Lawyers Call for Meeting Over Controversial Law Society Presidency

A group of lawyers in Singapore has initiated a call for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to address concerns regarding the appointment of Dinesh Singh Dhillon as the incoming president of the Law Society of Singapore (LawSoc). The meeting is scheduled for December 22, 2025, and aims to discuss the implications of Mr. Dhillon’s election on the independence of the Bar.

The notice for the EGM, dated December 9 and seen by local media, was signed by prominent lawyers including Peter Cuthbert Low and Chandra Mohan K Nair, both of whom have previously served as presidents of LawSoc. The group proposes a resolution stipulating that any future president should be elected directly by LawSoc’s approximately 6,400 members, rather than appointed through internal council votes.

The controversy stems from Mr. Dhillon’s election, which occurred after an internal vote among council members. Unlike previous presidents, he was a statutory member appointed by the Law Minister, a situation that has raised questions about the legitimacy of his presidency. The Legal Profession Act allows for a mix of elected and statutory members on the council, which is composed of 21 lawyers, including four office bearers: the president, two vice-presidents, and the treasurer.

Mr. Dhillon, a seasoned lawyer with extensive experience in international arbitration, won the presidency in a close contest against incumbent vice president Samuel Chacko. His election, confirmed at a council meeting, has prompted a wave of dissatisfaction among some LawSoc members who feel that the process undermines the organization’s independence.

In response to inquiries, LawSoc confirmed that Mr. Dhillon’s two-year term commenced on September 1, 2025, and stated that there is no explicit rule in the Act preventing a statutory member from being elected as president. The council has opted not to convene an EGM despite the requisition notice, which has led the petitioners to pursue the meeting independently.

A tea session organized by LawSoc on December 10 aims to address members’ concerns about the transition of the new council and its plans for the upcoming term. However, the decision to hold an EGM reflects ongoing tensions within the legal community regarding governance and representation.

Sources indicate that discussions surrounding Mr. Dhillon’s appointment began shortly after it was announced on November 17, 2025. The requisition notice for the EGM circulated among lawyers who expressed their support for a more democratic election process within the council.

The Ministry of Law has acknowledged the ongoing discussions among legal professionals regarding the implications of Mr. Dhillon’s appointment. It reiterated that statutory members, including Mr. Dhillon, are expected to act in the best interests of the Law Society and the legal profession while fulfilling their duties.

As the legal community prepares for the extraordinary general meeting, the outcome may significantly influence the future governance of the Law Society and the perception of its leadership among its members.