The Samoa Law Society has honoured 10 leading lawyers for their outstanding contributions to Samoa’s legal profession as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The recipients were recognised during the Society’s recent Gala Ball, held to mark 50 years since the establishment of the Samoa Law Society in 1976.
The Golden Jubilee Lifetime Achievement Awards recognise lawyers who have provided more than 25 years of service to Samoa and demonstrated distinguished leadership, professional excellence and a strong commitment to the rule of law and the wider community.
The 10 recipients are:
- Tuiloma Neroni Slade
- Afioga Lesatele Rapi Vaai
- Ruby Drake
- Desmond Herman Kruse
- Vui Clarence Nelson
- Luamanuvao Katalaina Sapolu
- Taulapapa Brenda Heather-Latu
- Justice Leutele Niava Mata Tuatagaloa
- Tuatagaloa Aumua Ming Leung Wai
- The late Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu, posthumously
Samoa Law Society President Fiona Ey said the awards were an opportunity to recognise members who have made exceptional contributions to Samoa’s legal profession.
“Our Golden Jubilee focus on ‘Honouring our Heritage, Shaping Tomorrow’ means it is timely to honour the outstanding impact our awardees have made,” she said.
The awards were based on criteria including professional excellence and integrity, contributions to the development of law and justice, leadership and service to the Samoa Law Society, as well as community service and public impact.
Chair of the Golden Jubilee Organising Committee, Peseta Salma Hazelman, said each recipient had played a role in shaping the legal profession in Samoa.
“Each recipient has in their own way changed what the law in Samoa looks like; in the courts, in government, or in the community,” she said.
She noted that all recipients, except the late Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu, continue to contribute to the profession and wider community.
The Samoa Law Society was established in 1976 and serves as the professional body representing lawyers in Samoa.
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