Law Society grants restricted license
The Samoa Law Society has granted a restricted practicing certificate to New Zealand based lawyer, Leulua’iali’i Olinda Woodroffe.
In the Supreme Court on Monday, Leulua’iali’i’s assistant, Leali’ifano Iopu Tanielu told Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu that Leulua’iali’i could not appear in Court. He said she was waiting for the Samoa Law Society to make a decision regarding her practicing certificate.
At that point, S.L.S. Vice President, Alalatoa Rosella Papali’i advised Chief Justice Patu that the Society has resolved to issue a restricted practicing certificate to Leulua’iali'i.
Chief Justice Patu questioned the basis upon which the certificate is issued.
“On the basis that from here on she is to lodge all applications and documentations through the law firm of Sapolu law here in Samoa,” explained Alalatoa.
“That is until sometime when she has a properly managed office by a lawyer with an unrestricted certificate…that is the main condition we agreed upon.”
Chief Justice Patu, however, reminded that such resolutions should be in writing for the records of the judges. He then adjourned the matter until Monday next week for the Society to file their report on the matter.