PNG Law Society
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Establishment & Office relocations:
The Papua New Guinea Law Society was formally established under the Lawyers Act 1986 and came into force on 1 January 1986.
Given the initial establishment of the Society, the journey of the Society begun on humble but simple surroundings in terms of its operational status. The Society’s first official office initially operated from a rented residential property on Bava Street in East Boroko.
From there, the Society continued to grow and relocate, moving to Garden City in Boroko, then to the Sir John Guise Stadium in Waigani, and later to the Mogoru Motor Building in downtown Port Moresby.
Most recently, in 2023, the Society marked another milestone by moving into its current office on the second floor of Newmont Haus on Hunter Street, just a short distance away from its previous location (Mogoru Moto).
President & the Secretariat:
At the time of the establishment of the Law Society, the late Peter Donigi was the President and served the Society for three (3) consecutive terms (6-Years). The Secretariat of the Law Society had four (4) staff with James Baker as the Secretary.
On reflection, the office relocations reflect not just changes in address and rentals, but the steady growth of staff and membership of the Law Society over the years.
Responsibilities/Functions:
The Papua New Guinea Law Society (PNGLS), been the professional body, the responsibilities/functions generally come from its governing legislation (Lawyers Act) and professional rules.
Here are seven (7) key examples of the Society’s functions/responsibilities:
1. Regulation of Legal Practitioners
- Interview legal trainees before admission, licensing, and registration of lawyers in PNG
- Scrutiny of applications and ensures only qualified persons are allowed to practise law.
2. Maintaining Professional Standards
- Promotes high standards of legal ethics, fair conduct and professionalism among lawyers.
- Enforces rules of professional behaviour.
3. Disciplinary Authority
- Investigates complaints against lawyers.
- Takes disciplinary action for misconduct (e.g., suspension or removal).
4. Representation of the Legal Profession
- Acts as the official voice of lawyers in PNG.
- Represents members’ interests in dealings with private and public sector bodies in terms of CPDs, Conferences, Meetings etc.
5. Promotion of Justice and Rule of Law
- Supports the independence of the judiciary.
- Advocates for fairness, human rights, and access to fair justice.
- Upholds and maintains the Rule of Law
6. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
- Organises training, seminars, and workshops.
- Ensures lawyers upskill their knowledge.
- Ensures proper education & event is organized for professional lawyering.
7. Advisory Role on Legal Matters and Law Reform
- Provides input on proposed laws and legal reforms.
- Assists government and institutions in improving the legal system.
The Secretariat
Tauvasa Tanuvasa
PNGLS Acting Secretary
Brian Jemejeme
Media Officer
Gabore Kila
Executive Officer
Linda Kopi
Steno Secretary
Alpheus Kaveregari
Driver/Admin Clerk
Naomi Peter
Secretary Assistant
Viliwa Volu
Office Assistant
Margaret Soro
Receptionist
Nelson Mosibebe
Cleaner
