The Papua New Guinea Centre for Judicial Excellence (PNGCJE), in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea Law Society and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, successfully hosted the Papua New Guinea Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Seminar in Port Moresby on 1 September 2026.
The event received significant support from the Bar Association of Queensland, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening legal education and professional development within Papua New Guinea’s legal profession.
The Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Program is an important initiative of the Papua New Guinea Law Society, designed to provide ongoing professional development opportunities for lawyers and legal professionals. Established to support legal practitioners throughout their careers, CLE programs help lawyers remain informed of developments in the law, improve professional competence, strengthen ethical standards, and contribute to the effective administration of justice.
The seminar brought together Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika GCL, KBE, CSM, OBE, members of the Papua New Guinea judiciary, senior representatives of the Papua New Guinea Law Society, legal practitioners, students of the Legal Training Institute (LTI) and online participants from across the legal profession.
The agenda featured a broad range of timely and critical topics, including lawyers’ AML/CTF practical obligations and how to fulfil them; prosecuting allegations of corruption in Papua New Guinea; leases and conveyancing tips and tricks; legal professional privilege in practice; volunteerism; options for a class action regime in Papua New Guinea; health and the legal profession; and ethical standards and professional responsibility.
Presenters shared practical insights and experiences on emerging legal issues, professional obligations, and contemporary challenges facing the legal profession. Participants were provided with valuable opportunities to enhance their legal knowledge, engage in professional discussions, and exchange perspectives on developments affecting legal practice both locally and internationally.
The seminar highlighted the importance of continuous learning and professional excellence in maintaining public confidence in the legal profession and ensuring access to quality legal services. It also demonstrated the strength of collaboration between PNG’s legal institutions and international partners in supporting the development of a capable, ethical and resilient legal profession.