Proud moment for Wilber Tupua

28 September 2018, 12:00AM

After five and a half years of intense legal studies, it all came down to one ceremony that made it official for Wilberforce Suagalevaatele Tupua. 

Last Tuesday, Mr. Tupua graduated from The University of Auckland with two degrees: Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics and International Relations. 

The memorable day was witnessed by his brothers and mother, Tafaoga Tupua, grandparents, Fuimaono Fereti Tupua and Feaisili Tupua. 

Mr. Tupua was born and raised in Samoa. 

He attended Samoa College before he left in his penultimate year to pursue his studies in Auckland. 

After his last year at Avondale College, he was awarded the Portage Trust Scholarship and the British High Commission Scholarship to study at the University of Auckland Law School. 

After a competitive first year, he was successfully selected as one of the 300 out of 1000 students to enter second year of law school. Before he graduated, he received an offer to work as a Criminal Defense Law Clerk for the Office of the Public Defender. 

He aims to specialise in criminal and civil litigation. 

“I wanted to do law because I enjoy advocacy – the idea of providing a voice to those that cannot represent their own interests,” he said.

“I have always admired the adversarial process in the Court room. I am passionate about arguing on the interpretation of the law and how it applies to certain issues.”

Mr. Tupua is currently undertaking his legal professional training at the College of Law in preparation for admission next March as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. 

He hopes to return to Samoa one day and start a law firm with his uncle Tosimae’a Tupua, who is a qualified lawyer in Samoa and Australia.

28 September 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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