Sister's Push Helps Zaina Overcome Fears to Become Lawyer
Ms Zanuba’s twin sister, Zoya Bhatti, is currently studying law in Sydney.
Wednesday 26 March 2025 | 13:05
Lawyer Zanuba Bhatti, with sister (right), Zaina Bhatti in Suva on March 25, 2025. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Zaina Fazeela Bhatti couldn’t hold back tears moments after she was admitted to the bar of the High Court of Fiji at a special hearing at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday.
She began her law degree back in August 2020 after graduating with a human resources and marketing degree. This was also during the height of the Covid-19 global outbreak.
She said studying law was intense, especially the Professional Diploma in Legal Practice (PDLP) programme at the University of the South Pacific.
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“I didn’t want to do it at first because I was really scared. But my sister was the one who told me that I had to do it. If not, I wouldn’t be a lawyer and that pushed me to keep going.”
The 27-year-old now becomes the second lawyer in the family after her sister, Zanuba Bhatti.
Her older sister proudly moved her petition to be admitted as a legal practitioner and was emotional during the process.
“It was a privilege and an honour to move her petition,” Ms Zanuba said afterwards.
“This is only the beginning, and like Chief Justice [Salesi Temo] said, she still has a long way to go.
“I really want to see her excel in her legal profession as well and do a bit of more pro bono work, helping the community.”
Ms Zanuba worked at the Office of the Attorney-General in Fiji for five years before she moved to Sydney, Australia, to be admitted to the bar and practice commercial law.
On whether Ms Zaina’s achievement would change their relationship as sisters, Ms Zanuba said it wouldn’t.
“I think it’s going to be the same. Maybe we’ll discuss more cases and the law.”
Ms Zanuba’s twin sister, Zoya Bhatti, is currently studying law in Sydney.
Feedback: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj
