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Legal Aid Bureau

What types of cases are not handled by LAB?

Find out which types of cases the Legal Aid Bureau (LAB) does not cover, including criminal proceedings, certain civil matters, and cases involving foreign law.

Last updated on 17 March 2026

What types of cases are not handled by LAB?

Criminal Proceedings

LAB does not handle criminal proceedings.

If you require legal representation for your criminal proceedings, you may check if you qualify for criminal defence aid under the Public Defender's Office (PDO).

You can find out more about criminal defence aid on https://pdo.mlaw.gov.sg (opens in new tab).

Certain Civil Proceedings

LAB also does not handle certain civil proceedings including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Defamation cases

  • Proceedings before the Small Claims Tribunal and the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents

  • Mediation at the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management and proceedings before the Employment Claims Tribunal

Generally, LAB also does not handle proceedings in the Family Court for Maintenance and Personal Protection Orders where the opposing party is not legally represented, unless there are exceptional circumstances, for example the applicant is a vulnerable person (e.g. disabled, bedridden)

Proceedings involving Foreign Law or Foreign Subject Matter

LAB is only authorised to give legal advice on Singapore law, and to provide aid for civil proceedings in the Singapore courts. It is therefore unlikely to be able to assist in cases clearly involving foreign law or a foreign subject matter e.g. property outside of Singapore.