Singapore, September 9, 2025 - Accreditation Framework for In-House Counsel in Singapore

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Accreditation Framework for In-House Counsel in Singapore

1. Overview

 

With the evolving role of in-house counsel, the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA) has developed a draft accreditation framework for the in-house counsel in Singapore.
 

This framework is designed to enhance professional standards and ensure legal excellence and standards of in-house counsel. Through identified practice competencies, structured accreditation levels, continuing development requirements, and governance by SCCA, this proposed framework will help build trust, capability and reinforce Singapore’s position as a global business and legal hub.
 

The accreditation framework aims to:

  • Recognise and formalize practice competencies of in-house counsel

  • Promote continuous professional development and ethical conduct

  • Enhance professional mobility, credibility, and career progression

 


2. Proposed Accreditation Framework

 

This framework comprises 3 core sections In-House Practice Competency Framework, Accreditation Levels and Accreditation Criteria.

 

2.1 In-House Practice Competency Framework

 

The following table outlines the core practice competencies (in no particular order) required for accreditation of in-house counsel, along with descriptions to guide understanding and application:

 

No.

Competency

Description

1.

Legal and Regulatory

Deep understanding of relevant laws, industry regulations, and compliance requirements applicable to the organisation’s operations.

2.

Strategic Business Acumen

Ability to align legal strategy with business goals, assess commercial risk, and contribute meaningfully to corporate decision-making.

3.

Corporate Governance and Risk Management

Proficiency in advising on governance frameworks, internal controls, and enterprise risk mitigation across jurisdictions, inclusive of the development of an enterprise risk management framework for the organisation.

4.

Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Commitment to the highest standards of integrity, independence, confidentiality, and accountability; to both internal and external stakeholders.

5.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Strong interpersonal skills for influencing senior stakeholders, articulating legal positions clearly, and building trust with internal and external stakeholders.

6.

Leadership and Team Management

Capability to lead legal teams, manage performance, mentor junior in-house counsel and foster a high-performing, value-driven legal culture, within the organisation.

7.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Agility in navigating legal uncertainty, business change, and regulatory shifts; ability to pivot between legal advisory, operational, and strategic roles, within the organisation.

8.

Innovation and Digital Fluency

Willingness to embrace legal tech tools, process improvements, and data-informed decision-making to drive efficiency and value for the organisation.

 

2.2 Accreditation Levels

 

No.

Tier

Target Audience

1.

Accredited In-House Counsel

1–5 years relevant in-house experience — Performs core legal functions within a corporate legal department under guidance or partial supervision.

2.

Accredited In-House Counsel (Senior)

6-10 years relevant in-house experience — Independently manage complex legal matters, provide cross-functional legal advice, and contribute to risk/compliance / ethics / data protection decisions.

3.

Accredited In-House Counsel

(Head of Legal/General Counsel)

>10 years relevant in-house experience — Heads/Leads the legal function of a business or division, develops legal strategies in alignment with business objectives, and partners with executive teams on business, governance and regulatory risk.

4.

Accredited In-House Counsel

(Chief Legal Officer)

>20 years relevant in-house experience — Serves as Chief Legal Officer/Regional/Global General Counsel or its equivalence, with board-level or C-suite influence and responsibility for setting business, legal, compliance, and governance direction within or across jurisdictions.

 

2.3 Accreditation Criteria

 

No.TierCriteria
1.Accredited In-House Counsel1. SCCA Member
2. SCCA In-House Counsel Accreditation Course (with online assessment)
3. Qualified law degree OR called to the Bar
4. With 1-5 years of relevant in-house practice experience
2.Accredited In-House Counsel (Senior)1. SCCA Member
2. SCCA In-House Counsel Accreditation Course (with online assessment)
3. Qualified law degree OR called to the Bar
4. With 6 – 10 years of relevant in-house practice experience
3.

Accredited In-House Counsel

(Head of Legal/General Counsel)

1. SCCA Member
2. SCCA In-House Counsel Accreditation Course (with online assessment)
3. Qualified law degree OR called to the Bar
4. With >10 years of relevant in-house practice experience
4.Accredited In-House Counsel (Chief Legal Officer)1. SCCA Member
2. SCCA In-House Counsel Accreditation Course (with online assessment)
3. Qualified law degree OR called to the Bar
4. With >20 years of relevant in-house practice experience

 

Relevant In-House Practice Experience Refers to the Following:
 

  • All in-house counsels in Singapore (including in-house counsels on a secondment contract) within an SME, MNC, Public Listed company or Government organisations as corporate or legal counsel engaged in legal, compliance, risk, intellectual property, data protection/privacy, or ethics work, OR

     

  • All in-house counsels in the Asia-Pacific region (including in-house counsels on a secondment contract) within a local company, MNC, Public Listed company or Government organisations as corporate or legal counsel engaged in legal, compliance, risk, intellectual property, data protection/privacy, or ethics work, OR
     
     

  • All in-house counsels elsewhere in the world (including in-house counsels on a secondment contract), who posses a connection to Singapore, e.g. Resident status in Singapore or present employers’ HQ or other operations in Singapore, who are engaged in legal, compliance, risk, intellectual property, data protection/privacy, or ethics work, OR
     

SCCA Accreditation Committee, in its absolute discretion, deems appropriate the qualification and relevant in-house practice experience for the purpose of accreditation.
 


3. Governance and Administration
 

When completed, this framework will be administered by the SCCA. We will also establish an SCCA Accreditation Committee. The Accreditation Committee will provide inputs and advice on the administration of the accreditation scheme, including competency framework, accreditation course, assessment, criteria for accreditation.

 


4. Consultation on Proposed SCCA Accreditation Scheme for In-House Counsels based in Singapore
 

To provide feedback and views on the proposed accreditation scheme, please click on this link: https://forms.office.com/r/u5Y2JANLXk.
 

Consultation period is from 10 September 2025 (9am) – 1 October 2025 (6pm)
 

We look forward to your contribution. Thank you.