Blockchain Records under Singapore Law
The current interest in blockchain technology can be attributed in large part to the immutability of blockchain records. While this is not an essay about how blockchain works, a brief description of how blocks of transactional records are created and
The (Somewhat) Confusing World of Cryptocurrencies
This article provides an overview of the broad categories of cryptocurrencies, namely Virtual Currencies, Security Tokens, Utility Tokens and Asset Backed Tokens. Each category and its associated characteristics is considered in turn. Introduction When people speak of cryptocurrencies, the first thing that
Introduction to Programmable Contracts: A Dispute Resolution Perspective
Programmable contracts may revolutionise commercial transactions insofar as they create legally binding relations and are enforceable in a suitable dispute resolution forum. The use of computer programming is likely to give rise to technologically complex disputes that the courts of
The Modern Lawyers
The changes to the duration of training contracts and the two different methods of admission to the Bar announced recently appears positive. The intention of the changes seems to give law graduates an opportunity to choose between law practice or
Amicus Agony
Dear Amicus Agony, I am newly-called and was recently offered an associate position with the firm I trained at. It is a big firm and notwithstanding the long hours, I enjoy working with the people there. My only gripe is that
President’s Message
This was the speech delivered by the President at Mass Call 2018 held on 30 and 31 August 2018. May it please Your Honour, on behalf of the Law Society, I seek Your Honour’s leave to address the cohort of 2018
CEO’s Message
Dear Member, Ayubowan (meaning “Long Life” in Sinhalese)! As part of the Lawyers Go Global (LG2) programme, the Law Society of Singapore organised a Mission to Sri Lanka from 10 to 14 September 2018. It was an intense four-day mission trip
Avoiding Ambiguity in Drafting Complex Lists
Introduction Ambiguity in legal writing has been called “the lawyer’s curse”.[ref] Peter Butt, Legal Usage: A Modern Style Guide (Lexis Nexis Butterworths, 2018) at p 33 (“Legal Usage”).[/ref] It is difficult to spot because legal drafters “are too close to
Arise, the T-Shaped Lawyer and How Law Firms Play a Pivotal Role
Maximising resources, increasing revenue, elevating the firm’s presence: these are constant challenges law firms face today. While the legal industry has traditionally been snail paced in keeping up with the tech adoption curve, such challenges have put undue pressure on
Looking for Help or Asking for Trouble?
Ethical and Risk Issues with Lateral Hiring Introduction Lateral hiring is a common solution for law firms looking to expand. While a candidate’s experience, cultural fit or client following might naturally come to mind when a law firm is seeking to hire