Mr Shanmugam said it was important for the profession and the courts to address the issues raised by the study, while collecting more detailed and objective data. This should include how many lawyers have such complaints, as well as perspectives from law firms and the courts, he said.
“You need to size the problem and verify it, and then deal with it,” Mr Shanmugam added.
Addressing the incoming law students, Mr Shanmugam said those who aspire to practise law at the top end of the profession should expect demanding work, considering Singapore’s competition with other leading legal centres and the high remuneration offered.
He noted that a first-year qualified lawyer at a top local firm can earn more than S$100,000 (US$77,480) annually, with pay at the very top firms ranging from S$120,000 to S$140,000.
After six to eight years, the best-performing lawyers may make junior partner and earn about S$200,000 to S$300,000 a year, he said.
He also said that the government, legal service and judicial service offer competitive salaries to attract talent, though not at the level of the highest-paying private firms, reflecting the different pressures and demands of the roles.
Mr Shanmugam said: “When you get paid like that, then the expectations and demands will also be high. Work is expected almost round the clock. It is even more intense in London, New York. The pressure comes with the territory. So it’s a choice. You want that?
“Or do you want a different pace of life? Then you must choose a firm that makes quality of life a part of its work culture. There are firms like that,” he said.
“But let me also be clear. None of what I have said about law being a demanding profession excuses poor supervision, lack of training, harassment, bullying and unreasonable treatment of lawyers,” he added.
“These issues need to be taken seriously.”