Milika Ligabalavu, a lawyer and Assistant Lecturer at Fiji National University (FNU), played a pivotal role in leading a team of law students to a groundbreaking win in an inter-tertiary moot court competition. This achievement marks the first time FNU has claimed victory in such an event, highlighting the strength of collaboration and commitment among the participants.
Ligabalavu’s path has been characterized by her dedication to supporting others and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. She is the daughter of a Fijian father from Korolevu, Noikoro, Navosa, and a mother hailing from Papua New Guinea’s Central Province. Initially, Ligabalavu worked as an Immigration Officer for a foreign government in Suva. However, in 2019, she shifted her focus to law, gaining admission to the Bar at the High Court of Fiji. She began her legal career in private practice and later served as a Policy and Research Officer at the Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF). In April 2024, she took on the role of Assistant Lecturer at the FNU School of Law.
Her recent accomplishments as the Moot Coordinator for FNU’s law students underscore her leadership and mentoring skills. Ligabalavu carefully selected a diverse team, including students from different years of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program, based on their advocacy and research talents. The main team members were third-year student Talei Karavaki, second-year student Arnold Chanel, and first-year student Peter Racolo. They also had support from a committed research team made up of final-year students Fane Draunibaka, Setaita Takiveikata, Timoci Mocebalavu, and first-year student Kushal Sharma.
The team dedicated themselves to intense preparation, often sacrificing personal time to collaborate on competition tasks. Their work included dissecting competition prompts, researching pertinent laws, drafting legal submissions, and refining their advocacy techniques. Throughout this demanding process, Ligabalavu and Assistant Professor Ana Rokomokoti, head of the Department of Law, provided invaluable mentorship and support.
The competition was hosted by the University of the South Pacific Law Students Association, with backing from the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, and culminated in a final round held at the High Court of Fiji. Despite facing obstacles such as limited resources, the FNU team’s determination and cohesive effort resulted in a well-deserved victory. Their development was clear, transforming them into self-assured advocates poised to navigate the legal landscape.
Ligabalavu’s impact at FNU is substantial, ensuring that her contributions will resonate within the legal community in Fiji for the foreseeable future. This victory serves not only as a triumph for the team but also as a powerful reminder of the values of perseverance, diligence, and teamwork.