Lawyers must act with integrity, uphold rule of law and never mislead the court: Edwin Tong

Law Minister Edwin Tong emphasized that integrity, adherence to the rule of law, and never misleading the court are crucial for lawyers on August 4 during a Singapore Management University ceremony. He explained that law is fundamentally about trust, citing examples such as home-buying, contract signing, and courtroom proceedings where clients place faith in their legal representatives.

Tong stated that students would inherit the responsibility of upholding this trust and called on them to act with integrity even when it may be inconvenient or unpopular. He advised them to find their purpose in the profession, understanding that the challenges such as long hours and difficult cases are significant, but the work carries meaning and can become a fulfilling career.

Tong also encouraged students to build strong communities by forming relationships with fellow students and seniors, noting that Singapore's legal profession, with around 6,400 practising lawyers, is small and interconnected. He urged students to seek diverse experiences, including internships and volunteering, both locally and internationally, to gain a broader understanding of the law's role in various disciplines like AI and biotechnology.

He stressed that while AI can assist in legal research, it lacks human judgment in certain aspects, such as settling disputes or advising clients on ethical matters. Tong emphasized that the foundation of a lawyer's character defines their profession, and the legal field is adapting to changes, including the impact of AI, through collaborative efforts among stakeholders.

Preliminary ideas for addressing the profession's challenges include increasing student exposure to legal practice, supporting firm expansion abroad, enhancing AI and leadership training, and establishing clearer workplace codes of conduct.