A professional association for the country’s young legal professionals was launched in Honiara on Wednesday with the support of the Australia -Solomon Islands Partnership in Justice (ASIPJ).
Called the Solomon Islands Young Legal Professionals Association (SIYLPA), was founded by a group of young passionate legal graduates under the leadership of Georgina Oroi. This was in recognition of the need for the establishment of a community for young legal professionals to effectively engage, network and access specialised resources to help navigate their professional lives, both within and outside of the legal profession.
Speaking at the launch, SIYLPA President Jean Uwesi said the idea behind the establishment of the association was driven by a desire to bridge the gap between legal graduates who are unemployed or working outside of the legal profession and those working within the legal profession with the provision of professional support.
Ms Uwesi said the SIYLPA mission is built on the four key pillars of:
- Networking and Mentorship: to connect young legal professionals with another, and with senior practitioners and organisations and also to foster mentorship and career growth;
- Professional Development: to raise the bar of professionalism in the legal community through continuous educational opportunities, skills training and capacity-building workshops;
- Advocacy for Law Reform: To empower SIYLPA members to engage in meaningful discussions about law reform and advocate for changes that better serve the legal profession and the community; and
- Community Engagement: To promote social responsibility by encouraging SIYLPA members to engage in community initiatives that foster humility and contribute to the common good.
Ms Uwesi delightfully announced that on Monday and Tuesday this week, three of SIYLPA members participated in the Land Reform Consultation Workshop on Marriage and Divorce Laws of Solomon Islands, which is in alignment with the association’s third foundational pillar.
She said SIYLPA is committed to continuously foster career development opportunities, mentorship, networking and a strong sense of community based on the values of honesty, integrity, respect, professionalism and service.
Ms Uwesi expressed gratitude to the Australian High Commission’s First Secretary Governance and Stability, Sara Lailey and the ASIPJ Team under the leadership of Apolosi Bose for recognising the vision of SIYLPA and the confidence they demonstrated in supporting its launch.
She also thanked those who have shared words of encouragement and advice and pledged their support behind SIYLPA.
“Together we can build a vibrant and strong legal community that will shape the future of our legal profession and contribute to the development of our beloved Solomon Islands,” she said.
The Chief Justice Sir Albert Rocky Palmer was amongst dignitaries who attended the SIYLPA launching event hosted at the Heritage Park Hotel.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
