Toxic Culture and Workload Drive Singapore Lawyer Attrition
Lawyers in Singapore are increasingly leaving private practice due to toxic workplace cultures, bullying, and unreasonable workloads that intrude on their personal lives, according to a study released Tuesday by the Law Society of Singapore (LawSoc). The Legal Profession Sustainability Study, which surveyed 855 practitioners and former lawyers, identifies structural and cultural conditions as the primary drivers of attrition rather than individual failings.
Did You Know? The four-year study was commissioned by the late Law Society president Adrian Tan, who in 2022 warned that the legal profession was facing a “perfect storm” of record-high departures and record-low numbers of new entrants.
Why the Legal Profession is Facing Attrition
The 223-page report, conducted by research firm Anthro Insights, found that workplace culture and its impact on mental health are the strongest factors pushing lawyers to leave private practice. Respondents reported being “scolded, ridiculed or publicly humiliated” by judicial officers regarding inflexible court timelines. Furthermore, some lawyers indicated that their law school education had not adequately prepared them for the realities of daily practice.
These findings align with concerns previously raised by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, who noted in April that one in three new lawyers may quit within three years. While Minister for Law Edwin Tong has stated in parliament that attrition numbers have remained stable over the last decade, the study suggests that current interventions are failing because they address only symptoms rather than the underlying systemic harm.
What Happens Next: Collaborative Reform
The judiciary and the Law Society have initiated formal steps to address these findings. A Judiciary–Law Society Joint Working Committee is being established to handle feedback regarding court processes, led by Supreme Court chief executive Juthika Ramanathan, Registrar Jill Tan, and LawSoc representatives including Senior Counsel Lok Vi Ming. Additionally, LawSoc has convened a Task Force on the Fulfilment and Sustainability of Younger Lawyers to develop actionable recommendations.
The Ministry of Law (MinLaw) has signaled that it will continue engagement through the Future of the Legal Profession Committee, established in December 2025. It is likely that these groups will focus on balancing industry demands with professional development and individual wellbeing, as the judiciary has acknowledged that a resilient profession is essential to the administration of justice.
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter observes that the shift toward structural reform signals a move away from viewing lawyer turnover as a private human resources issue. By creating a direct link between the Bench and the Bar, the legal ecosystem is attempting to mitigate the “perfect storm” identified by the late Adrian Tan by addressing the specific, rigid conditions that drive talent out of the sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason lawyers are leaving private practice?
According to the LawSoc study, the primary drivers are toxic workplace cultures, bullying, and unreasonable workloads that negatively affect mental health and personal life.
How did the study gather its data?
The four-year study utilized surveys from 855 practicing and former lawyers, alongside 31 in-depth interviews with members of the legal community, including former judges and junior lawyers.
What specific action is the judiciary taking?
The judiciary is establishing a Joint Working Committee with the Law Society to address feedback regarding court-related stress points and to foster a commitment to sustainability between the Bench and the Bar.
Could these structural changes be enough to reverse the current trend of attrition in the legal sector?