Senior Legal Counsel, Legal Advisory and Prosecution Unit

Singapore Medical Council; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare regulatory authority in Singapore is seeking a legal professional to assist in overseeing disciplinary processes under the Medical Registration Act. Responsibilities include rendering legal advice, supervising prosecutions, and conducting training for the medical profession. The ideal candidate will possess an LL.B. from a recognized university, have at least 5 years of post-qualifying experience, and a strong background in legal advocacy and stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years' PQE in the public service or private sector.
• Significant prosecutorial/criminal litigation experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee legal aspects of disciplinary processes under the Medical Registration Act.
• Render legal advice on professional conduct and registration matters.
• Assist with inter-agency work with the Ministry of Health.
• Conduct training sessions on medico-legal issues.

Skills

Excellent oral presentation skills

Advocacy skills

Legal research skills

Writing skills

Stakeholder management

Ability to manage tight timelines

Team collaboration

Education

LL.B. from the National University of Singapore or Singapore Management University

Job description

What the role is:

• Assisting the Director (Legal) / General Counsel of the Secretariat of healthcare Professional Boards ("SPB") in overseeing all legal aspects of the disciplinary processes under the Medical Registration Act, including the proper review and investigation of complaints, and the timely and fair prosecution of respondent doctors, including:
  • Supervising the conduct of prosecutions by external law firms before Disciplinary Tribunals ("DT") (e.g. reviewing of charges, submissions, and litigation strategy);
  • Personally conducting or assisting in prosecutions on behalf of the Singapore Medical Council ("SMC") in cases which have been referred to a DT, as well as appeals and/or judicial review proceedings in respect of a decision of the DT or a disciplinary committee constituted under the MRA;
• Rendering legal advice to the SMC on matters pertaining to professional conduct and ethics, registration, accreditation, surveillance, investigation, procurement, legislation, policies, and corporate communications;
• Assisting the Director (Legal) / General Counsel, SPB in inter‑agency work with the Ministry of Health to ensure that SMC’s policies and practices are consistent with the ministry’s objectives;
• Conducting training sessions or workshops for members of the medical profession on medico‑legal issues where directed to do so by the Director (Legal) / General Counsel, SPB;
• Assisting the Director (Legal) / General Counsel, SPB with any other tasks assigned from time to time.

What you will be working on:

• Assisting the Director (Legal) / General Counsel of the Secretariat of healthcare Professional Boards ("SPB") in overseeing all legal aspects of the disciplinary processes under the Medical Registration Act, including the proper review and investigation of complaints, and the timely and fair prosecution of respondent doctors, including:
  • Supervising the conduct of prosecutions by external law firms before Disciplinary Tribunals ("DT") (e.g. reviewing of charges, submissions, and litigation strategy);
  • Personally conducting or assisting in prosecutions on behalf of the Singapore Medical Council ("SMC") in cases which have been referred to a DT, as well as appeals and/or judicial review proceedings in respect of a decision of the DT or a disciplinary committee constituted under the MRA;
• Rendering legal advice to the SMC on matters pertaining to professional conduct and ethics, registration, accreditation, surveillance, investigation, procurement, legislation, policies, and corporate communications;
• Assisting the Director (Legal) / General Counsel, SPB in inter‑agency work with the Ministry of Health to ensure that SMC’s policies and practices are consistent with the ministry’s objectives;
• Conducting training sessions or workshops for members of the medical profession on medico‑legal issues where directed to do so by the Director (Legal) / General Counsel, SPB;
• Assisting the Director (Legal) / General Counsel, SPB with any other tasks assigned from time to time.

What we are looking for:

• LL.B. from the National University of Singapore or Singapore Management University, or an overseas scheduled university and called to the Singapore Bar;
• At least 5 years’ PQE in the public service or private sector;
• Excellent oral presentation, advocacy, legal research and writing skills;
• Ability to engage and manage multiple stakeholders;
• Ability to manage tight timelines and multiple assignments;
• Motivated, able to work well both independently and as well as in teams;
• Significant prosecutorial/ criminal litigation experience is preferred.

About Singapore Medical Council

The Singapore Medical Council (SMC) is a growing Statutory Board and a vital organisation for Healthcare Regulation. We are seeking individuals who wish to learn and grow in the area of healthcare administration particularly in the area of regulation in professional boards. With an excellent team who will be able to guide and nurture you, SMC invites you to join us.