What are my options if I suspect my lawyer breached client confidentiality in Singapore?

If your lawyer discussed identifiable details of your case with a third party, especially in a public setting, this could constitute a breach of confidentiality and professional misconduct. Engage a new lawyer: Your new counsel will usually send a notice to the previous firm to request the transfer of your case files.

If your lawyer discussed identifiable details of your case with a third party, especially in a public setting, this could constitute a breach of confidentiality and professional misconduct. Engage a new lawyer: Your new counsel will usually send a notice to the previous firm to request the transfer of your case files.

Of course. Based on your situation, here is a paragraph of advice for your consideration.

It is understandable that you are deeply concerned about this potential breach of confidentiality, as the duty of a law firm to safeguard client information is a cornerstone of the legal profession, expressly mandated by the Legal Profession Act and the Singapore Bar Council's Professional Conduct Rules. 
 

Your first step should be to formally communicate your concerns in writing to the managing partner or senior management of the law firm, detailing the incident as you know it and requesting a full explanation and the specific steps they will take to address the breach and mitigate any potential damage. Concurrently, you have the right to seek independent legal advice on this matter, and you can also lodge a formal complaint with the Law Society of Singapore, which has the authority to investigate professional misconduct. 
 

Regarding your question about switching lawyers, yes, you absolutely have the right to change legal representation mid-case. As the client, you are entitled to terminate your solicitor's services at any time, and you should instruct a new law firm to facilitate the transition; they will guide you through the process of discharging your current firm, which typically involves settling outstanding fees and arranging for the secure transfer of your case files to ensure your new representation can continue your matter without prejudice.

Of course. Based on your situation, here is a paragraph of advice for your consideration.

It is understandable that you are deeply concerned about this potential breach of confidentiality, as the duty of a law firm to safeguard client information is a cornerstone of the legal profession, expressly mandated by the Legal Profession Act and the Singapore Bar Council's Professional Conduct Rules.

Your first step should be to formally communicate your concerns in writing to the managing partner or senior management of the law firm, detailing the incident as you know it and requesting a full explanation and the specific steps they will take to address the breach and mitigate any potential damage. Concurrently, you have the right to seek independent legal advice on this matter, and you can also lodge a formal complaint with the Law Society of Singapore, which has the authority to investigate professional misconduct.

Regarding your question about switching lawyers, yes, you absolutely have the right to change legal representation mid-case. As the client, you are entitled to terminate your solicitor's services at any time, and you should instruct a new law firm to facilitate the transition; they will guide you through the process of discharging your current firm, which typically involves settling outstanding fees and arranging for the secure transfer of your case files to ensure your new representation can continue your matter without prejudice.