Thirty-six-year-old Samisoni Lutumailagi said all the sacrifices and effort put into his dream had paid off yesterday, when he was admitted to the bar as a legal practitioner in Fiji.

Mr Lutumailagi, who also holds a diploma in Information Technology, ventured into studying law when he started working as a clerk at a law firm.

“This is when I got interested in studying law. For now years I worked in the law firm and pursued my law studies,” he said.

Though he struggled to find funding for the first two years of his education, he said the Vanua of Nakorocake in Nadi came to his aid and funded his education in his final year at the University of Fiji.

Mr Lutumailagi was thankful to the Vanua of Nakorocake for their support and commitment.

“Looking back I think it was worth it. It is a study that should be taken seriously for all those who wish to study law. It’s not about following your friends, it’s something you need to be passionate about.

“I had to motivate myself and that is one thing that pushed me. I worked for it, I believe we have been hearing a lot of people, saying that this profession needs a lot of sacrifice and it’s true You have to sacrifice a lot to get what you want.”

Mr Lutumailagi’s wife, Vilisi said the couple faced many challenges during his study, but it only made them strong.

“I am proud of him. He is a happy man and what more can a wife ask for. His hard work has got him here today,” she said.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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