SINGAPORE, 21 August 2023 — More than 430 new Advocates and Solicitors who were called to the Bar today were the first to be issued with a custom lapel pin by the Singapore Academy of Law (“SAL”). Advocates and Solicitors called to the Singapore Bar may wear the pin as they perform their court and professional legal duties. This follows traditions in other jurisdictions such as Japan and South Korea with the practice of lawyers wearing legal lapel pins or badges to court.

SAL, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, has chosen to design the pin in the shape of its ceremonial crest which bears its motto, Honor est in Honorante..Every lawyer called to the Bar is issued a unique admission number which will be engraved at the back of each member’s pin.

It will be a new tradition set by SAL, said The Honourable the Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon at today’s Mass Call held at the Supreme Court. “The central importance of honourability to our vocation is reflected in the motto of the Singapore Academy of Law: Honor est in Honorante. This reminds us that honour lies in honouring: one becomes honourable only through the honour one bestows upon fellow members of the profession, the court and the public.”

All newly called lawyers are automatically members of SAL, which represents the interests of the entire legal community in Singapore. In an email addressed to new members, the Chief Justice, in his capacity as the President of SAL, said, “This pin serves not only to identify the wearer as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore, but also serves as a reminder of our obligation to uphold the high standards and ethics of this noble profession. I hope you will wear it with honour and a profound sense of service whenever you discharge your duties as an officer of the court.”

Mr Yeong Zee Kin, Chief Executive of SAL, said, “In its 35 years, SAL has welcomed more than 17,000 young lawyers into its fold. The challenges faced by every new generation of lawyers may be different but the emphasis on the values of honesty, integrity and service remains constant. We hope that this lapel pin will also serve as a reminder of the founding objectives of SAL which is to create a strong collegiate spirit and set the tone for high professional ethics.”

Members will be informed of collection details by email. For further information, they can contact SAL’s membership department at [email protected].