Two sisters were among the 25 barristers and solicitors who were admitted to the bar yesterday at the Holiday Inn, Suva.

Chief Justice Anthony Gates officially accepted the admission of the 25 applicants from the University of the South Pacific’s School of Law.

Alishah Sakina Ali, 24, and Manisha Ali, 23, who share the same birthday have officially joined their extended family of lawyers.

“It is a proud moment for me to be admitted to bar today (yesterday) and to share this platform with my sister,” said the older sibling, Alishah.

Becoming a lawyer was not a career path she wanted to take while growing up. She had dreamt of becoming an air hostess.

But, the influence from younger sister Manisha who always wanted to study law drove her to pursue it as a career.

“My sister persuaded me to do law with her and then I changed my career path, which I am glad I did,” she said.

She acknowledged the continuous support of her parents and siblings because it was through their sacrifices that she was able to successfully achieve her law degree.

“I give all the credit of my achievements to my family, especially my parents, sister, brother and Professional Diploma in Legal Practice lecturers,” Manisha said.

According to them, there are around 30 of their relatives who are practicing lawyers in Fiji.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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