Writing the country’s laws is a privilege any lawyer could be proud of, but sadly, not many are interested in the job.
Two advertisements that had recently gone out did not receive a single interest from any lawyer.
Second Legislative Council Marleen Toliman Akop says this is quite unfortunate as the office currently needs more manpower.
The Office of the Legislative Council’s role is to prepare all Government legislations, both primary (Acts) and secondary (Regulations) initial and amending for presentation to parliament.
The Council also prepares subordinate legislations and instruments such as gazettal notices, determinations, proclamations relating to legislation and advice and draft legislations for provincial and local level governments.
Mrs Akop said as more laws are being introduced and amendments being made, the Office of the Legislative Council needs more lawyers.
But sadly, no one is interested in the job.
In 2016 and 2017, the Council announced vacancies but no one applied.
Mrs Akop says while the excitement is in the courtroom, it’s even a more rewarding feeling, knowing that you have written these sections and subsections of an Act that are being argued and interpreted in the courtrooms.
While a diploma in legislative drafting is a requirement, there is still on the job training.
Mrs Akop says most training in drafting laws are received in Australia or England, countries that have the Westminister system of Government.
For Mrs Akop, some of the notable legislations she has drafted include the Small to Medium Term Enterprises Act and Conservation and Environment Protection Authority Act, among many others.
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