The University of Newcastle’s Master of Laws (LLM) program is designed to deepen an individual’s understanding of a specialist area of law. For Andrew, it will mean returning to his role as Chief Legal Officer at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Solomon Islands with advanced knowledge and understanding of criminal prosecutions.

After graduating high school in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Andrew embarked on a Bachelor of Laws program at the University of Papua New Guinea Law School in Port Moresby. He then completed 10 months legal training at the Papua New Guinea Legal Training Institute (PNGLTI).

In 2009 Andrew returned to the Solomon Islands to join the ODPP as a Senior Legal Officer, before rising up the ranks to the position of Principal Legal Officer in 2012.

“I was part of the Executive Management Team and responsible for prosecuting matters at the Magistrate court, High Court and the appeals at the Court of Appeal,” said Andrew.

In early 2017, Andrew was recalled to the ODPP’s Head Office in Honiara and promoted to the position of Chief Legal Officer, the position he currently holds.

“Over the years, I have developed my interests in prosecutions and would like to finish my career as a criminal lawyer as well.

“My immediate goals after completing the program is to go back, share the knowledge I acquire with my colleagues, and help continue to serve my country. I am eligible to practice in both Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea courts and currently I am on Government study leave.”

Andrew says the Master of Laws program is proving both challenging and exciting.

“I have learned a lot of things already. One of the courses that I did last semester, Advanced Criminal Law, has helped me a lot in refocusing my thoughts on certain criminal law concepts.”

“These are some of the new things that I have learned despite being in criminal practice for more than nine years already.”

“Not only that, I have the opportunity to learn and acquire new knowledge not specifically on the criminal aspect of law but other important areas as well.”

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Andrew Kelesi `

Andrew Kelesi

Andrew Kelesi is a current student at the University of Newcastle studying a Master of Laws.

I have learned a lot of things already. One of the courses that I did last semester, Advanced Criminal Law, has helped me a lot in refocusing my thoughts on certain criminal law concepts.

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