Singapore's corporate counsel association has launched a new competency framework for inhouse lawyers. The SCCA president Wong Taur-Juin said the organisation had worked with associations in more than 10 countries when devising the code to ensure it was consistent with international standards. Corporate counsel are not regulated under the Legal Profession Act nor do they currently have to undertake continuing professional education.  Mr Wong said that the new regime would set professional and ethical stantards for inhouse lawyers including a stronger code of conduct and appropriate competencies for various levels of experience.

New standards

The SCCA will also create and accredit educational courses and award certificates. Mr Wong told The Straits Times: 'Singapore ought to have a system to ensure the professional and ethical standards of in-house lawyers. Standards offer a benchmark for skills and behaviour, help employers with their hiring. Standards also protect employees when they are asked to do something less than right.'