Litigation Workshop in Samoa

"E mamae le Tava'e i ona fulu" a Samoan saying that translates as "We are proud of who we are and where we come from." This sentiment resonates deeply with me and the two other New Zealand-based Pacific lawyers – Panama Leauanae and Lesieli Mafi – who participated in The Law Association's Advocacy workshop held in Samoa this month.

The purpose of the workshop was to equip our Samoan colleagues with essential advocacy skills and helped strengthen the bond between Pacific and New Zealand legal professionals. It was spearheaded by Julie-Anne Kincade KC, The Law Association Vice President and Convenor of the Criminal Committee, along with the support of Paul Borich KC. Julie-Anne and I spent numerous months working behind the scenes for this project to come to fruition, including lobbying for funds from the Pacific Justice Sector. We could not have set the wheels in motion for our project without this.

We were extremely grateful to have the esteemed New Zealand Judicial faculty accompany us, including our Chief Manukau District Court Judge Moses, His Honour Judge Mcilraith, Judge Johns, and Judge Field. Additionally, we were honoured to have His Honour Justice Morley from St. Kitts in the Caribbean join us via audio-visual link. Other key members of our travelling faculty who played vital roles in our workshop were Lynn Hughes and Rebecca Keenan. Internationally renowned cross-examination expert?Larry Pozner generously allowed our faculty to use all his materials and provided background support. His Honour Justice Satiu Simativa Perese graciously allowed us to use four of his courtrooms to deliver our program.

The intensive three-day workshop was elevated by the invaluable contribution of 25 talented law foundation students from the National University of Samoa, who actively participated as mock trial witnesses. Among these students, some are poised to commence their legal studies next year in New Zealand or at Law Schools in the South Pacific, symbolising the promising future of the legal profession in our region. Julie-Anne shared her contact details with the students, fostering a supportive connection as they embark on their legal careers.

Following the workshop, the Samoan Law Society organised a splendid cocktail evening to express their appreciation for the New Zealand group’s hard work. Alex Su'a, the president of the Samoan Law Society, and Sala Josephine Stowers, our gracious hosts for the evening, expressed their gratitude to our travelling faculty in front of a large gathering from the Samoan legal fraternity. The featured speaker of the night hailed from the Samoan Judiciary. It was truly humbling to learn that the Samoa Judiciary acknowledged and valued our initiatives on the island. Underscoring the impact of the workshop, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson passionately advocated for it to become a mandatory part of their annual legal curriculum and proposed its expansion to the entire South Pacific region.

After a beautiful night of celebration, I had great difficulty getting our faculty leader, Julie-Anne, to leave the night's festivities as ten members of the Samoan Judiciary surrounded her. It was a testament to our gracious hosts; we had a lovely time. We plan to build on what we have started and look forward to returning next year.

On behalf of our travelling faculty, Julie-Anne Kincade KC and I would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this all possible.

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