USP Community Law Information Centre

Thank you Office of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu for providing our students an opportunity for them to learn and grow professionally, we look forward to further continuation of such engagement in the near future.

The Office of the Ombudsman is pleased to welcome Mr. Amanake Taulahi, a third-year
law student from the University of the South Pacific (USP), who has recently joined the
Office as an intern.

Mr. Taulahi has been accepted for a two-week internship placement with the Office of
the Ombudsman, where he will be attached to the Investigation Section. During this
time, he will learn about the work of the Ombudsman and assist with investigation-
related duties as part of his studies.
On Tuesday, 21 April 2026, Mr. Taulahi officially took his oath of office before commencing his duties, in accordance with the requirements governing confidentiality and professional conduct within the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman expressed appreciation to Mr. Taulahi for choosing the Office of the
Ombudsman as his place of work placement and welcomed his interest in contributing
to the work of the institution. The Office values opportunities to support and mentor law
students and emerging professionals who demonstrate an interest in public service,
integrity, and good governance.

The Office of the Ombudsman wishes Mr. Taulahi a productive and rewarding internship
experience.

USP Community Law Information Centre

Congratulations to all our students and thank you DLA Piper.
Last week, during the mid-semester break 13th -17th April, while all USP students were enjoying their holiday, Law Clinic students, along with others who signed up for the DLA Piper Legal Practical Skills Workshop, chose to take up a valuable learning opportunity. This intensive, week-long workshop equipped students with practical skills such as client interviewing and other essential legal skills that will be highly beneficial as they transition into the legal workforce after graduation.

We extend our sincere thanks to DLA Piper for its continued pro bono support through the provision of such an important and impactful workshop. We look forward to continued engagement in the future and to seeing you again next semester.

To our fellow students: Thank you for your commitment and for rising to the challenge by sacrificing part of your well-deserved break to keep learning and growing. Congratulations to everyone on successfully completing the workshop.

Giving back to the community through raising awareness of our laws, a group of law clinic students recently conducted a session on cyberbullying laws in Vanuatu with Year 10 students at Vila East School. It was an engaging and interactive atmosphere, with students eager to learn more about the offence of cyberbullying and to discuss the realities we face in an era where almost everyone has access to electronic devices. Cyberbullying is only a click away, making awareness and education more important than ever.

Stop cyberbullying.

Our delighted students, Mr. Pascal Laly and Ms. Feagaimaleata Sarah Tanielu, have just completed their two-week placement with MOLBALEH & TAIVA LAWYERS LTD. This placement program is not only part of their learning and assessments, but also an opportunity for them to give back to the community through volunteering with private law firms and other legal agencies.

MOLBALEH & TAIVA LAWYERS LTD is one of the private law firms in Vanuatu that has been supporting our USP Law Clinic program over the years. Through the provision of placement opportunities, our students have gained valuable experience working on real cases and attending court. We are confident that your contribution will have a meaningful impact on these students’ learning and their future endeavours.

We often hear from students how much they enjoy attending court and seeing it in action something they rarely experience during their law studies. This program has given them that valuable exposure.

Thank you once again, MOLBALEH & TAIVA LAWYERS LTD. We look forward to the continuation of this collaboration in the future.

The Vanuatu Law Reform Commission has always been a valued partner, providing internship opportunities for our USP Law Clinic students. Through this partnership, they are not only offering students practical experience but also contributing significantly to their foundational learning, helping to prepare them for their future careers.

Thank you tumas, Vanuatu Law Reform Commission, for your continued support. We look forward to the continuation of this program with you.

" If you do not have a vehicle to get to work, WALK to work" CJ Palmer
Integrity, professionalism, and pro bono service, when duty calls, we step up. We dress up and go wherever we are needed to serve. If walking is the only way to get there, then we will walk, because we are here to serve.

Giving back to the community through our pro bono service.

Knowledge is power. Last week, our students had the privilege of empowering Year 8, 9, and 10 girls at Vila North School by conducting an awareness session on domestic violence.

This opportunity allowed our students not only to share knowledge, but also to learn, connect, and build meaningful networks with these young girls. We believe in the power of knowledge and information sharing to create positive change.

Thank you very much to Vila North School for welcoming us and accepting our request to visit and conduct this awareness session. We look forward to future collaborations.

USP Law Clinic – Now Open!
We’re pleased to announce that our Law Clinic Program has resumed operations!
Our team is here to provide FREE legal information and services to the public in a friendly and supportive environment.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(Closed on public holidays and during semester breaks)
No appointment needed!
Simply Walk in anytime between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM to speak with our team.
Location:
Moot Court Building, Emalus Campus, USP
Get in touch:
📞 Phone: 22210
📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 Or send us a message anytime
If you have legal questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out or visit us, we’re here to help!

As part of her community service and volunteer work, one of our Law Clinic students, Ms. Elodie D. Kalmet, is currently undertaking a two-week internship with Hamer Law Office.
We sincerely thank Hamer Law Office for providing this valuable opportunity to Elodie and for your willingness to support our Law Clinic Internship Program. We look forward to continued collaboration in the future.
All the best, Elodie, and look forward to welcoming you back once your placement is complete.

Customary law is one of the sources of law applicable in Vanuatu, as provided under Chapter 15, Section 95(3) of the Constitution (Mama Loa) of Vanuatu. In most of our islands and rural communities, chiefs carry the significant responsibility of ensuring peace, order, and governance through custom.
While our law students are being trained to become future legal professionals and are learning the laws introduced through colonisation, it is equally important that they understand the legal systems that governed our nation long before colonial influence and continue to govern it today and that is customary law.
Through this bridge built today, we hope that our students, as part of their community service, will be encouraged to volunteer with the Malvatumauri Counsel of Chiefs wherever there is need, and in doing so, learn about custom governance and customary law firsthand.
As we strive for academic knowledge, we must also stay rooted in our traditions and understand where we come from.
Tagio tumas to Crimson Bani and to the CEO of the Malvatumauri Counsel of Chief Mr. Jean Pierre Tom, for sharing your wisdom with us. We are grateful for the opportunity to give back and to walk the path of kastom with you. Together, iumi buildim Vanuatu.