Attorney General’s Office Commences Major Capacity-Building Drive

By Lagi Keresoma/

“Strong laws begin with strong lawyers, and strong lawyers will make changes wherever they go.” Attorney General, Mauga Precious Chang.

Apia, SAMOA – 20 February 2026 – The Office of the Attorney General has launched a comprehensive two-year capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening the skills, systems, and professional standards of its lawyers, ensuring they meet both institutional expectations and the high level of service the Samoan public deserves.

Attorney General Mauga Precious Chang said the initiative reflects a clear commitment to continuous improvement within the Office, recognizing that effective legal systems depend not only on individual expertise but also on strong operational frameworks and a deep understanding of Samoa’s unique legal and cultural context.

Review & Rebuilding of Prosecution Systems
She said the capacity-building effort begins with a focused four-week review of prosecution systems within the Criminal Division to identify gaps, operational challenges, and areas requiring urgent reform.

Senior legal practitioner and a former Prosecutor with the AG’s Office, Maposua Tanya Toailoa is engaged for this four-week period to work closely with the Criminal Division.

Mauga said Maposua’s task is to assess capacity, evaluate existing systems, and assist in restoring and strengthening processes that had fallen away over time.

“The review is to identify key areas requiring attention, including workflow management, file handling processes, internal review mechanisms, and structured decision-making frameworks,” she said.

Maposua will be working alongside prosecutors to reintroduce essential systems designed to improve efficiency, consistency, and accountability that have fallen away over the past years.

The office notes that rebuilding these foundational systems is critical to ensuring prosecutors are supported in their work and can perform their duties with confidence and clarity.

The AG office notes that a strong prosecution depends on strong supporting systems in the office. By restoring proven processes and strengthening capacity, we are building a strong Criminal Division for the long term rather that a quick band aid fix that is not sustainable.

The Attorney General Mauga Precious Chang who took office on 10 February 2026.

Training Programme Underway
The Office has already started its broader training programme beginning with a session delivered by Graham Powell.

His session provides practical guidance on legislative drafting, emphasizing clarity, structure, and precision and he reminded the participants that this is Samoa  and before adopting another country’s law, they must always consider how it will function within the Samoan society, culture, and governance structures.”

His remarks highlighted the importance of ensuring that legal frameworks reflect Samoa’s values, traditions, and constitutional realities.

Raising Standards to Meet Public Expectations
The Attorney General’s Office emphasized that public confidence in the justice system depends on the quality of legal work produced within the Government.

Mauga said the capacity-building initiative aims to ensure that lawyers are equipped to:

• Draft clear, effective, and culturally appropriate legislation
• Provide sound legal advice to ministries and state entities
• Conduct prosecutions and litigation with professionalism and integrity
• Strengthen governance through legally robust policies and frameworks

The initiative comes at a time when Samoa is addressing increasingly complex legal challenges, including cybercrime, international obligations, governance reforms, and economic development initiatives.

A Long-Term Commitment
The two-year programme will include ongoing workshops, mentorship from senior practitioners, peer review mechanisms, and collaboration with regional legal experts.

Mauga said that by taking a sustained approach, the AG Office aims to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence.

Senior lawyers have welcomed the initiative, noting that investment in legal capacity strengthens government institutions and enhances public trust in the justice system.

As Samoa continues to engage with global legal frameworks while preserving its national identity, the AG’s Office is sending a clear message: building a legal workforce that is internationally competent and firmly grounded in Samoan values is essential to the nation’s future.

“Strong laws begin with strong lawyers, and strong lawyers will make changes wherever they go,” said Mauga.