Three friends and young inspirational women lawyers with a combined work experience of more than 30 years in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) officially opened their law firm on Friday.
In this week’s Spotlight, Shirley Tivao, Lavenia Bogitini and Susan Serukai, partners of SLS Legal, share with The Sunday Times their humble beginnings, journey together, ambition for the future and advice to young people.
SLS Legal is based in Flagstaff, Opposite Extra Supermarket and just before the Mobil Service Station.
Explain a bit about yourself
Shirley: I am from Motusa, Rotuma. I graduated from the University of the South Pacific (USP) in 2013, and was admitted to the bar in 2014. I started my career with Neel Shivam Lawyers in 2014 before joining the ODPP in 2015. I will be joining the Fiji National University (FNU) teaching Criminal Law and Evidence Law this year.
Lavenia: I am from Namuana, Tavuki, Kadavu with maternal links to Vanuavatu and Vanuabalavu, Lau. I graduated in 2014 with degrees in Law and Economics from USP. I previously worked in the private sector before starting my career as a state prosecutor at the ODPP.
Susan: I am from Vaturua, Nakelo, Tailevu and started my career as a criminal prosecutor at the ODPP before I ventured off to the Republic of Nauru. In my years as a prosecutor, I have completed litigation programs in both Samoa and New Zealand. However, I have now decided to close that interesting and uplifting chapter of my life and start a new chapter.
What was your family upbringing like?
Shirley: I was raised by my mother, Emily Tivao, who was an absolute hero. She has been my number one supporter and has always been there for me. Much of my success is attributed to her support, and guidance. Coming from humble beginnings from the small island of Rotuma we didn’t have much but my mother ensured that I had all I needed to succeed and become the person I am today.
Lavenia: My father, Samuela Bogitini, was raised by a humble yaqona farmer, Saula Koroiboila. They were the most inspiring people to me. Dad tirelessly worked to achieve a quality education until he finally attained his PhD. I learnt important life lessons from both his and my grandfather’s sacrifices and struggles. My mother, Sera Bogitini is the rock in our family and supports everyone to achieve their dreams.
Susan: My father, Paulo Serukai, raised me as a single parent. His perseverance and dedication to family and career inspired me to become the woman I am today. I am strong, independent, enthusiastic, bold and ambitious because of my father. My journey was not easy, however, with dad and his brothers’ loving support I was able to overcome obstacles that came my way.
Why did you choose law as a career?
Lavenia: My father encouraged me to study law, as there has never been a lawyer in our village, Namuana, Kadavu. I had completed a double major in Economics and Law, assuming that I may venture into economics, however, as time progressed, I found I was more passionate about law, and pursued it.
Susan: I’d say my career chose me. The universe works in funny ways, when one door shuts, another one opens. When I was hired as prosecutor, I discovered a passion for litigation. It was one of the best experiences in my career even though it meant enduring the pressure and stress that it came with. Litigation is exhilarating and I would never change it for the world.
Shirley: My grandfather, Tivao Fapiano, told me from a young age that I would become a lawyer and the idea stuck. The real question was what kind of lawyer was I going to become? I always had an interest in criminal defence work, and when the opportunity arose to work in the ODPP, it was godsent. “The best criminal defence lawyers are former prosecutors” is what one famed local judge told me, and I agree. What made you decide to join the private sector after many years in government? We are thankful for the experiences that the ODPP provided, however, there are limitations within the area of law we practiced while in government service. We found ourselves wanting to branch out and expand our expertise within other areas of the law.
How did the idea of starting a law firm together come about?
Thanks to the guidance and support of senior counsels and our mentors, we came to know our potential early in our careers. We grew close while working together within the ODPP. We are a group of friends who came together to
make a dream come true. The decision to open a law firm was not easy. There was a lot of blood sweat, tears, and prayers that went into this venture. However, the amount of support we received from close friends and family were
indispensable.
What is SLS’ area of expertise?
With a wealth of knowledge and experience in criminal law, we aspire to be one of Fiji’s leading criminal defense law
firms. We also plan to diversify into other areas of law such as property law, family law, and employment law, to name a few. We are excited and prepared to take on the legal challenges and issues that await us.
Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?
We aspire to be at the forefront of the development of jurisprudence within Fiji and the Pacific. We see our firm growing into a successful practice, that inspires a generation of women and men to overcome adversity and follow their dreams.
How do you juggle work, family and other commitments?
Opening our own law firm means that we are our own bosses so there is more focus on individual clients as well as greater flexibility with work and more time to spend with family. One of the advantages of a partnership is the work is shared amongst the three of us, so we can support one another, to achieve a better work life balance.
How do you relax or spend your spare time?
Shirley: When I’m not working I spend most of my time with my three beautiful children, Savea, Nonu, and Rosanna. I enjoy taking trips with my family around Fiji, although we are a small island nation there many adventures to enjoy be had within our beautiful waters. I also enjoy spending time with my husband Julian Yuen.
Susan: I absolutely love outdoor activities – from skydiving to mountain trekking, even if it’s a small picnic by the beach. When I was in Nauru, anyone would know I’d be going for midnight swims or early morning swims at Boat Habour, fishing and boat cruises. At home, I enjoy cooking or baking, it is my safe haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Lavenia: I’m a village girl at heart, I love spending time in Kadavu but also, I’ve come to embrace Cakaudrove as my new home and love staying at our home in the mountains. Apart from enjoying the waterfalls and farming, I love taking care of the horses. But most of all, I love spending time with my husband, Ropate Dewala and our son, Jonitani.
What does SLS have to offer Fijians?
We are three young ambitious native women of Fiji with the heart to help and the patience to listen. We all have very different upbringings, perspectives, and experiences, which when combined create greater insight and understanding for our individual clients’ needs. Although there is much to learn from the senior counsels and more seasoned law firms, our goal is to create a more personable, relatable, and compassionate experience when dealing with our firm.
Any special message to young women and girls?
Our message to all young people wanting to peruse their dreams is, your current situation doesn’t decide your destiny. It’s okay to feel tired, stressed, angry or sad but do not let that momentary emotion deter you from your dreams. It doesn’t matter whether your parents are farmers or business owners your success depends on you. Nothing good ever comes easily. Continue to say your prayers, be grateful for the unanswered prayers, disappointments, and failures. They prepare you well for your best comebacks.
Any last words?
If you want to pursue a career in law, do so because you want to, or something drives you to. Enjoy the journey, it is a long and arduous road so it helps to make friends along the way, you never know because you might open a law firm with them.
