MinLaw calls for swift, thorough probe into Law Society workplace misconduct allegations

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Law (MinLaw) said on 18 December, 2025 that it looks forward to a “full and thorough investigation” into allegations of workplace issues at the Law Society of Singapore, and to the probe being completed “as expeditiously as possible”.

According to a spokesperson cited by Singapore state media outlet The Straits Times, the ministry first received information regarding the allegations in September 2025.

Following receipt of the information, MinLaw referred the claims to the Law Society for review, citing the serious nature of the allegations, the spokesperson said.

The ministry noted that the Law Society is a statutory body established under the Legal Profession Act, and that matters relating to internal workplace policies and conduct fall under the society’s management and council.

MinLaw added that it was informed by the Law Society on 11 October, 2025 that the allegations had been referred to the society’s audit committee for investigation.

The Law Society also indicated at the time that a report would be furnished to its council in due course, according to the ministry.

“We requested to be kept informed of the findings,” the spokesperson said.

However, MinLaw said it has yet to receive any reports or findings from the Law Society, including any progress report referred to in media coverage.

“The ministry has not received any reports or findings to date from the Law Society, including the progress report which has been referred to in the media,” the spokesperson said.

MinLaw reiterated that it looks forward to the investigation being completed fully and expeditiously.

The spokesperson added that the ministry’s interest lies in upholding Singapore’s standing as a leading legal hub built on strong institutions and high professional standards.

“We expect all organisations within the legal sector to uphold professionalism and maintain appropriate workplace standards,” the spokesperson said.

Reports of overreach, burnout, and internal breakdown

The existence of the Law Society’s internal investigation was first reported by The Straits Times, which said the organisation was undergoing an independent probe following a viral Reddit post published in September 2025.

According to the report, law firm TSMP Law was commissioned by the Law Society to conduct investigations into allegations of workplace bullying within the organisation.

The Law Society is the representative body for all lawyers in Singapore, with a membership of approximately 6,400.

The allegations first surfaced online, with anonymous complaints circulating on social media platforms.

A post, shared on the subreddit r/SingaporeRaw, alleged widespread workplace bullying, mismanagement, and a toxic leadership culture within the Law Society.

TSMP Law’s joint managing partner, Senior Counsel Thio Shen Yi, confirmed to The Straits Times that an investigation is ongoing.

He said that a progress report had been submitted to the Law Society’s audit committee, but declined to provide further details.

Outgoing president raises concerns over leak of confidential probe details

Following The Straits Times report, the outgoing Law Society president, Ms Lisa Sam Hui Min, addressed the matter in a post on LinkedIn.

Ms Sam said she had been asked to provide information to TSMP Law for the purpose of the investigation.

She added that she had repeatedly requested written details of the allegations from TSMP but did not receive them.

In her post, Ms Sam said several issues were highlighted during the probe, including claims of excessive spending during overseas trips.

Another allegation involved concerns about how a complaint of sexual harassment was handled.

Ms Sam said she was “surprised and deeply troubled” that details of what she described as an independent and confidential process were provided to the press before she herself had been given details of the allegations.

She also noted that some of the allegations raised in anonymous complaints were said to have occurred before her tenure as president.

Ms Sam has served as president of the Law Society since 2024.

She said she was “at a loss to understand what meaningful update on progress or interim report could have been provided”.

“The review must still be ongoing and nowhere near complete, given that TSMP (has) yet to provide me with written details of the actual allegations,” she wrote.