Milika Ligabalavu, a lawyer and Assistant Lecturer at Fiji National University (FNU), has successfully led a team of law students to a groundbreaking win in an inter-tertiary moot court competition, marking a first for the university. This achievement highlights the importance of collaboration and commitment.
Ligabalavu’s pathway reflects her strong dedication to assisting others and a zeal for ongoing education. She was born to a Fijian father from Korolevu, Noikoro, Navosa, and a mother from Central Province in Papua New Guinea. Before entering law, Ligabalavu worked as an Immigration Officer for a foreign government in Suva. In 2019, she made a significant career shift to law, getting admitted to the Bar at the High Court of Fiji. Her initial legal experience was in private practice, followed by a position 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 underscore her leadership and mentoring skills. Ligabalavu handpicked a diverse group of law students, ranging from first to fourth year, based on their advocacy and research capabilities. The main team consisted of Talei Karavaki (third-year), Arnold Chanel (second-year), and Peter Racolo (first-year), backed by a committed research team that included final-year students Fane Draunibaka, Setaita Takiveikata, Timoci Mocebalavu, along with first-year student Kushal Sharma.
The team worked diligently, often skipping breaks to ensure extensive preparation for the competition. They tackled tasks such as analyzing questions, researching applicable laws, drafting submissions, and refining their advocacy techniques. Ligabalavu, alongside the Head of the Department of Law, Assistant Professor Ana Rokomokoti, provided crucial support and direction during their preparation.
The competition, organized by the University of the South Pacific Law Students Association and supported by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, concluded with a final at the High Court of Fiji. Despite facing obstacles, including limited resources, the FNU team’s perseverance and teamwork resulted in a remarkable victory. The students demonstrated significant personal and professional growth, emerging as confident advocates ready to engage in the legal field.
Ligabalavu’s influence at FNU will have a lasting effect, resonating within Fiji’s legal community for years to come. This victory is not only a testament to the team’s efforts but also reflects the power of determination, hard work, and solidarity.