Davetanivalu becomes first lawyer in family, honouring late grandmother

It was a proud moment for 24-year-old Ratu Anare Roraqoca Davetanivalu from Nairukuruku, Naitasiri, as he became the first lawyer in his family during the University of the South Pacific’s swearing-in ceremony today.

In an interview with fijivillage News, Davetanivalu said he dedicates his success to his late grandmother, who battled breast cancer for years before passing away two years ago.

He describes her as a fighter and says her resilience continues to inspire him to keep pushing forward.

He further says it is a relief to be officially sworn in as a legal practitioner.

Davetanivalu says the responsibility and weight of the profession can be overwhelming and intimidating.

He says the beginning of a legal career starts slow and professionalism requires integrity, making it a challenging journey, but one that comes with experience.

Speaking about the biggest challenges in the PDLP program, Davetanivalu says the program was a difficult hurdle but it is just a stepping stone in his career path.

When asked how USP prepared him for the legal profession, he says the university does not fully prepare students for the realities of a legal career.

He says while theoretical knowledge is essential, practical experience is the most important aspect of the profession.

He encourages all aspiring lawyers to read not only law-related books but everything around them, including signs and billboards, as knowledge comes from all sources.

24-year-old graduate , Anna Marie Melissa Kutty Smith from Suva says being a legal practitioner is exactly where she is meant to be and that she is deeply passionate about it.

She says she admits that she was often her own worst enemy and biggest support, especially during her early days of study when peer pressure and the party scene were constant distractions.

She further says despite these obstacles, she successfully completed her law program.

Smith says the COVID-19 pandemic posed a personal challenge for her, particularly with online learning.

She credits USP for providing her with the necessary foundation to pursue a career in law.

When asked about future plans, Smith says she wants to find a well-paying job that will allow her to provide for her parents and family, with the ultimate goal of retiring her parents one day.

Meanwhile, legal practitioner Aiman Sayed Khaiyum says he is excited to begin his career, embracing the challenges that come with the profession.

Khaiyum says he dedicates this achievement to his mother.

He further says his mother worked harder than anyone else to ensure that he gets to this stage, even when he had doubts.

Khaiyum also thanks his father, Riyaz Sayed Khaiyum , his uncle, former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum who moved his admission ,his grandparents and God for their support.

He advises students who are currently pursuing law that even though it may feel difficult, keep trying.