Court Registrar among three new Lawyers admitted to the Bar

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 16 August 2024 – The Court Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration, Papalii John Taimalelagi was among three new lawyers admitted to the bar this week.

Papalii who held the same position in 2016, was terminated under controversial circumstances, then migrated and took up law at the Auckland University. He was reappointed to the same position by the current government in 2021.

He is the third Registrar with legal background. The other two were Tuala Tagaloa Kerslake and Lauofo Pierre Meredith who both entered politics and held Ministerial positions.

The other two lawyers admitted are Mesepa Tapuitea Lafaialii- Petaia and Australian citizen Fraser Frank Laurence.

His Honour Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese in full ceremonial attire presided over the admission ceremony which was attended by members of the Judiciary and families.

His Honour accepted the application and welcomed the new lawyers to the bar after accepting the notice of motions presented by the Attorney General, Su’a Helene Lamb and counsel Sine Lafaialii Koria.

All three were admitted as barristers and solicitors for the Samoan court.

After attaining her law degree, Mesepa worked as one of the managers at the Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA) for 15 years.

“I wanted to try something new that’s why I decided to join the bar,” said Mesepa.

Fraser is an Australian citizen and has worked as a prosecutor for 5 years before moving to Samoa two months ago.

He works as a senior public prosecutor with the Office of the Attorney General.

His Honour Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese with the newly admitted lawyers from left, Mesepa Tapuitea Lafaialii Petaia, Papalii John Taimalelagi, Fraser Frank Laurence, Attorney General Su’a Hellene Wallwork Lamb, Samoa Law Society Secretary Violina Leilua and Sine Lafaialii Koria.

Words of encourage from Chief Justice Perese
“Wherever you practice law, serve with respect because the knowledge you have is a gift from God,” said Chief Justice Perese.

He said wearing the black colored gown as a dignified uniform conveys the message that you are a member of the legal profession.

He reminded them that they are now officers of the Court which is the guardian of the Constitution.

“Today, you swear allegiance to the Court, you have duties and obligations to the Statute and must uphold the rule of law and facilitate the administration of justice,” he said.

He urged them to serve and conduct their duty with care and protect the interest of their clients.

“Judges of the court will rely on you as lawyers and assistance and we look forward to your contribution and obligation to the court,” he said.

He said life as a lawyer is challenging but one must serve with commitment, perseverance, good character and a reputation for honesty.

“Life at the bar should you decide to practice  can also be demanding at times especially if you are sought after  for your skills and expertise and there will be long days  ahead, even weekends,” said Chief Justice Perese.

One of the areas he emphasized is for them to balance their life, time and look after their mental health.

He also noted that no lawyer has won all cases, you win some and lose some.

He then issued some pointers to assist them in their new journey and again stressed the importance of honesty in all they do.

“When you lose a Judge’s respect, you have a hard time getting it back,” he said.