An SC who cuts back on court appearances may lose his edge in litigation and compromise standards, said Professor Jeffrey Dan Pinsler of the National University of Singapore.

The SC added: 'Then the public will find it difficult to select an SC as standards would differ.'

Law academics and SC were asked by The Straits Times for their views on Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong's plan to set up a committee to see if future appointments of top advocates as SC should be subject to certain practice considerations.

It was an indication that a minimum amount of courtroom work might become necessary, given CJ Chan's concern that SC were 'pleading less and less' and going for more lucrative work in corporate law.

Prof Pinsler said: 'Only a good court lawyer is recognised with the title of SC and litigation work would ensure that the standard of advocacy remains high.'

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.