Law Students Encouraged to Embrace Duty, Justice, and Courage

Law students at the Fiji National University had a unique opportunity to learn and network with some of the country’s top legal and academic figures during the FNU Law Students Association-FNULSA Gala held in Suva.

The event brought together Fiji National University law students, respected professionals and members of the diplomatic corps who shared advice on the responsibilities and values that should guide the next generation of lawyers.

Three distinguished speakers urged Fiji National University law students to use their influence as an association to speak out on national issues, particularly human rights and freedom of speech.

Fiji Law Society Council Member Seforan Fatiaki reminded students that a lawyer’s first duty is to the court and the rule of law. He said lawyers must sometimes have the courage to refuse instructions if they would mislead the court or abuse legal processes.

“Our profession is not only about zealously advancing a client’s case. It is also, and above all, about duty — duty to the court, duty to the rule of law, and duty to the public,” he said.

Mr Fatiaki, who now manages his own practice, cautioned against the common phrase used by junior lawyers in court — “those were my instructions” — saying it often reflects a failure to appreciate the higher responsibilities of the profession.

“Being an officer of the court requires candour, restraint, and sometimes the courage to refuse instructions that would mislead the court or abuse its processes,” Mr Fatiaki said.

Mr Fatiaki also conveyed the Fiji Law Society’s strong support for young lawyers, noting that FLS President Wylie Clarke had extended his congratulations to graduating students and best wishes to those continuing their studies.

Dialogue Fiji Executive Director Nilesh Lal urged the students to view their role as extending beyond just representing clients. He said true credibility comes from integrity and a deep sense of justice.

Lal reminded that their future role is not only about knowing statutes and procedures, but about carrying a deep sense of justice and fairness in everything they do.

He reminded students that true credibility in the legal profession comes from integrity and the ability to safeguard people’s rights and dignity.

He said future lawyers must develop an “acute sense of justice” to ensure they become strong advocates for fairness and equity in society.

Mr Lal challenged students to see themselves as more than representatives of individual clients, urging them instead to embrace a wider responsibility to the community.

“Become champions of justice. Be the ones who uphold fairness. Only then can you create a Fiji that is truly just and inclusive,” he said. He described this calling as becoming “angels of justice” — young lawyers prepared to stand for what is right and to resist division or impunity.

One of the three speakers at the event, Dr Shailendra Singh, addressed youth empowerment, leadership and community responsibility.

The Head of Journalism at the University of the South Pacific stated that as Fiji’s future lawyers, their work begins now as fearless voices for society.

Dr Singh — one of the Pacific’s most respected academics and journalists — told students that their influence reaches far beyond textbooks and exams.

He said that as youths, they wielded a lot of influence, and as law students, they should be engaging in matters of national interest.

They should make statements if they see any breaches or infringements of citizens' rights, including freedom of speech and discrepancies in sentencing.

Dr Singh highlighted cases in which a social media personality was held in custody, a first offender was jailed for a minor theft, while another person facing a major drug charge was able to get bail.

He said that as professions, law and journalism have a shared duty to protect democracy, ensure accountability, and give ordinary people a voice.

“As future lawyers, you will carry great responsibility. Your job is not only to represent your clients — it is also to stand up for the public, for justice, and for what is right,” he told the gathering.

Dr Singh urged the association to step into the national conversation and not shy away from difficult issues. He said well-thought-out statements on matters of public concern could set the tone for debate and show leadership at a time when the country needs it most.

“Be brave, be outspoken. Don’t just confine yourselves to the classroom. The nation looks to young people like you to speak truth to power,” he said.

Also present were diplomats from Taiwan in Fiji.