Aussies train our law students

National

Seventy-four law students from the Legal Training Institute improved their courtroom skills with some of Australia’s top legal experts last month.
The students worked with 11 members of the Victorian Bar to enhance their criminal litigation and advocacy skills, practising in mock court exercises to make submissions on behalf of clients, lead evidence and cross-examine witnesses.
Clarissa Laimo, a legal trainee from Buin, Bougainville, wants to be a criminal lawyer and said her strengthened litigation skills would equip her well to follow her dream.  The course also made Laimo appreciate that advocating for a client required strong persuasive skills.
“I have come to realise that it is not only about the law and the books that you read, it is also about confidence and how effectively you can tell your client’s story to convince the judge to rule in favour of you,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Papua New Guinea Law Society, deputy solicitor-general Tauvasa Tanuvasa told trainees that advocacy was an essential skill and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity to learn from the years of experience of the visiting legal experts.
“I have also gone through this programme and I have taken a lot from this programme. Learn as much as you can from our friends from Australia,” he said.
Visiting Supreme Court judge Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth thanked the students for their enthusiasm and hard work over the week.
“We have given you some practical skills and hopefully some knowledge, but you have given us a lot of things too.  You have given us your enthusiasm and trust,” she said.
“You stood up there, and we told you to do stuff that we knew took you outside your comfort zones.  You shared with us your stories and where you come from, who you are and your hopes and dreams.”
Australian High Commission counsellor Gina Wilson said strong criminal justice skills helped to support a dynamic and robust law and justice sector, and safer communities for Papua New Guineans.
Members of the Victorian Bar first volunteered their time and expertise to train Papua New Guinea’s up and coming lawyers in1987.