Two new lawyers are ready to serve their country as they were admitted to the legal bar in Samoa by Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese and Justice Fepuleai Roma at the Supreme Court in Mulinuu on Thursday.

The two have graduated from universities in Australia and New Zealand but have chosen to give back to the nation by working for the Office of the Attorney General.

Leafaitulagi Matauaina is from Samatau and Lotopue, Aleipata. She holds a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice from Griffith University, Australia, and also graduated with a Bachelor of Laws Honors in 2020.

Joshua Filisi Leung Wai hails from Moamoa, Sapunaoa, Poutasi, Moata’a, Salani and Iva. He graduated with a Bachelor of Law with Second Class Honours from the University of Waikato. 

The two newly admitted lawyers will be working as prosecutors. 

Chief Justice Perese said being admitted to practice was the culmination of many years of dedicated study and hard work.

"It marks the beginning of your journey as Samoan Lawyers and officers of this Court. I would like to offer my sincere congratulations, more so now than ever," he said.

"Be lawyers of courage, and the only way to earn your way is to pave your way with hard work and dedication. It has been an extraordinary year, and I have been moved by the way the profession has come together in support of one another.

"Once again, congratulations to both of you. In your life, and your career ahead, I wish you the very best,".

In an interview with Samoa Observer, Mr. Leung Wai immediately thanked the Lord for making it possible for him and his success thus far and said his admission to the bar glimmered a memory of how eventful his journey of becoming an advocate has been.

"First and foremost, I thank God and all the glory to him for being at the centre of my journey and also for the love and support I have from my parents, families, and relatives. I am beyond blessed to have such a strong supportive system.

"Law is not an easy choice but I wanted to create a milestone and I finally accomplished that, I feel relieved.

"[I want to] help people, help Samoa uphold the law, and help the world become a better place- that's it and give back to the people my service."

Mr Leung Wai is the eldest of four children born to businesswoman and lawyer Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai and Samoa's former Attorney General Tuatagaloa Aumua Ming Leung Wai. 

This was a sentimental moment for proud father Ming Leung Wai as he was given the chance to move his son's admission, a task usually done by the Attorney General.

"When Joshua was little, he used to come and sit at the back of the courtroom and listen to some of my cases. I tried to persuade him to pursue another career but his heart was set on being a lawyer," he said.

"I had moved the admission of many lawyers, especially during my time as Attorney-General. But today was extra special as I was moving counsel for my own son’s admission. It was a nice feeling having him sit next to me at the bar table. Praise God!”

After the admission ceremony, the senior Mr. Leung Wai gifted his son his lawyer's gown.

“Giving away my gown reflected that I have truly moved on from my life as a barrister. I also felt like I was passing to him a mantle.

“All I wish for Joshua is to be an honest and hard-working lawyer who fears God and will serve our people well.”