CPICL Fellow Associate Professor Francesca Bartlett hosts student placement and access to justice work in Kiribati

Two undergraduate students undertook a successful placement at the Office of Public Legal Services (OPLS) in the Republic of Kiribati over the last month. This placement is supported by New Colombo Plan Mobility grant funding received by the Law School.

Under the supervision of the placement supervisor, CPICL Fellow Associate Professor Francesca Bartlett, and senior OPLS legal staff, the students provided support for the important work of the OPLS as the only legal aid provider in Kiribati. The students assisted in client intake interviews, legal research and drafting advice to support as well as court observations.

The students also assisted in preparing public legal education materials and delivered a presentation on mediation approaches to the office. The placement also provided the opportunity for students to visit the Kiribati Parliament and other cultural sites as well as engage with the Australian High Commission.

This immersive placement is part of an ongoing Law School undergraduate program providing transformative experiences in law through practical exposure to other legal systems and international legal practitioners. The experience aimed to develop students’ cultural sensitivity and build legal skills such as translation of legal knowledge for access to justice projects.

Associate Professor Bartlett also delivered legal education training to legal staff at OPLS and within the Ministry of Justice, and continues to collaborate with OPLS on a community outreach program.