Law Society of Singapore audit: Findings, disclosure plans and the police investigation

The Law Society of Singapore had planned to share its audit committee’s report with members after protecting the identities of people interviewed. That plan is now on hold while police look into certain matters raised in the report.25

What prompted the audit?

On 13 September 2025, the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) and Ministry of Manpower received an anonymous email alleging problems involving people and practices within the Law Society. MinLaw referred it to the society’s then-council, which appointed an audit committee comprising members and non-members to investigate and recommend action.13

The allegations concerned conduct and practices during 2022–2025, including inappropriate workplace behaviour, weaknesses in governance and oversight, and deficiencies in grievance-handling and whistleblowing processes.7

What did the committee find?

The audit identified significant failings in leadership, workplace culture and governance during 2022–2025, according to Law Minister Edwin Tong’s account of its findings. It found no evidence of deliberate financial impropriety or an intentional cover-up.7

Those are the committee’s findings. They should not be confused with conclusions from the subsequent police investigation, which remains ongoing.37

Why hasn’t the report been released to members?

Following calls for disclosure from members and Tong, the Law Society told members on 20 August 2026 that it would release the report after redacting information about people interviewed in confidence.29

In an update to members on 21 September, the society said police were investigating certain matters raised in the report. It said police had instructed it not to further publish or distribute the report’s contents or comment on those matters pending the conclusion of the investigation. That instruction prevents the society from proceeding with its earlier release plan while it remains in effect.5

Police confirmed that a report concerning issues raised in the audit had been lodged and that they were looking into it. MinLaw said it was aware of the investigation, expected the society and its council members to cooperate fully, and declined further comment while inquiries continue.3