A probe into workplace practices at the Law Society of Singapore identified serious failings in leadership, workplace culture, and governance from 2022 to 2025 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The investigation followed an anonymous email complaint sent to the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Manpower on September 13, 2025, alleging workplace bullying, governance weaknesses, poor grievance handling, whistleblowing process failures, and internal control shortcomings over administrative and financial practices [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].

The probe found that about a third of more than 70 full-time employees resigned in 2025. At one point, the Law Society’s human resources department was left unstaffed due to the wave of departures [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7]. Allegations of excessive spending during overseas trips triggered council queries about financial claims, but no evidence of deliberate financial impropriety or a cover-up was found [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].

The Law Society's Audit Committee, including internal and external members, conducted an independent investigation. It submitted its report to the Law Society council on June 5, 2026, which then forwarded the report to the Ministry of Law on July 1, 2026 [6].

Law Minister Edwin Tong said the probe’s findings reflected failings that "have no place in an institution such as LawSoc." He noted they "undermine confidence within the organisation, affect the wellbeing of its employees, and risk eroding the trust that both the legal profession and the public place in it" [1]. He added it was crucial for the council to carefully review the report, determine if further actions are needed, and take firm steps to address shortcomings, strengthen governance, and improve accountability [1].

The current Law Society council has acknowledged the findings and begun implementing recommended changes to prevent recurrence [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The Society has invited its members to a closed-door meeting in August 2026 to discuss the probe’s findings in detail and chart a path forward [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7].

The investigation did not name any individuals involved in the failings [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7].