Compulsory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Policy

The PNG Law Society, together with the National Judiciary and partner organisations, has adopted a policy to introduce Compulsory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for all legal practitioners in Papua New Guinea. The initiative was formally launched on 24 February 2025 by Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika, PNG Law Society President Hubert Namani, and Justice John Carey.

What the policy requires

From 2027, every practising lawyer will be required to complete 10 hours of approved CLE each year in order to maintain their practising certificate. The 2026 year will operate as a trial period ahead of compulsory implementation.

Completion of the annual CLE requirement will be tied directly to the renewal of practising certificates, making ongoing professional development a condition of continued practice.

How the policy was developed

A dedicated Working Group developed the framework through three subcommittees:

• Structure & Legislation — the legal framework for CLE and its link to practising certificates.
• Content Development — topics, delivery, management and the annual points requirement.
• Website / App Development — the digital platform for delivering CLE and tracking points.

The policy was developed collaboratively by the PNG Law Society, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), and the PNG Centre for Judicial Excellence, with strategic guidance from Andrew Crowe KC CBE of the Queensland Bar Association.

Why it matters

Speaking at the 2026 Legal Year Opening, President Hubert Namani confirmed the Society’s commitment to strengthening professional integrity, noting that “there is no Rule of Law without ethical lawyers.” Compulsory CLE is intended to raise the standard of legal practice across the profession and ensure lawyers remain current in the law they practise.

Sources: Commonwealth Lawyers Association report (Peggy Ilu, YCLA Representative for PNG) and the PNG Centre for Judicial Excellence.