CLAS Fellowship
Pro Bono SG
Ad posted from: 25/05/2026 — 08/06/2026
About This Job
Job Type
Featured
Contract
Description
About Pro Bono SG
Pro Bono SG (UEN No. 201700430E) is a registered charity with the status of Institution of a Public Character and a company limited by guarantee. Originally established as a department within The Law Society of Singapore, we have since 2007 expanded our legal initiatives and programmes, helping over 150,000 people with legal awareness, guidance, and representation.
Renamed Pro Bono SG (PBSG) in 2022, our identity reflects the collective commitment of all Singaporeans to doing good in the community.
Vision and Mission
To serve the community by facilitating access to justice for the needy and vulnerable, so that all may have access to justice in Singapore.
About CLAS
Pro Bono SG administers the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS), an access to justice initiative that ensures the needy and disempowered receive quality pro bono legal representation and advice in non-capital criminal cases. CLAS operates through a dedicated team of Advocates, Fellows, and volunteer lawyers working together to deliver justice at the State Courts and Supreme Court.
About the Role
Pro Bono SG is inviting applications for the CLAS Fellowship 2026/2027. This is a full-time, one-year position (renewable) offering early-career lawyers a unique opportunity to work on non-capital criminal cases and support those who are most in need of legal representation.
As a CLAS Fellow, you will gain extensive exposure to both oral and written advocacy in the State and Supreme Courts. The Fellowship is designed to build strong criminal advocacy skills in a meaningful, hands-on environment.
You will be mentored by experienced CLAS Advocates and supported through a structured training programme, including free CPD-accredited courses. Fellows also benefit from access to senior members of the criminal Bar, who provide additional guidance and professional support throughout the year.
What You’ll Do
- Assess the merits of applications for legal aid
- Act for and appear on behalf of accused persons granted aid in their criminal matters under schemes administered by PBSG
- Conduct and attend any internal and external training sessions, including the CLAS Training Programme, as required
- Participate in advocacy work within the legal profession to promote greater participation by lawyers in criminal legal aid/volunteer work
- Supervise legal interns attached to one or more of Pro Bono SG’s schemes
- Participate in Pro Bono SG’s events and other outreach-related events in the wider community to promote greater awareness of the guidance and representation schemes available
What We’re Looking For
- Called to the Singapore bar with 0 to 3 years PQE
- Interest in criminal law or pro bono work
- Demonstrated commitment to serving the community
- Strong workload management skills
- Self-driven, resourceful, and a reliable team player
- Able to work independently and meet tight deadlines
- Strong interest in oral advocacy
- Fluency in a second language
How to Apply
Please email your detailed resume, your notice period (where applicable), and the contact information of two referees to: hr@probono.sg.
In the body of your email, tell us why you\\\\\\\’re drawn to the Fellowship and what you hope to bring to the role.
Only shortlisted candidates.
About Company
Website
Address
1 Havelock Square, B1-18, Singapore 059724
Contact Person's Name
Hazel Koh
Contact Number
91838146
Email Address
Other Jobs Offered by this Company
Featured
Contract
CLAS Advocate
Pro Bono SG
About CLAS
Pro Bono SG administers the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS), a key access to justice initiative that provides quality pro bono legal representation and advice to needy and vulnerable persons facing non-capital criminal charges.
The Role
The CLAS Advocate role offers an exceptional opportunity for lawyers who are passionate about criminal advocacy and committed to public service. Advocates undertake full-time non-capital criminal defence work while leading and mentoring CLAS Fellows (junior lawyers). They manage their own caseload across the State Courts and Supreme Court, including complex criminal matters and appeals where appropriate.
Advocates receive a competitive annual salary package, ongoing CPD training throughout the year, and mentorship opportunities with senior members of the criminal bar to support their professional growth and advocacy development.
Key Responsibilities
1. Training & Mentorship
Provide onboarding, training, supervision, and mentorship to CLAS Fellows, volunteer lawyers, and junior CLAS Advocates. Support their development in legal practice, advocacy skills, client management, and professional ethics.
2. Criminal Defence & Trial Work
Handle criminal matters at both the State Courts and High Court, including trials and appeals where appropriate. Advocates may conduct matters independently or work alongside CLAS Fellows and volunteer lawyers.
3. File Supervision & Continuity
Oversee and manage ongoing CLAS files, including matters transitioned from previous Fellowship batches, ensuring continuity of representation and minimising delays in case progression.
4. Merits Assessments & Legal Clinics
Conduct merits interviews for applicants in remand or on bail to facilitate timely processing of legal aid applications. Lead and support criminal legal clinic sessions, while training Fellows and junior Advocates in these responsibilities.
5. Knowledge Sharing & Case Oversight
Organise regular legal updates, case discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions to ensure the team remains current on developments in criminal law and maintains strong file management and case handling practices.
6. Volunteer Engagement & Capacity Building
Actively support the growth of the CLAS volunteer lawyer network by engaging and training volunteer counsel, including lawyers from MOU partner firms and the wider private bar.
7. Strategic & Policy Contributions
Support broader criminal justice and pro bono initiatives undertaken by the CLS Directorate, including programme delivery, community outreach, policy consultations, stakeholder engagement, research, and strategic legal initiatives relating to access to justice.
Requirements
- Admitted to the Singapore Bar with at least 3 years of continuous practice, attained at least two months before commencement of employment.
- Relevant experience in criminal litigation at both the State Courts and Supreme Court, including appellate work.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and lead a team.
- Strong passion for pro bono work and a good understanding of the work of Pro Bono SG.
- Self-motivated, resourceful, and able to work effectively both independently and in a team.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.
- Proven involvement in pro bono criminal defence work (e.g. CLAS Fellow, CLAS Counsel, and/or LASCO Counsel).
- Experience in criminal prosecution or private criminal defence practice.
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter, resume and two referees’ contact details to: hr@probono.sg.
Ad posted from: 25/05/2026 — 08/06/2026