Six new lawyers step up to bar

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 11 November 2017, 12:00AM

The legal fraternity in Samoa has welcomed six more new lawyers.

Miracle Fuiavailili, Everett Aisoli Sioa, Faithful Theodore Sofe, Ioata Iopu Tanielu, Victor Toetu Ale and Tiresa Ioelu were admitted to the bar on Friday before Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu. 

Families, friends and colleagues were present to witness their admission. In congratulating the new lawyers, Chief Justice Patu said this was the beginning of a new journey. 

“It is what you do with your God-given talent that will define you as a lawyer,” he said. 

“To become a truly accomplished lawyer requires hard work, perseverance and good character and I emphasize to you good character.”

“Learning is a never ending process; it is like a marathon without a finishing line and it is necessary for growth and progress as a lawyer. It is learning that generates knowledge and knowledge is required to improve your professional competence as a lawyer.”

He added to be effective in practicing law required continuous studying of the law.

“The four years or so that was spent at law school to get a law degree is not enough time to learn all there is to know about the law,” said Chief Justice Patu.

“It is also hardly at a standstill because it is always evolving and developing.”

“So even though your days of legal studies are over, your implication as a lawyer must still continue.”

Chief Justice Patu said new admitted lawyers must take pride in their work.

“I also ask you to take pride in the quality of your legal work so that you will always strive to achieve and maintain the highest standards even if you come short of those standards sometimes,” he said.

“I do not expect you to become top quality lawyers overnight after your admission to the bar. Rome as some said was not built in a day.”

“But I would like to see each of you make a genuine attempt to become top quality lawyers.”

“Our country needs top quality lawyers to serve its people.”

“Should you decide to practice at the bar, you will find that life can be challenging and demanding at times.”

“However it is never boring because no court cases are ever exactly the same.”

“In fact life at the bar can be interesting, stimulating and rewarding.”

Moreover, Chief Justice Patu advised the new lawyers to avoid making mistakes.

“Also try to avoid making mistakes in your practice of the law but if you do make mistakes some times because it is only human to learn, do not allow yourself to become dishearten or demoralized but try to learn  from your mistakes.”

Five of the newly-admitted lawyers are working at the Office of the Attorney General while Tiresa Ioelu is working for the Ministry for Revenue.

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 11 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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