Questioning the need for more data on lawyer attrition in Singapore

While Law Minister Shanmugam's call for more data on lawyer attrition sounds reasonable, it may actually delay necessary action or create an impression that the problem is bigger than it is. The attrition rate is already reported as stable, suggesting that the current level of lawyer departures is not unusual for a competitive profession. If concerns are largely anecdotal, commissioning an expensive data collection exercise could waste resources that could be used on other priorities, such as improving legal education or access to justice. There is also a risk that the very act of gathering data amplifies anxiety among lawyers, making them think the situation is dire when it is not. Instead of waiting for perfect data, perhaps the government could engage directly with law firms and bar associations to address specific complaints about work-life balance and career progression. The private sector already has tools to monitor turnover; the state may not need to step in. Until clear evidence of a systemic problem emerges, it may be more sensible to let the market handle retention organically.