A SOCIAL INITIATIVE jointly presented by
The Singapore Corporate Counsel Association Limited (“SCCA”), in collaboration with NOVA8, is pleased to announce a new social initiative, “PIER”. The programme aims to empower young or transitioning lawyers (PIER Counsel) to provide legal support services to Participating Organisations on a heavily subsidised basis. PIER Counsel with little or no prior relevant experience may be supported by PIER Mentors, comprised of experienced counsel with in-house or private practice experience.
PIER Counsel will have the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause by providing Participating Organisations with the professional support that they need but may not otherwise be able to afford through traditional legal services.
PIER Counsel will also gain valuable hands-on experience through supporting the legal and compliance functions of Participating Organisations.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
If you are:
- A law graduate seeking work experience;
- A newly-qualified lawyer;
- A lawyer looking to upskill or transition into a new sector;
- A lawyer who is currently in transition; or
- A legal consultant who is interested in supporting charitable, non-profit or social impact-focused organisations
We welcome you to apply to be a PIER Counsel. You must have a basic law degree from a recognised university and/or be admitted to a recognised Bar. Please also see the section below on “What are the expectations of a PIER Counsel?”
Where appropriate, PIER Counsel may be paired with a PIER Mentor for the purpose of providing services to a Participating Organisation.
Click here to apply to be a PIER Counsel.
Participating Organisations
If you are:
- A charity, voluntary welfare organisation, non-governmental organisation or social impact-focused organisation or small or medium-sized enterprise; or
- A member organisation of SCCA and NTUC U Associate,
We welcome you to apply to be a Participating Organisation.
Click here to apply to be a Participating Organisation.
All selection and matching of PIER Counsel and Participating Organisations shall be subject to the approval of the PIER Committee. The PIER Committee reserve the right to reject any applications for any reason whatsoever.
PIER Mentors
If you are a Singapore-based:
- Experienced private practice lawyer; or
- Senior in-house counsel,
with at least 8 years of experience, and you are interested in mentoring law graduates/students or newly-qualified lawyers who are supporting charitable, non-profit or social impact-focused organisations, we welcome you to apply to be a PIER Mentor. You must be admitted to a recognised Bar.
Click here to apply to be a PIER Mentor.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does PIER work?
PIER Counsel will be paired with a relevant Participating Organisation for an agreed term. Depending on your level of experience or qualification, you may be paired with a PIER Mentor who can provide professional guidance.
PIER Counsel will support the Participating Organisation as in-house legal counsel and assist with supporting the day-to-day legal and compliance functions of the Participating Organisation.* The scope of work will vary depending on the needs of the Participating Organisation but could include:
- reviewing statutory registers and assisting with other corporate secretarial work
- reviewing routine contracts (e.g. with vendors and service providers)
- assisting with contracts management (e.g. archiving, updating and reviewing signed contracts for compliance), and providing any other in-house legal support required.
The engagement may be extended subject to mutually agreed terms.
*Each engagement will be subject to terms to be agreed between NOVA8 and each of the relevant Participating Organisation and PIER Counsel.
What are the expectations of a PIER Counsel?
Before applying to be a PIER Counsel, please refer to the requirements in the section above on “Who can participate?”
If you qualify and are accepted as a PIER Counsel:
- PIER Counsel will be eligible for free Singapore Corporate Counsel Association Limited and NTUC U Associate membership for the first year.
- As a member of the SCCA, you must adopt its Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct for In-house Counsel.
- You must take the following pledges:
· SCCA’s Diversity & Inclusion Pledge
· SCCA’s Pro Bono Pledge - A general briefing on how to conduct yourself as an in-house counsel will also be held to orientate you for the job.
What are the benefits of being a PIER Counsel?
PIER Counsel will be eligible for free Singapore Corporate Counsel Association Limited and NTUC U Associate membership for the first year.
All PIER Counsel can benefit from networking opportunities with Participating Organisations and SCCA members, which include in-house counsel from a diverse range of industries.
You may cite your work experience with PIER as a credential in the future. SCCA may also provide a testimonial after completion of your stint with your assigned Participating Organisation.
FEES
PIER Counsel may be paid fees or a stipend (which could range from S$800 – S$1,800), such fees or stipend to be agreed with the Participating Organisation and NOVA8. Fees may vary depending on several factors, including the nature of the assignment, the support being provided and the level of experience of the PIER Counsel. Contact us for more information:
