Five members of the Samoa Law Society including a local judge are in New Zealand as part of a weeklong in-depth training to enhance existing skills for successful courtroom advocacy.  

Held at the University of Canterbury Christchurch, the Pacific Justice Sector Program on Litigation Skills 2024 was hosted by the New Zealand Law Society. 

Members of the local bar were led by Supreme Court Judge Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma, Attorney General’s Office lawyers; Lupematasila Iliganoa Atoa, Violina Leilua, Maiavatele Timothy Fesili and Quentin Sauaga of Lesa Law. 

Justice Roma was selected as a faculty member to teach and give the critique and this is the first time a sitting judge in Samoa has attended as a member.

The lawyers were selected from among many other legal minds in the Pacific who applied to attend the course, which concluded on Saturday. 

The learning objective for the course helped participants to develop skills as advocates by taking part in a variety of litigation exercises and activities. 

The Samoan lawyers had the opportunity to reflect on their performance, and those of their colleagues and observe faculty demonstrations. 

Sauaga said the programme was intense and was well worth it.   

“I was honoured to be nominated as one of the local lawyers to join other lawyers in New Zealand and learn from a group of judges and Kings Counsel,” he said. 

“It was also great to have a judge from Samoa, Justice Roma, as a faculty member who supported us throughout the rigorous training. 

“I had the opportunity to meet and network with other lawyers, including fellow Samoans practising in New Zealand. This experience really showed why this is one of the top training programs for lawyers and why the faculty members are highly respected.” 

Ms. Atoa from the A.G’s office said it was an intense one-week course of realistic learning involving real live court sessions and criticisms of participants' skills. 

“The expectation was high because all other lawyers who attended were very professional and experienced,” she pointed out. 

“So, for us, being representatives of the Pacific means we had to work extra hard given the language (our courts are in Samoan, but this practical experiment is all in English). We made sure we were more involved in the drill work to get the most out of this opportunity. 

“It was a tough and challenging process because lawyers would present on what they prepared and the NZ Judges would critique you on what you lapse, it’s not for the faint-hearted.”

The Assistant A.G. concluded she thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience and looks forward to applying what they learned in Samoa’s jurisdiction to improve the standard of advocacy skills.