(From right) Ro Salaseini Moliluca, Miss Janice Fong and Miss Esiteri Donata Radrole taking an oath as a legal practitioner at the Supreme Court in Suva.
More than five years of hard work and determination paid off for 25-year-old barrister and solicitor, Esiteri Donata Radrole, who was admitted to the legal Bar today.
Newly sworn in legal practitioner, Nilema Samantha of Tavua with her father Achudan and mother Bimla Wati.
Miss Radrole was amongst 22 other Law graduates from the University of the South Pacific (USP) who were sworn in as new Barristers and Solicitors by Chief Justice, Mr Anthony Gates at Suva’s Supreme Court.
Miss Radrole, who is the first barrister and solicitor from Vuinadi Village, Koroalau in Savusavu said today is the happiest day of her life as she begins her career in Fiji’s legal fraternity.
“It is a very special day for me and I am proud to be here today with my parents, friends and relatives after all those years of study. There were a lot challenges in the beginning and at first, I thought it was never ending but I am so happy that finally this day has arrived,” Miss Radrole said.
“My parents really supported me throughout my studies at the USP. Coming away from my family in Vuinadi village to Viti Levu for over five years of study was a big challenge. I am also glad that I got iTaukei Affairs scholarship in 2009 to complete my degree in Suva and Vanuatu,” Miss Radrole said.
She is currently employed as an intern at Rigsby Law in Nausori but hopes to establish a new law firm with her friends in the future.
“I want to uphold the importance of maintaining professionalism and ethical relationship with our clients and the country as a whole,” Miss Radrole added.
Tavua barrister and lawyer, Nilema Samantha was also a proud daughter today as her dream of joining the legal fraternity got fulfilled.
“I am really excited and it is a proud moment for my family as well. I am here today because of the immense support from my mother’s brother, Mr Raghwan. He has supported me financially since childhood,” Miss Samantha said.
The former Tavua College student said while she faced enormous struggles at the beginning of her studies, the assistance and support from lecturers enabled her to “turn her dream into a reality”.
Justice Anthony Gates reminded the newly admitted practitioner on the importance of ethics in their profession.
“You have each taken an oath or affirmation that you will truly and honestly conduct yourself in the practice as a legal practitioner according to the best of your knowledge and ability,” Mr Justice Gates said.
“We hope that oath will remind you of your duties to act at all times as a practitioner professionally devoted to your clients and to act as a responsible, committed, honourable and noble officer of the court. And further that you will at all times be courteous to court, counsel, litigants, and witnesses, whilst maintaining moral courage and demonstrating true independence.”
MINFO