Summary
Members reasserted internal democracy after a leadership controversy: 86% supported a rule that the President must be an elected council member. Strong pro bono record through Pro Bono SG.
Leadership in period: Professor Tan Cheng Han SC is President for 2026; the Society has about 6,400 members.
Key developments
- An EGM attended by more than 500 lawyers supported the elected-member rule by 86%.
- The Opening of the Legal Year address highlighted regional outreach and Pro Bono SG.
- Singapore will host the IBA Annual Conference in 2027.
Criterion ratings
Rule of Law and Judicial Independence
Moderate
Access to Justice
Strong
Governance and Transparency
Moderate
Professional Standards and Education
Moderate
Diversity and Inclusion
Not assessed
Assessment
The governance episode showed a working internal accountability mechanism, while exposing a gap in rules that members had to correct.