Findings and Outcomes of Inquiry into Allegations of Workplace Issues at Law Society of Singapore
Ministry of LawSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the inquiry findings and outcomes regarding allegations of workplace issues at the Law Society of Singapore (LawSoc). Dr Wan Rizal asked if the Ministry of Law had been informed of the inquiry results and what actions would be taken in response. Minister Edwin Tong Chun Fai replied that an independent investigation by LawSoc's Audit Committee found no deliberate financial impropriety, but identified significant failings in leadership, workplace culture, governance, and internal controls between 2022 and 2025. He stated that the LawSoc Council has acknowledged the findings, commenced implementing recommendations, and invited members to a closed-door meeting in August to discuss the report. Minister Edwin Tong Chun Fai emphasized that LawSoc must maintain the highest standards of governance and accountability, noting that the Ministry looks forward to receiving updates on their progress.
Transcript
116 Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Law (a) whether the Ministry has been informed of the findings and outcomes of the inquiry into allegations made in September 2025 of workplace issues at the Law Society of Singapore; (b) if so, what are they; and (c) what actions does the Ministry intend to take in response.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: On 13 September 2025, the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) and the Ministry of Manpower received an anonymous email containing a set of concerning allegations and complaints against certain persons and practices within the Law Society of Singapore (LawSoc). This was sent by MinLaw to the then-Council of LawSoc (LawSoc Council), to investigate. LawSoc Council appointed the LawSoc's Audit Committee to investigate the matter and make the appropriate recommendations. The Audit Committee, which comprised both LawSoc members and non-members, conducted the investigation independently of LawSoc Council.
The Audit Committee sent its report to LawSoc Council on 5 June 2026. LawSoc Council sent a copy of the report to MinLaw on 1 July 2026.
The allegations raised in the complaint were serious and wide-ranging, covering matters which occurred at LawSoc in the period 2022 to 2025. They concerned inappropriate workplace conduct, weaknesses in governance and oversight, deficiencies in grievance handling and whistleblowing processes, and shortcomings in internal controls over certain administrative and financial practices. While the audit did not find evidence of deliberate financial impropriety or an intentional cover-up, it nevertheless identified significant failings in leadership, workplace culture and governance during the relevant period.
These failings have no place in an institution such as LawSoc. They undermine confidence within the organisation, affect the well-being of its employees and risk eroding the trust that both the legal profession and the public place in it.
The Ministry notes that the current LawSoc Council has acknowledged the Audit Committee's findings and has begun implementing its recommendations. It is important that the Council now carefully considers the findings in their entirety, assesses whether and if so, what further action is required, and takes firm and decisive steps wherever appropriate to address any shortcomings, strengthen governance, improve accountability, and ensure that similar issues do not arise again. They have also invited members to a closed-door meeting in August to further discuss the findings of the Audit Committee.
LawSoc occupies a unique position as the representative body of Singapore's legal profession. It is entrusted with responsibilities that extend beyond its own members, and is expected to exemplify the values of integrity, professionalism and accountability. It must therefore be held to the highest standards of governance and institutional accountability.
The Ministry looks forward to receiving updates on LawSoc's progress on the above.