OPLS (formally the Office of the People’s Lawyer) was established in the 1980’s as an ancillary branch of the Judiciary to provide free legal services to the Kiribati people. OPLS started off from small beginnings but over the past 40 years has grown in size and effectiveness.

In 2014, OPLS separated from the judiciary establishing itself as an independent office under the Ministry of Justice. At the time, the OPLS was given its own budget to manage the operation of the service. Operational control of OPLS was also transferred from a rotating expatriate lawyer to a locally appointed officer.

On 3 December 2018, the Public Legal Services Act 2018 was passed by Parliament which formalised the Office’s separation from the judiciary by giving OPLS legal status as an independent government body reporting to the Minister for Justice. Following the introduction of the Act, the Office formally became known as the Office of the Public Legal Service.

OPLS currently has two regional branches, located in Betio, Tarawa and Kiritimati Island. Lawyers and Paralegals also regularly attend outer islands to provide legal assistance and attend court tours when required.