Journalist turned lawyer admitted to Bar

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 18 April 2018, 12:00AM

Tosimaea Tupua is the newest addition to the legal family in Samoa. 

The former journalist was admitted to the bar before Chief Justice His Honour Patu Tiavasu’e Falefatu Sapolu this week.

Chief Justice Patu challenged Tosimaea to aim high.

 “I want you to make a serious attempt to become a top quality lawyer,” said the Chief Justice. 

Mr. Tupua was accompanied by his mother and families during the swearing in ceremony inside the Supreme Court. 

The Chief Justice told Mr. Tupua the practise of the law is not a right, but a privilege that can be taken away from a lawyer if they do not observe and maintain the ethical standards of the legal profession.

“To become a truly accomplished lawyer requires hard work, perseverance, good character and continuous study of the law,” said Chief Justice Patu.

“I am confident of the knowledge and experience you have already gained from the school of life." 

“And previous career as a journalist and T.V. broadcaster will provide you with the maturity of character and wisdom necessary for a lawyer to succeed."

 “Today marks the end and a new beginning for you, and the official beginning of your career as a lawyer in Samoa,” said the Chief Justice. 

Last year, Mr. Tupua took his oath as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, after five years of law school. 

He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tasmania, Australia, after a drastic career shift from working internationally as a journalist with C.C.T.V. in Beijing and Al Jazeera in the Middle East. 

 “I have worked internationally as a journalist and I intend to continue my career with an international focus, this time in law,” Mr. Tupua said. 

 “I have always had a dream of being a lawyer, and after studying and working as a news anchor in Beijing and the Middle East, my wife Moneka wanted to return home to Tasmania to raise our family.”

After graduating last year, Mr. Tupua undertook his professional legal training at Leo Cussen Centre for Law in Melbourne, where he sat and passed the bar exam and became a practicing Australian lawyer. 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 18 April 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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