Youngest judge sworn in

The newest District Court Judge is also the country’s youngest judge. Fepulea’i Ameperosa Roma, 37, took his oath yesterday during a ceremony attended by friends, colleagues and relatives at Mulinu’u.

The first part of his service as a judge will be spent at the Land and Titles Court, according to Chief Justice, His Honour, Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu.

His Honour Patu told Fepulea’i he was chosen as a judge “because of your character and work as a lawyer in matters that you appear before the court for”.

“Remember the prayers of your family, friends and parents and village and country.”

Sworn in to his new post after 14 years practising law, Fepulea’i is the son of the Chairman of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, Reverend Elder Tavita Roma and wife Tailua.

Fepulea’i resides at Alafua. A father of five and husband of lawyer, Diana Roma. Fepulea’i graduated from the University of the South Pacific’s School of Law in Fiji in 1998. He is the first law graduate from the USP School of Law to be appointed as a Judge in the court of Samoa.

In 1999, he was accepted into the Samoan bar. Unlike many law graduates, Fepulea’i was the first Samoan to graduate from the USP School of Law. And unlike many law graduates at that time, he did not work at the Office of the Attorney General (AG).

Instead in 2001 he worked for a private law firm belonging to Katalaina Maka Sapolu who currently works at the Commonwealth Secretariat. Fepulea’i acknowledged Ms. Sapolu for her contribution in mentoring him while he worked for her. Eventually in 2002, Ms. Sapolu left her law firm for a position overseas.

The operating of the law office soon became Fepulea’i’s responsibility. According to him, it was a very challenging opportunity considering his age at the time.

But with the support from his parents, families and especially his wife, he managed to keep the firm running for six years.

Fepulea’i claimed that it was the responsibility and faith from Ms. Sapolu in leaving him to manage the firm that perhaps also assisted in his will to carry on the work.

“When Katalaina was here last year, she expressed her happiness in my election as Judge,” he said.

“She said that might have been her contribution to the young people of Samoa” through mentoring him.

Fepulea’i claimed that Ms. Sapolu taught him about hard work, commitment and the will to keep searching. His praise for colleagues followed his thanks for family. In 1996, in his second year in Law School, Youngest judge sworn in was when he first met his wife, Diana.

Fepulea’i told the Court that when he graduated he not only obtained a degree in law but a wife and soon after they were blessed with a baby girl. He expressed his appreciation to his parents, families, and friends and especially to his wife.

Fepulea’i claims that much of his success is all thanks to his wife who not only assists and supports him but also takes full time care of their children.

And that she taught him the importance of valuing “family”. He pointed out that he was exceptionally pleased when Diana became a lawyer. “It is her hard work and commitment,” he said of her success.

Fepulea’i also gave a special thanks to each of his children. “It is with heartfelt thanks that you are all alive.”

He said due to work commitments he has not had much time with them. Nothing gives him much pleasure than spending time with them all.

The second person he acknowledged was his long time friend, partner and colleague, Patrick Fepulea’i. Six years after running the firm alone he decided to merge with Fepulea’i law firm to establish Fepulea’i and Roma Law Office.

Yesterday was his last day as a partner to that law office.

He thanked Mr. Fepulea’i (Patrick) for his love and support. He acknowledged that Mr. Fepulea’i had in many ways contributed greatly to his being elected as Judge to the court of Samoa.

Attorney General, Aumua Ming Leung Wai, focused his speech on the bible phrase “there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven”.

“There is a time and reason for things that happen in our lives,” he said. “I remember Fepulea’i as a very intelligent person.” He always topped his class, said Aumua.

“He is full of respect and intelligence - these are aspects that are needed for anyone that becomes a judge.”

“God has chosen you as a judge. If you are close to God he will do wonders for you.”

President of the Samoa Law Society, Mareva Betham- Annandale congratulated Fepulea’i on his appointment to Judge.

The presence of many to witness his swearing in is a testimony to the strength of his character and his great proficiency, she said. Mrs. Annandale told the Court that Fepulea’i had a lot of “passion to assist those of our community in need of access to justice.

“That was a huge part of your contribution as a lawyer to the community – doing it with little regard to your own financial circumstances,” she said.