executive of the Singapore Academy of Law.
SAL’s mission is to enable future-ready, trusted legal professionals. The statutory body works with members and stakeholders to set new precedents of excellence in Singapore law through developing legal thought leadership, world-class legal technology infrastructure and legal solutions to support our members. As a body established by statute, SAL also undertakes statutory functions such as the Wills Registry, stakeholding services and appointment of Senior Counsel, Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public. For more information, please visit www.sal.org.sg.
The SAL Group comprises the Singapore Academy of Law, the Singapore Mediation Centre, the Asian Business Law Institute and LawNet Technology Services.