The son of a District Court Judge was admitted to the bar on Thursday following in the footsteps of his mother in Samoa's legal profession.

Romero Viane Papalii of Leulumoega was sworn in by the Chief Justice, His Honour Satiu Simativa Perese, an achievement observed by his family and friends. 

His mother and District Court Judge, Alalatoa Rosella Viane Papalii sat alongside the Chief Justice on the bench to witness the ceremony. 

Lawyer Diana Roma moved the motion to admit Mr. Papalii and was supported by the Samoa Law Society secretary, Violina Leilua.

Mrs. Roma said the occasion is a special achievement for the lawyer and made possible through his hard work, determination and the support of his parents, grandmother and family.

She noted the importance of the legal profession's role in society and the high standard they are required to abide by. 

Chief Justice Perese congratulated Mr. Papalii, saying it was a special day not only for him but the legal profession, and noted the impressive academic record of the lawyer and said such achievement could not have been made without God. 

The Chief Justice also reminded the lawyer to be humble in all that he does and emphasised that it was crucial to have a balance of work life and well-being.

He also shared some advice for Mr. Papalii who was told that as he now practices law he will also get to learn about himself and how important it is to have legal ethics. 

Judge Alalatoa told Samoa Observer that the swearing-in ceremony was moving and emotional for her as his mother, seeing him take his oath and getting sworn in.

"No words can describe it I guess but definitely a proud moment to share with those we love who prayed and supported Mero on his journey. O faiva e tapuaia e manuia," she said. "I was so touched to see our loved ones, especially my mum,  husband and children, my brother judges in the Supreme Court and close colleagues in the legal fraternity joining us to share this occasion. 

"We remember our kids, families and friends here and abroad who couldn't join us but were here in spirit instead and sent their well wishes.  We have only our Lord to glorify and praise for without his love and grace, non of this would have been possible. Viia le suafa mamana o le Alii. 

"Our family is most grateful to the Honourable Chief Justice Perese for his inspiring and uplifting speech. Matagofie timaiga mo le atalii I lana savaliga mo le agai I luma aemaise le toe fafagu ma faamanatu o ona tiute tauave faaloia. It was an honour having CJ conduct the ceremony.

"Our most special faafetai tele lava to our good friend, Ms Diana Roma for appearing as counsel and her heartwarming speech to move Romero. We are equally grateful to our close friends Mr Semi Leung Wai and Ms Savalenoa Mareva Betham-Annandale for being character referees for Romero. Also extending our faafetai to the president of the Law Society and council for endorsing approval for Romero's admission.

"Romero has his own path to carve out for himself and he will continue to rely upon your love and support especially your prayers to get him through. As a mum, I'll keep doing what I'd be there and love him." 

In an interview with this newspaper, Mr. Papalii said his career pathway was inspired by his mother who operated her own law firm prior to taking a seat on the District Court bench.

"It was such an honour and privilege to be sworn before the Honourable Chief Justice with my mum on the bench. I am so humbled by this experience, definitely something I'll treasure always," he said. "I'm most thankful to everyone who supported my application, especially my counsel Ms Roma, character referees, my parents and siblings, family and friends who came to cheer me on.  

"I make special mention of my nana Rosa nee Petersen-Viane Papalii who just turned 80 at the end of last month and I'm thankful she's here to witness this and for all her prayers and rosary recitals for me. 

"This is my gift for her and I dedicate this to her and my mum, I'm so grateful to my mum for all the sacrifices she made for me and her continuous love and support with Schwartz. She has been my rock. I'm really missing my two brothers Firoz and Rameriz who couldn't travel to be here. This is such a high honour. Faafetai lava."

Mr. Papalii studied at Waikato University and is still contemplating whether to practice law in Samoa. 

The 27-year-old is the son of Judge Alalatoa and businessman Alai’asa Schwarz Hunt. His elderly grandmother, Rosella Rosalina Viane Papalii was also present during his swearing-in ceremony.