Nine years of living away from her family paid off for Ruth Mele Tuifeleuga Fa when she was admitted to the Bar last Thursday.
Following in her father’s footsteps, prominent lawyer Isireli Fa, the 25-year-old counts herself lucky to be given the opportunity to serve the people.
In his address at the Bar admission, Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo wished Ms Fa all the best in continuing her father, and uncle Tevita Fa’s, legacy.
Ms Fa said her parents were her biggest supporters to finish law school and continue the hard work in her father’s law firm, Fa & Company.
“My parents definitely motivated me,” she said.
“They were there with me every step of the way, from when I went overseas to finish high school down to university without realising that it made the biggest difference to my studies.
“Today really is a celebration of them, their hard work and I’m mostly happy that I can come back now and repay them for the last nine years living overseas.”
Her father watched proudly from his seat after he moved the admission for Ruth to be admitted as barrister and solicitor of the High Court of Fiji.
“I’m just so proud from a personal level because it was a huge commitment from my wife and I to see our children through to law school and graduation,” Mr Fa said.
“So, we’re just looking forward to her bringing a lot of energy, training and wisdom to our business.”
Mr Fa has four children, three are lawyers while the youngest is a first-year student at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Ms Fa is a graduate of the University of Technology Sydney with a double degree in a Bachelor of Business (BBUS) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
