~ A survey conducted by NTUC revealed a demand from members for a wider array of legal assistance; this expanded service offers up to 20% off for members’ personal legal matters ~
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has launched a new initiative, the Legal Assistance Panel (LAP), in recognition of the evolving needs of NTUC members in today’s society. The LAP, consisting of a curated panel of law firms is designed to expand the scope of services available to members by offering them legal support for their personal matters at a members-only rate of up to 20%1 off. This initiative will complement the existing work-related support provided by unions and the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) @ NTUC to members.
NTUC Responses to Members’ Needs with LAP
Presently, members dealing with employment issues under the jurisdiction of the Industrial Arbitration Court and Employment Claims Tribunal receive assistance from the unions and TADM@NTUC. For other employment and non-employment matters, members may be referred to LawWorks Legal Clinics, a collaboration between NTUC and Pro Bono SG where members can receive basic legal advice through a one-off complimentary session with a volunteer lawyer.
In a survey2 conducted by NTUC among 568 members and non-members, respondents highlighted the need for a broader range of assistance in legal matters. Notably, 55% of respondents expressed a need for support in complex employment-related matters, while 34% sought services relating to wills, estates and probate. Separately, 75% of respondents indicated their interest in accessing a panel of law firms as part of their NTUC membership. These findings provided valuable insights for the development of the LAP.
Access to Legal Expertise for Members
To better serve the needs of our members, NTUC is introducing the LAP, which grants members access to a curated panel of law firms specialising in the four key areas namely,
(a) Complex employment matters;
(b) Wills, estates, and probate matters;
(c) Matrimonial and criminal matters; and
(d) General corporate and commercial matters.
These firms span across small, medium, and large practices, including a firm providing syariah legal services. Members will further benefit by being able to obtain professional legal advice and representation at a members-only rate of up to 20% off, supplementing the current dispute resolution assistance at the unions and TADM@NTUC.
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and Covering Director of Legal Services, Patrick Tay said, "NTUC recognises the dynamic and ever-evolving legal needs of our members today. Thus, LAP underscores NTUC's unwavering commitment to support members in different facets of their lives, extending beyond employment concerns to encompassing crucial personal legal matters. With LAP, we will provide a wider range of legal services, accessible legal representation, and assist the vulnerable in times of need."
From 15 March 2024, members can apply3 for LAP via their MyNTUC App, NTUC Uportal: https://www.ntuc.org.sg/lap, NTUC's affiliated unions and associations or NTUC Membership Services. Eligible members will receive a Confirmation Letter which they may use to consult and engage a law firm from the panel. Visit https://www.ntuc.org.sg/uportal/memberships/ntuc-membership for more information on NTUC Membership.
1 Based on standard rates charged by the law firms. These rates may vary across firms and will depend on the nature and complexity of the matter. Terms and conditions apply.
2 Survey was conducted in late 2022.
3 Terms and conditions apply.
