SingaporeLawyer in Small Claims Court Singapore
No, lawyers cannot represent parties in the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) in Singapore, except in very limited circumstances with Tribunal permission.
What the Law Says
The Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) is designed for quick, informal, and cost-effective resolution of minor civil disputes. To preserve its accessibility and informality, the law strictly limits legal representation.
Section 20(1) of the Small Claims Tribunals Act (Cap. 300) explicitly states: 'No party to proceedings before the Tribunal shall be represented by a legal practitioner.' This applies to both claimants and respondents.
Exceptions are narrowly construed. Under Section 20(2), the Tribunal may permit legal representation only if it is satisfied that 'it is in the interests of justice' — for example, where a party has a disability impairing their ability to present their case, or where complex legal issues arise that would otherwise deny fair hearing. Such permission is rare and requires a formal written application before the hearing.
Statutory TextNo party to proceedings before the Tribunal shall be represented by a legal practitioner.
— Small Claims Tribunals Act (Cap. 300), s 20(1)
What to Do
Prepare your own case using SCT’s free resources: checklists, sample statements, and video guides on the State Courts website.
Apply in writing for legal representation *before* your hearing date if you meet exceptional criteria — include supporting evidence (e.g., medical reports, affidavits).
Sources
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Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-10-03.