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SINGAPORE: Singapore Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong said Singapore's legal sector must take bolder steps to promote a greater use of technology.
Speaking at a conference on Thursday, he said the legal profession here has 'no choice', but to improve its electronic processes in order to maintain Singapore's status as a business hub.
He further added that: "This area we can certainly learn a lot from the larger jurisdictions, such as the UK, Australia and the United States, to ensure that e-discovery is effective in getting the materials, the information or documents into court at an affordable price."
To help law firms boost efficiency and productivity, an online programme was launched to help them cut down on the paperwork involved in large scale civil disputes.
The Electronic Discovery initiative jointly developed by the Supreme Court, the Subordinate Courts, the Singapore Academy of Law, the Law Society of Singapore and the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) allows law firms to manage, review and exchange documents during pre-trials.
The initiative's pilot phase is expected to start mid 2012, involving 35 law firms.
It will be extended to all law firms from mid 2013.
Francis Xavier, a partner from law firm Rajah and Tann, said: "The lawyer's time is spent more productively, analysing the case, rather than looking for that sheet of paper that is so elusive in a room full of documents. And, I think it results in saving of costs and time for both the lawyer and the client.
Mr Chan Sek Keong, Singapore Chief Justice, said: "For Singapore to maintain its status as a regional dispute resolution centre for litigation and arbitration, we need more.
"Our lawyers and paralegals must also have the technical tools and skills to handle cross-border disputes involving large volumes of documents in a cost-efficient manner.
"That is the lofty goal which I've set the bar."
- CNA/ck
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