How to become a Lawyer in Malaysia

Last updated on June 20,2017 - - In Lawyer

Lawyers look so cool in the movies, but it is not as simple as what is shown in the television. Here are the reasons why I said it: Laws are made in a country so that people and their surroundings can be safe. Laws can prevent others to act negatively which can affect the lives of others. A lawyer is a person who practices law as an attorney, advocate, solicitor, barrister, counsellor or a chartered legal executive. After studying Law, it is not necessary for you to become a lawyer only. There are many other options, for better or worse, it is for you to decide.

Here are some other occupations related to law:

To be a lawyer, the requirements (steps) are quite simple:

  1. Possess a bachelor’s degree in law (L.L.B) from a recognised university
  2. If it is not from a local university, then you will have to sit for an exam called CLP (Certificate in Legal Practice)
  3. You will also have to undergo chambering for 9 months under an established law firm or an experienced lawyer before you received permission to practice by yourself
  4. After chambering, you will be called to the Bar and registered with the Bar Council. Only those who registered with the Bar Council are considered legal whether they are in a Law firm or lawyers
  5. There is an annual fee that a law practitioner has to pay to renew their practice license. The amount to be paid is RM 920 to the Bar Council and RM 125 to the Bar Committee. You are also required to pay the accountant for Accountant's Report as well as to pay premium for professional indemnity

After you have completed chambering and earn your own license, there are three things you can do as a lawyer:

  • Work as a lawyer in a law firm and gradually get promoted
  • Open your own law firm with a colleague
  • Freelancing

Whichever you choose, please ensure that you have registered with the Bar Council and keep your details updated from time to time. One of the ways for the general public to find a lawyer is through the Bar Council. So, if you want to be found keep yourself updated.

In Malaysia, a lawyer does not need a specialised certificate for a specialised branch of Law. You may choose whichever branches of law that you desire. The specialisations are done in 3 situations which are:

  • While doing chambering in a multi-specialised firm: your senior and mentor makes you do only one specialisation such as family law
  • While doing chambering in one specialised firm: you just follow what your seniors and mentors do such as accident law
  • While doing chambering: you discover which department makes the most money and decide to practice on that such as property law

Also in Malaysia and Singapore, a lawyer is allowed to be both advocate and solicitor compared to England where solicitors can’t practice as advocates and vice versa. Advocates are the lawyers which handle everything in regards to the courtroom whereas solicitors are lawyers which focus on paperwork only.

Normally in a firm you will find both types of lawyers or one lawyer doing both jobs. Both type of lawyers can work together and make their income flow easier and help each other for any type of proceedings.

So, here are some simple information on how a person can become a lawyer in Malaysia. Hope it provides aids especially to students out there who have chosen this path as their career. Any info to be added or taken out, please comment below or contact us personally.

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