The Legal Branch is headed by the Honourable Attorney-General, who is the principal legal adviser to Government and the Public Prosecutor. He is assisted by the Solicitor-General and the other Legal Service Officers in the Legal Branch who may serve in the various divisions of the Attorney-General’s Chambers ("AGC"), the Legal Service Departments and the Ministries with Legal Service Officer positions. These officers may also be seconded to other key public institutions and Statutory Boards.
ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S CHAMBERS
The Honourable Attorney-General performs a critical constitutional role. He provides legal advice to the Government with a view to developing a fair and responsive legal system, furthering good public administration and protecting the interests of the State and of the people. As the Public Prosecutor, he exercises overall control and provides direction in criminal proceedings independently of Government. The Honourable Attorney-General is also the guardian of public interest.
There are four divisions in the AGC to which Legal Service Officers may be deployed.
The Crime Division is responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the Court of Appeal, High Court and the State Courts. The Division also handles the prosecution and all related appeals in respect of white collar & other financial crimes, corruption cases and cybercrimes.
The Civil Division provides legal advice and representation to Government ministries and departments in all civil matters.
The International Affairs Division provides legal advice on international issues and represents Singapore at bilateral and multilateral negotiations as well as at other international fora.
The Legislation Division is responsible for legislation to give effect to Parliamentary intention in a clear, simple, and concise manner.
MINISTRIES, LEGAL SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AND REGISTRIES
Legal Service Officers may be posted to various ministries, departments, registries or seconded to statutory boards to undertake a broad range of work.
Legal Service Officers are posted as representatives or Legal Counsel of the Honourable Attorney-General to the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Manpower, the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Community, Culture & Youth, Ministry of Social & Family Development, Ministry of Communications & Information and the Ministry of Finance. Legal Service Officers provide legal advice, draft and vet contracts and related documents, and assist in the review and drafting of relevant legislation. They may be involved in the central management and administration of the Ministries. Their portfolio may also include policy formulation, financial and personnel administration, and prosecution.
LSOs may also be posted to Legal Service Departments or seconded to statutory bodies and key public institutions. These include the Legal Aid Bureau, the Insolvency and Public Trustee’s Office, the Commercial Affairs Department, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, the Singapore Land Authority, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Office of the Public Guardian, the Economic Development Board, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, the National Environment Agency, the Singapore Medical Council, the Health Sciences Authority, the Personal Data Protection Commission and the Land Transport Authority. The Legal Service Officers posted/seconded to these Departments/Statutory Boards assist in implementing and enforcing the various legislation and policies administered by the Departments.