Below are the statutory requirements by Bar Council on setting up of a new practice.

Ruling 7.06 – Setting Up of a New Firm

The notice to Bar Council should contain the following particulars:
1. Proposed name
2. Proposed address
3. Proposed date of commencement
4. Telephone, facsimile numbers and email address of the new firm

Ruling 7.06(3)(a) - Letter of Ruling 7.06(3)(b) – Letter of No

Objection Objection
If the proposed name is already a Bar Council may issue a letter of no
registered name of another law firm or objection subject to the following
is not in accordance with Section 85 conditions:
LPA, the intending sole proprietor or 1. The intending sole
the partners shall be required to submit proprietor/partners is/are in
a fresh name for approval. possession of a valid Sijil
Annual and Practising
Certificate
2. Sole proprietor/partners have
obtained the required
mandatory PII cover

Ruling 7.06(3)(c) - Record in the

System
Upon the issuance of the letter of no
objection, the new firm and its
particulars shall be recorded in the Bar
Council Membership Department
system.

Section 78(a) LPA – Mandatory PII Scheme

Complete the Proposal Form prepared by the Broker and submit together with the No
Objection Letter issued by Bar Council.

Ready to start your practice! Read the Start Kit that is given complimentary to all
newly established firms. For more information, contact the Membership Department.

Remember:
If you decide to change your mind to set up a new practice, inform Bar Council so that
your records will be removed from the system.
Deciding on a Firm Name

Bar Council may refuse to approve the firm name on the grounds that the proposed firm
name is likely to be confused with a registered firm’s name or is likely to mislead the public.
In identifying the firm’s name, the following Rulings must be referred to:

Ruling 2.01(1) – Variant spelling

Advocate & Solicitor may not use variant spelling of his own name that does not appear in
identity card.

Ruling 2.01(4) – Surname

Firm name may include the surname of an Advocate & Solicitor who is a partner or sole
proprietor.

Ruling 2.02 – Vernacular language

Firm name in vernacular language to be approved by Bar Council.

Ruling 2.03 – Restrictions

Descriptions which are not permitted in firm name. It is not permitted to include academic
qualification, awards and title in a name.