Upcoming law school at SIM University receives much public interest
SIM University law school dean Professor Leslie Chew answering questions from prospective students. Photo: Faris Mokhtar/Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE — The upcoming third law school at SIM University has received much public interest.
More than 400 people turned up at the university’s open house on Saturday (Feb 27) to learn more about the programmes that the school will offer. Many of them were mid-career professionals, the school’s target group.
One of them was Ms Latifah Hassan, who has been a paralegal for 12 years at Harry Elias Partnership. The 32-year-old mother of two supports the firm’s matrimonial department, which deals with divorce cases as well as custody and maintenance issues.
She said studying at the SIM University School of Law which will open next January will play to her strengths.
“Even after 12 years of doing this, I actually learn new things along the way. I have seen how it’s done and family law is something that you can apply to your everyday life. So, when I look at the process over the years, I’m keen to do more for the community and my clients,” said Ms Latifah.
Many of those who turned up to learn more about the law school at the university’s open house were mid-career professionals like Ms Latifah, who have experience in the social and legal sector.
They are the school’s main target group, and 80 per cent of the 60 places on offer will be set aside for them. The rest will go to those who just graduated with a polytechnic diploma or GCE A-level qualification.
At the new law school, students who already have a first degree will take up the Juris Doctor course, while those without a degree will study for the Bachelor of Laws. Classes for both degree programmes will be held in the evenings and students will have up to six years to complete them.
Some of those who turned up on Saturday said the programmes offered by the new law school will provide them with the opportunity to be practising lawyers.
One of them is 26-year-old Sheryl Keith, who currently works as a legal executive at law firm Gloria James-Civetta & Co. She has an external law degree from the University of London but could not practise here as the Law Ministry stopped recognising external law degrees since 1996.
“I’ve aspired to become a lawyer ever since I started working at a law firm and saw how the legal industry works,” said Ms Keith.
The school’s newly appointed dean Professor Leslie Chew was also present to answer queries on the admission criteria and the curriculum.
Applications for the law programmes at SIM University open next month and close in July. CHANNEL NEWSASIA
