Clause 20

No advocate and solicitor shall without the special leave in writing of the Board qualify to be a principal unless he has been in active practice as an advocate and solicitor in Singapore for a period of not less than five out of the seven years immediately preceding the articles of clerkship and is in active practice.

No principal shall have more than two articled clerks at the same time.

No principal shall take or retain any articled clerk after he has ceased active practice as an advocate and solicitor in Singapore or while he is employed by another solicitor.

If any solicitor takes or has an articled clerk in contravention of any of the provisions of this section the Board may of its own motion discharge the articles of that articled clerk upon such terms, including terms as to return of premium, if any, as the Board thinks fit.