UK Queen's Counsel (QCs) could be granted advocacy rights in Singapore for the first time in more than a decade as a result of a consultation by the country's Ministry of Law.

The consultation, issued last month in response to growing numbers of commercial disputes in the country and a shortage of litigation lawyers, proposes granting a handful of licences to foreign lawyers such as QCs or senior counsel from Australia or Hong Kong.

It recommends awarding between three and five licences for overseas lawyers initially for three-year terms, with eligible candidates requiring at least five years' experience as a QC, or other senior counsel, and to work independently and not as part of a law firm.

Essex Court Chambers and 20 Essex Street both have permanent offices in the Singapore arbitration and mediation centre, Maxwell Chambers, while Fountain Court has also expressed interest in 
the consultation.

Fountain Court head, Timothy Dutton (pictured) QC, said: 
"This consultation recognises the fact that Singapore is becoming an increasingly important legal hub. Although the consultation is only looking at a handful of QCs gaining advocacy rights, this may help to alleviate some concerns which indicate a need for further resource so far as leading counsel is concerned. I anticipate there may be interest [from Fountain Court] in gaining rights of audience, but we will work collaboratively and sensitively with our Singaporean colleagues."

Applicants must be in active practice advocating in the higher courts in their jurisdiction, have strong referees from Singapore or senior judges in their place of practice, and be available for appearance in Singapore for at least 20 days a year.

The proposed license will only allow advocacy in certain areas of law primarily surrounding commercial and financial cases.

20 Essex Street senior clerk Brian Lee said: "Bearing in mind the sensitivities to the local bar, it is a brave thing for the Ministry of Law to do, but this initiative could give Singapore a major advantage over Hong Kong in relation to litigation. Given the success of Maxwell Chambers, which will make Singapore the legal hub for arbitration in Asia over the next few years, this could have the same effect for litigation."