Regulatory system design in pluralist contexts: lawyer regulation in Fiji, Kiribati and Vanuatu

This seminar reports on the results of an in-depth study of lawyer regulation in three Pacific Island countries (PICs) Fiji, Kiribati and Vanuatu. The main argument presented is that regulatory interventions to improve lawyer competence and ethics in PICs should be grounded in an empirically informed understanding of what actually operates to influence and motivate lawyer conduct in PICs; rather than preconceived notions of the roles and responsibilities of lawyers borrowed from former colonial powers. Strengthening existing systems requires developing innovative regulatory solutions that are adapted to the unique local contexts and constraints of PICs.

This seminar is David's final presentation of his doctoral candidature. 

About the speaker

PhD candidate David Naylor is a lecturer at the University of the South Pacific School of Law and has worked in various roles to strengthen the education and regulation of lawyers in the Pacific region for the past 15 years. His research interests include: comparative law; lawyer ethics; legal pluralism and legal education.