The Samoa Law Society (S.L.S.) has temporarily suspended senior lawyer, Maiava Visekota Peteru, from practicing law in Samoa.

The suspension was confirmed by the President of S.L.S., Leiataualesa Komisi Koria, in response to questions from the Samoa Observer.

“The Council of the Samoa Law Society has received complaints from members of the public regarding this particular practitioner," Leiataualesa said.

"These complaints are being handled in accordance with our Society’s regulatory framework."

The President of S.L.S. declined to discuss the nature of the complaints.

Contacted for a comment, Maiava issued the following statement:  "An interim suspension of my practising certificate has been issued by the Samoa Law Society this week. 

"I have dedicated the past 35 years of my life to the practise of law in Samoa and intend to follow the Law Society processes with a view to remedy this interim suspension."

According to Leiataualesa, the Samoa Law Society has a very active Complaints and Investigation Committee, established to investigate complaints against members.

“The complaints referred to above have been referred to this committee,” he said.

“The investigation process will involve the practitioner being given an opportunity to respond to the complaints before any determinations are made.              

“In the interim, the Council has issued a temporary suspension pending the determination of the matter.

“I cannot confirm the length of the suspension - this will depend on the timeframe for the investigation.”