As one of the more popular career choices, the Malaysian Bar admits over a thousand law graduates every year. Currently, there are more than 6,000 law firms with over 16,000 practising lawyers according to the Malaysian Bar Council website.
To enter the Malaysian Bar, law graduates must have a law degree and pass the professional qualifying examination - the Bar exam in the UK or the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) in Malaysia. Upon passing either of these, those who wish to practise in Peninsular Malaysia are required to undergo a compulsory nine-month term of practical training known as 'chambering' or 'pupillage' under the guidance of a senior lawyer who has at least seven years of practice. After the nine-month term, the graduate will be called to the Bar, or rather, the High Court of Malaya as an advocate and solicitor.
Entry requirements and subjects studied
Those interested to pursue law degrees should also have obtained a minimum of three credit passes at the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (5PM) or its equivalent, or have obtained a minimum of two principal passes at the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) or its equivalent. For more information, visit the Malaysian Bar website at www.malaysianbar.org.my/ admission_requirements.html
A law degree course should cover a minimum of 12 substantive law subjects in its course of at least three years, including six core subjects: Contract Law, Tort Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Land Law, and Equity and Trusts. In addition to these, students will also have the opportunity to take electives such as family law, employment law, and intellectual property law.
Important skills for a lawyer
Lawyers should also be articulate and precise in both speech and writing as they will be representing clients and helping them get their points across. Thus, it is recommended that you develop strong presentation and writing skills if you have not already done so. Also, start cultivating a habit to be on top of current affairs. The law changes every now and then, thus being aware of new laws and amendments as well as the latest case laws will help you make sense of how they apply to today's society.
You need a clear vision of why you are studying law, especially when it is challenging. Although life as a lawyer may not be as thrilling as what you see on TV, it is nevertheless a rewarding career if you desire to respond to the call for justice.
