Government Lawyers Begin Intensive Litigation & Advocacy Training 

By Lagi Keresoma/

“This week is your safe space. Try the closing address you’ve always wanted to deliver. Take risks, ask questions and test yourselves. If you don’t try, you’ll always wonder what you were capable of,” Attorney General Mauga Precious Chang.

Apia, SAMOA – 28 July 2026: The Government of Samoa has launched its first Government Litigation and Advocacy Skills Workshop for 2026, bringing together government lawyers from across Ministries, State-Owned Enterprises and Constitutional Offices for a week of intensive practical advocacy training.

The workshop was officially opened by the Honourable Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt who reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the capability of the public service and investing in the professional development of Government lawyers.

He welcomed three distinguished King’s Counsel from New Zealand, Aaron Perkins KC, Kieran Raftery KC and Richard Marchant KC and thanked them for travelling to Samoa to share their knowledge and experience.

“These distinguished King’s Counsel have left their busy legal practices, important court commitments and their families to be here with us. Their generosity and friendship demonstrate a genuine commitment to helping Samoa strengthen its justice system and develop the next generation of Government lawyers,” said the Prime Minister.

He also acknowledged the continued partnership between the Governments of Samoa and New Zealand in supporting capacity-building initiatives that strengthen Samoa’s public institutions.

Some of the young lawyers attending the training.

He encouraged the younger generation of lawyers to take full advantage of the rare opportunity to learn from some of the legal profession’s most experienced advocates.

“Ask questions, be willing to learn and do not be afraid to make mistakes. The knowledge and experience you gain this week will stay with you throughout your careers,” he said.

The Attorney General Mauga Precious Chang, in welcoming participants, described the workshop as the result of a shared commitment to building stronger advocates within Government.

She acknowledged the dedication of Government lawyers who had sought more practical courtroom training, the Office’s Corporate Team for the many hours spent organising the programme, Cabinet and the Ministry of Finance for supporting the initiative, and consultant Tanya Toailoa, who assisted in preparing the workshop.

The Attorney General also paid tribute to the three King’s Counsel, describing them as “old friends” who immediately agreed to assist when asked.

“When I picked up the phone and asked Aaron, Kieran and Richard for help, none of them hesitated. They came because they believe in investing in the next generation of Government lawyers in Samoa, and we are deeply grateful,” she said.

In a light-hearted message to participants, the Attorney General encouraged lawyers to step outside their comfort zones throughout the week.

“This week is your safe space. Try the closing address you’ve always wanted to deliver. Take risks, ask questions and test yourselves. If you don’t try, you’ll always wonder what you were capable of,” she said.

The week-long programme forms part of the Attorney General’s Office’s ongoing commitment to strengthening litigation and advocacy skills across Government. Participants will receive practical instruction in courtroom advocacy, evidence, trial preparation, legal ethics, examination of witnesses and litigation strategy under the guidance of the three King’s Counsel.

The Office of the Attorney General extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of New Zealand, the New Zealand High Commission, the Government of Samoa, and everyone who contributed to making this important training programme possible.

The workshop continues throughout the week with practical advocacy exercises designed to equip Government lawyers with the confidence and skills needed to effectively represent the Government and uphold the rule of law in Samoa.