Pursuing a law degree opens up a world of opportunities. With numerous specialisations, finding the right law course in Singapore can seem daunting.
This article covers the varied legal courses available and the skills needed to build a successful career in law. Read on to make an informed decision about which direction is best suited for you.
Different Types of Law Courses in Singapore
Asian Legal Studies
This unique specialisation, which some top universities offer, enables students to examine Asian legal systems in a broad socio-cultural context. By recognising connections to local business, politics, and trade, the Asian Legal Studies course provides a thorough understanding of South, Southeast, and East Asian legal customs and institutions.
Business Law
Also known as corporate law, this specialisation covers regulations related to the rights and conduct of individuals, organisations and commercial enterprises. Course content typically includes corporate listings, shareholder rights, mergers and acquisitions. Studies focus on compliance in finance, taxation, corporate governance and more.
Maritime Law
Maritime law is the speciality that pursues those interested in private maritime disputes, shipping protocols, protection policies, and other marine-related legal matters. Students learn about pertinent rules, conventions, and treaties under international and domestic laws governing maritime activities.
Banking and Finance Law
This course covers the legal aspects of banking for corporate institutions. Students gain expertise in investment banking, portfolio management, mergers and acquisitions, and treasury operations. This degree equips graduates with the skills to readily target jobs in the highly competitive banking and financial services sector.
Essential Skills for a Successful Career in Law
Interpersonal and Communication Abilities
From convincingly arguing a case in court to negotiating a settlement out of court, lawyers need advanced interpersonal and communication skills. These include superior writing capability, public speaking skills, and listening abilities. Coursework and internships help develop proficiency in these areas.
Argumentation Skills
Constructing watertight legal arguments and logically breaking down counterarguments is vital for lawyers. Mooting competitions held in law schools provide excellent practice for developing firm yet flexible argumentation skills. Students get used to quickly thinking on their feet and articulating reasoned claims and rebuttals.
Research Capabilities
Extensive research is integral before lawyers can fight cases in court. Law students undergo rigorous training in investigative methodologies, including confirming sources, analysing evidence, establishing the credibility of references, logical reasoning, and separating fact from speculation.
Problem-Solving Abilities
Lawyers routinely tackle complex issues with constraints like limited time, incomplete information, and high pressure. Academic coursework and professional experience teach students structured frameworks for rationally analysing problems and formulating practical solutions.
Legal Knowledge
While specialisations concentrate on focused domains, fundamentals courses deliver well-rounded knowledge of constitutional law, criminal law, family law, tax laws, and other common legal disciplines. This forms a broad base for students to build more profound expertise in chosen areas.
Mooting Skills
Moots simulations offer safe environments for students to develop vital courtroom skills, such as drafting legal documents, presenting oral arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and more. Over time, repeated practice helps students overcome early awkwardness and develop greater confidence and capability.
Interdisciplinary Knowledge
Finally, since the law impacts virtually every domain, from business, politics and trade to ethics and sociology, lawyers must continually update their knowledge in relevant fields. Specialist elective courses, guest lectures, conferences and reading help broaden perspectives.
Conclusion
Pursuing law opens up diverse options spanning corporate litigation, maritime arbitration, tax compliance and beyond. Finding the right specialisation coupled with rounded skills-based training sets up law graduates for engaging careers. With Singapore’s universities ranked among the best globally for legal studies, there has never been a better time to enrol yourself and prepare for leadership roles in this rewarding profession.
