Pofitu Junior Cherelle Fesili on Thursday took his oath in the Supreme Court and got admitted to the bar as he paid tribute to his late grandfather Timani Pofitu Fesili.

The 30-year-old was admitted in a ceremony with the Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa Perese presiding in the presence of his family and friends at the court precinct.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Mr. Fesili said it had been a long time coming and with all the challenges he encountered along the way, he had had to do it for his grandfather and was worth it.

"Esthetic! It's been a long time coming and I've been thinking about this day for a long time, it's been 14 years since the journey began so it's good to finally gap it off," he said.

His 14-year journey started when he went to New Zealand at the age of 15.

"Funny story, it wasn't to start off with but my [paternal] grandfather," said Poufitu, who said their family needed a lawyer when his initial dream was to become a mechanic. 

"So at first I did it for him and in the end, I did it for myself as well. I mean I didn't want to be a lawyer starting off but I'm actually really happy and I'll try and make a difference so it's all about him. He was the beginning of all of this and we're here now."

Asked about his plans as a lawyer for the future, he said he hopes to make a difference in the community and for his family through his calling to the bar.

"Do right, be honest and try and help anybody any way you can. Everybody is the same, we're all Samoans and it doesn't matter where you come from or how much money you make. It's love thy neighbour," he added.

Mr. Fesili attended Vaiala Primary School and then Samoa College where he got a scholarship to go to New Zealand for rugby for two years at Roncalli College in Timaru. He later progressed to Otago University where he graduated with two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics, and now a Bachelor of Law. With his Bachelor of Law, he graduated in 2017 but got admitted six years later. 

He is the second eldest of six children and hails from the villages of Siumu and Tanugamanono. He will be working under the umbrella of the Lesa Laws firm.

Mr. Fesili's message to aspiring young lawyers in the country is to keep your head up amid the various challenges. 

"Anyone struggling with school or anything, just keep your head up, keep pushing through," he said.

During the ceremony, the Chief Justice acknowledged the new lawyer's late grandfather for his contribution to the country as a pioneer and great family man. He also encouraged Mr. Fesili to keep going when things get tough in his line of work as a lawyer.

"Today is a special day for you and for all of the legal profession, I extend my warm welcome. also extended my warm welcome to the extended family. We give praise to God for the richness of his family," he said. "Today I recall your grandfather, whom you are named after, Pofitu, he was a great family man. 

"Lawyers are in every part of our society, should you decide to practice at the bar, you will find your life at the bar can be very demanding."