The Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration welcomed another new lawyer, Vaisala Afoa following her admission to the Bar before the Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu. 

Ms Afoa was presented to the bar by the Acting Director of the National Prosecution Office, Muriel Lui. 

Chief Justice Patu extended a warm welcome to the newly-admitted lawyer, her family and her close friends who were present during the ceremony.  “I wish to say your admission to the Bar marks an end and a beginning. It is the end of four years of dedicated study at the Vanuatu Law School and several months of practical legal training. At the same time, today is the beginning of your career as a lawyer,” said Chief Justice Patu. 

“From today and everyday hereafter, you will be known and deserve to be known as a lawyer. The designation is permanent and will remain with you forever.”

Chief Justice shared stories of his knowledge and experience as a lawyer and as a Judge. 

He reminded Ms Afoa to become a truly accomplished lawyer, requires hard work, perseverance and good character.  “Even though your days of legal studies at the law school are over, your education as a lawyer must still continue. Learning is a never-ending process it is like a marathon without a finishing line.” 

“The quality of your legal work will also reflect the type of person you are, I am confident that you would like to convey a good impression of yourself as a person and as a lawyer.” 

Ms Afoa was also reminded that the life at the Bar can be quite challenging and demanding at times, however it is never boring because not two cases are exactly the same. 

“In fact life at the Bar can also be quite interesting, stimulating and rewarding.” 

Ms Afoa is 23 years of age and she is the youngest of seven siblings from Vaisala, Savaii and Vaitele-Fou.

She is the only lawyer in her family. 

Ms Afoa said she is overwhelmed and privileged to be admitted to the Bar.  She said her journey was not an easy one because being a lawyer there are a lot of challenges and sacrifices she had to make. 

Afoa’s father Afoa Sosaiete Sese said he thanked God for His everlasting love upon his daughter. 

He said his daughter grew up with this dream of becoming a lawyer,  and now, he said, “She is our first lawyer.”