94 new lawyers admitted to the bar

The Papua New Guinea legal fraternity expanded significantly today as 94 graduates from the Legal Training Institute [LTI] were formally admitted to the Bar today.

This cohort represents one of the largest groups of new legal practitioners to be sworn in at the Waigani National Court in recent years.

​The full-day ceremony was presided over by the Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and members of the judiciary, who observed the new lawyers taking their oaths of allegiance and the legal practitioner's oath.

The proceedings today took a whole day but that did not stop eager and excited families and friends of the new lawyers who packed the court gallery and surrounding grounds.

Among the excited parents of the new lawyers was Sidney Kerowa, who travelled in from Western Highlands to see his daughter Melissa Kerowa being finally admitted to the Bar.

Mr. Kerowa said this is a fulfilling moment for any parent to see a child completing all levels of education and excelling into the work force.

"Melisa is my fourth child, and for me and any other parent here, this is our proud moment. As parents, we want to see our children excelling in all areas of their lives, and today, I am so proud of my daughter," Mr Kerowa said.

For Melissa, the milestone was a hard-earned victory.

After obtaining her law degree two years ago, she faced a two-year wait to secure a place at the Legal Training Institute [LTI].

"I had to find employment when I wasn't accepted into LTI, but I never gave up. After two years, I was accepted to complete my training at LTI. I am proud of my journey, and I want to encourage other young girls to pursue their dreams no matter what." Ms Kerowa said.