Clarke re-elected Fiji Law Society president, vows to expand pro bono services
Seasoned lawyer pledges focus on access to justice, rule of law, and modernising legal systems
Tuesday 30 September 2025 | 04:00
Re-elected Fiji Law Society president William Wylie Clarke.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
William Wylie Clarke has pledged to strengthen pro bono legal services for Fijians after securing a decisive re-election as Fiji Law Society president.
Mr Clarke, from Howards Lawyers, received 80 votes against 39 for challenger Dorsami Naidu in last night’s election at the Annual General Meeting.
“I am honoured by the trust placed in me by my colleagues and humbled by the responsibility that comes with this office,” Mr Clarke said.
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“This new term will continue work and focus in three key areas—pro bono legal services, upholding the rule of law, and modernising the Society’s systems to best serve our members.”
Pro bono services provide free legal assistance to people who cannot afford lawyers.
Mr Clarke, who was admitted to the Fiji Bar in 1996, previously served as a prosecutor with the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The seasoned commercial lawyer holds a law degree from the Australian National University and serves as a long-standing advisor to Westpac Fiji.
His firm recently partnered with Andersen Global, expanding services across the Asia-Pacific region.
The new council includes vice president Poonam Maharaj Wong from Neel Shivam Lawyers, alongside Seruwaia Nayacalevu, Mele Rakai, Dilan Patel, Jotishna Nair, Arthi Swamy, and Jovilisi Liganivai.
The society’s annual convention is scheduled for October 30-31 at Crowne Plaza Resort, Nadi, in collaboration with the Pasefika Lawyers Collective.