CHERYL CHAI
Associate Editor
Layoffs seem to be an instinctive reaction in times of economic woe. Recent news reports have shown that 7% of local companies have carried out retrenchment exercises or plan to do so this year.
Nonetheless, while cutting costs by retrenchment may seem like the most effective and immediate measure to help businesses stay afloat, those considering this move should bear in mind that certain costs are necessary for the productivity and morale of the business. As the saying goes – “pennywise, pound foolish”.
Law firms, in particular, should avoid such …

LAI FENG JUN & CHARISSA LU
Associate Editors
If you’re in school on a Saturday and the air-conditioning in Block B ceases to function in the later part of the day, there’s no need to viciously jab at the controller or to go running to the maintenance crew for help. It’s just one of the measures that the school has introduced to reduce the electricity bill.
While the school budget has not been reduced in light of the current recession, the Faculty is actively managing costs to ensure that in the event of …

NG SOOK ZHEN
Juris Editor
It used to be that foreign educated lawyers with below average grades had an additional hurdle to cross when competing with locally trained lawyers for a place in the rat race.
But if things go according to the new plan, more foreign-trained lawyers who excel only after law school will be attracted to practice in Singapore.
Previously, foreign trained students with a second lower degree could only be admitted to the Bar after at least two years of work experience. Come 2010, they may be admitted directly.
The benefits of …

YVONNE POON & KRYSTAL CHIANG
Associate Editors
Traditionally, law students have played fair maiden to the relentless pursuit of law firms. From sponsoring events to delivering publicity spiels, law firms have been anxious to make their presence felt and students are accustomed to being so wooed. But the recession that has the world in its grip today is unprecedented in its reach and severity, and perhaps even its term. Will law firms thus change their hiring policies in a way that can only bode ill for graduating students?
Fortunately not, judging by the …