CLA News / Introducing Compulsory Continuing Legal Education in Papua New Guinea: A Report by Peggy Ilu, the YCLA Representative for PNG
On 24 February 2025, a landmark initiative was launched under the leadership of the Honourable Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika, Hubert Namani, President of the PNG Law Society, and Justice John Carey to explore the introduction of compulsory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for all practicing lawyers in Papua New Guinea.
This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), the PNG Law Society, the PNG Centre for Judicial Excellence and senior lawyers, with strategic guidance from Andrew Crowe KC CBE, Queensland Bar Association.
A Working Group was formed and divided into three subcommittees which reported on:
- Structure & Legislation: Outlining the legal framework and structural basis for CLE implementation to enable the PNG Law Society to introduce CLE.
- Content Development: Proposed CLE topics, CLE management, and recommending 10 CLE points to be earned annually prior to receiving a practicing certificate.
- Website/App Development: Proposing a digital platform to deliver and track CLE points, provide legal resources and facilitate communication.
The Chief Justice reviewed the three reports and 18 August 2025 recommended them to the PNG Law Society.
The Chief Justice expressed his satisfaction with the quality and depth of the reports, commending the dedication of all contributors to this important initiative, and expressed confidence that the Law Society will take the necessary steps to implement the CLE framework, thereby enhancing the integrity, and excellence of the legal profession in PNG.
At the annual CLA CLE on 2 September 2025, and in a session chaired by Chief Justice and Andrew Crowe KC CBE, Mr Hubert Namani, President of the PNG Law Society, announced that compulsory CLE will be introduced for all legal practitioners in PNG starting 2027, following a trial period in 2026. From 2027 onward, lawyers must complete 10 hours of CLE annually to maintain their practicing certificates.
This momentous step toward strengthening the legal profession in PNG aligns it with best practices across the Commonwealth, including Fiji and Tonga in the South Pacific.
By Peggy Ilu
PNG Representative on the Young Commonwealth Lawyers Association Committee
Published: 25th September
