The 17th Graduation ceremony of the PNG Legal Training Institute was held on Friday 27 January 2023 at the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance Hall. A total of 78 students graduated with many of them receiving academic awards under various categories.

With the theme ‘Resilience’, the graduation was attended by senior legal officers and special guests including Solicitor General Mr. Tauvasa Tanuvasa, Justice Dr. Vergil Narokobi, and other representatives from the law and justice sector including the PNG Centre for Judicial Excellence.

Chief Justice of the PNG National and Supreme Courts, Sir Gibbs Salika challenged the newly graduating students to prepare well to assist the Courts and to uphold the rule of law.

“Whether you become a Courtroom lawyer or an office lawyer, always practice honesty, integrity, patience, and trustworthiness”.

This sentiment was also shared by the Minister for Justice, Honourable Pila Niningi when addressing the graduates. Mr. Niningi further encouraged the up-coming lawyers to be resilient and steadfast in carrying out their legal responsibilities.

On 31 January 2023, the graduates were admitted to the bar at the Waigani National Court to finally become permitted practicing lawyers.