MELE LATU LEMAKI
Suva,Fiji
Summary
Highly accomplished and dedicated legal professional with over 15 years of progressive experience in legislative drafting, legal advisement and litigation across the jurisdictions of Fiji and Nauru. Proven expertise in public law, policy review and compliance with international legal frameworks, including the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Fiji and the Supreme Court of Nauru, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of diverse legal systems in the Pacific region. Possesses a strong background in contributing to justice sector reforms, border control policy and revenue law. Adept at legal research, advocacy, and strategic problem-solving. Fluent in both English and Fijian.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer
Legal Aid Commission (LAC)
12.2009
- Gained initial practical legal experience and exposure to legal aid services.
Volunteer
Legal Aid Commission (LAC)
12.2009
- Gained initial practical legal experience and exposure to legal aid services.
Government Lawyer
Department of Justice and Border Control
10.2017 - 08.2024
- Provide comprehensive legal advice and support to various departments within the Ministry, ensuring compliance with Nauruan laws and international obligations.
- Managed and advised on complex legal matters pertaining to justice administration and border control policies.
- Secured contract renewals in October 2019 and October 2022, reflecting consistent performance and value to the Department.
- Key member of the review team for the comprehensive Nauru Law Revision and Consolidation of the Laws of Nauru from June 2020 to June 2021, significantly contributing to the modernisation of the nation's legal framework.
- Actively participated as a core member of the Nauru review team during the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) visit to Nauru in December 2018, contributing to international compliance assessments.
- Appointed as Assistant Legislative Drafter for the Department of Justice and Border Control in Nauru in April 2017, demonstrating early recognition of drafting capabilities.
Government Lawyer
Department of Justice and Border Control
10.2017 - 08.2024
- Provide comprehensive legal advice and support to various departments within the Ministry, ensuring compliance with Nauruan laws and international obligations.
- Managed and advised on complex legal matters pertaining to justice administration and border control policies.
- Secured contract renewals in October 2019 and October 2022, reflecting consistent performance and value to the Department.
- Key member of the review team for the comprehensive Nauru Law Revision and Consolidation of the Laws of Nauru from June 2020 to June 2021, significantly contributing to the modernisation of the nation's legal framework.
- Actively participated as a core member of the Nauru review team during the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) visit to Nauru in December 2018, contributing to international compliance assessments.
- Appointed as Assistant Legislative Drafter for the Department of Justice and Border Control in Nauru in April 2017, demonstrating early recognition of drafting capabilities.
Tutor
Nauru Pleader’s Course
05.2021 - 06.2021
- Provided instruction and guidance on legal ethics to aspiring legal practitioners, contributing to the professional development of Nauru's legal community.
Tutor
Nauru Pleader’s Course
05.2021 - 06.2021
- Provided instruction and guidance on legal ethics to aspiring legal practitioners, contributing to the professional development of Nauru's legal community.
Legal Officer
Eigigu Holdings Corporation (EHC)
02.2016 - 01.2017
- Provided legal counsel and support for the corporate operations of EHC, managing a diverse range of commercial and contractual legal issues.
- Resigned from this position in January 2017.
Legal Officer
Eigigu Holdings Corporation (EHC)
02.2016 - 01.2017
- Provided legal counsel and support for the corporate operations of EHC, managing a diverse range of commercial and contractual legal issues.
- Resigned from this position in January 2017.
Legal Officer
Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority
06.2014 - 10.2015
- Advised on revenue and customs laws, regulations, and policies, ensuring effective legal enforcement and compliance.
- Managed legal cases related to customs duties, tax evasion, and regulatory infringements.
- Resigned from this position in October 2015.
Legal Officer
Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority
06.2014 - 10.2015
- Advised on revenue and customs laws, regulations, and policies, ensuring effective legal enforcement and compliance.
- Managed legal cases related to customs duties, tax evasion, and regulatory infringements.
- Resigned from this position in October 2015.
Senior Legal Officer / Officer-in-Charge, Northern Division
Legal Aid Commission (LAC)
04.2012 - 05.2014
- Promoted to Senior Legal Officer with LAC Labasa Office in April 2012.
- Served as the sole Legal Officer at LAC Labasa Office and concurrently held the critical role of Officer-in-Charge of the Northern Division, overseeing all legal aid operations in the region.
- Managed a high-volume caseload across various legal domains, including civil, criminal, and family law, providing essential legal services to vulnerable populations.
- Responsible for administrative oversight, staff supervision, and strategic planning for the Northern Division's legal aid services.
- Resigned from Legal Aid Commission (LAC) in May 2014.
Senior Legal Officer / Officer-in-Charge, Northern Division
Legal Aid Commission (LAC)
04.2012 - 05.2014
- Promoted to Senior Legal Officer with LAC Labasa Office in April 2012.
- Served as the sole Legal Officer at LAC Labasa Office and concurrently held the critical role of Officer-in-Charge of the Northern Division, overseeing all legal aid operations in the region.
- Managed a high-volume caseload across various legal domains, including civil, criminal, and family law, providing essential legal services to vulnerable populations.
- Responsible for administrative oversight, staff supervision, and strategic planning for the Northern Division's legal aid services.
- Resigned from Legal Aid Commission (LAC) in May 2014.
Legal Officer
Legal Aid Commission (LAC)
03.2010 - 04.2012
- Appointed as Legal Officer with LAC Suva Office in March 2010.
- Transferred to LAC Labasa Office in September 2010, gaining experience in different operational environments.
- Provided direct legal assistance and representation to clients on a variety of legal matters.
Legal Officer
Legal Aid Commission (LAC)
03.2010 - 04.2012
- Appointed as Legal Officer with LAC Suva Office in March 2010.
- Transferred to LAC Labasa Office in September 2010, gaining experience in different operational environments.
- Provided direct legal assistance and representation to clients on a variety of legal matters.
Education
Admitted as Barrister and Solicitor -
Supreme Court of Nauru
04.2016
Professional Diploma in Legislative Drafting - undefined
University of the South Pacific
03.2015
Admitted as Barrister and Solicitor - undefined
High Court of Fiji
02.2010
Professional Diploma in Legal Practice - undefined
University of the South Pacific
12.2009
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - undefined
University of the South Pacific
09.2009
Pass in Fiji Seventh Form Examination (Form 7) - undefined
Indian College (now Jai Narayan College)
01.2004
Pass in Fiji School Leaving Certificate Examinations (Form 6) - undefined
Lelean Memorial School
01.2003
Pass in Fiji Junior Certificate Examinations (Form 4) - undefined
Lelean Memorial School
01.2001
Skills
- Legislative Drafting
- Legal Research & Analysis
- Litigation & Advocacy
- Public Law
- Policy Development & Review
- International Legal Frameworks
- Team Collaboration & Leadership
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Legal Education & Training
- Case Management
- Microsoft Office Suite
Languages
English
Fijian
Conferences Trainings And Workshops
- In-country review and assessment of the implementation of the UNCAC, St George, Grenada, 2024-05-01
- 10th Conference of the States Parties to the UNCAC, Georgia World Congress Centre, Atlanta, United States of America, 2023-12-01
- Member of organising team for the PILON Conference, Nauru, 2023-11-01
- Pacific Pre-Conference of State Parties to the UNCAC, Pacific Harbour, Fiji, 2023-08-10
- Participation in numerous Online Webinars during the COVID pandemic, 2020-01-01 to 2022-12-31
- Presented on amendments to various laws to the Nauru Law Society, Nauru, 2020-11-27
- Legal Practitioners Act 2019 Workshop, Aiwo District, Nauru, 2019-09-02 to 2019-09-03
- Inaugural Law Conference: Nauru at the Crossroads, Aiwo District, Nauru, 2018-11-08 to 2018-11-10
- Fiji Law Society Annual Convention, Pacific Harbour, 2016-09-09 to 2016-09-10
- Numerous in-house trainings in Nauru, as part of Continuing Legal Education, 2016-01-01 to 2024-12-31
- Attorney-General’s Conference, 2015-12-01, 2014-12-01, 2010-12-01
- National Prosecution Workshop, Nasova Police Grounds, Suva, 2015-04-01 to 2015-05-31
- Criminal Law Workshop, Tanoa Plaza, Suva, 2013-08-14 to 2013-08-16
- Legal Aid Commission Family Workshop, Holiday Inn, Suva, 2013-04-11 to 2013-04-13
- Trial and Appellate Advocacy Training, 2012-03-01
- Criminal Procedure Decree workshop, 2010-04-27
- Domestic Violence Decree and Sentencing and Penalties Decree Workshop, 2010-04-08
Additional Leadership And Social Engagement
- Youth Leader, Labasa Miracle Center, Assemblies of God Church, 2012-01-01 to 2013-12-31
- Senior Prefect, Lelean Memorial School, 2003-01-01
- Junior Prefect, Lelean Memorial School, 2002-01-01
Hobbies and Interests
Judo, Black Diamond Judo Club in Suva, Fiji
Timeline
Tutor
Nauru Pleader’s Course
05.2021 - 06.2021
Tutor
Nauru Pleader’s Course
05.2021 - 06.2021
Government Lawyer
Department of Justice and Border Control
10.2017 - 08.2024
Government Lawyer
Department of Justice and Border Control
10.2017 - 08.2024
Legal Officer
Eigigu Holdings Corporation (EHC)
02.2016 - 01.2017
Legal Officer
Eigigu Holdings Corporation (EHC)
02.2016 - 01.2017
Legal Officer
Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority
06.2014 - 10.2015
Legal Officer
Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority
06.2014 - 10.2015
Senior Legal Officer / Officer-in-Charge, Northern Division
Legal Aid Commission (LAC)
04.2012 - 05.2014
Senior Legal Officer / Officer-in-Charge, Northern Division
Legal Aid Commission (LAC)
04.2012 - 05.2014
Legal Officer
Legal Aid Commission (LAC)
03.2010 - 04.2012
Legal Officer
Legal Aid Commission (LAC)
03.2010 - 04.2012
Volunteer
Legal Aid Commission (LAC)
12.2009
Volunteer
Legal Aid Commission (LAC)
12.2009
Professional Diploma in Legislative Drafting - undefined
University of the South Pacific
Admitted as Barrister and Solicitor - undefined
High Court of Fiji
Professional Diploma in Legal Practice - undefined
University of the South Pacific
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - undefined
University of the South Pacific
Pass in Fiji Seventh Form Examination (Form 7) - undefined
Indian College (now Jai Narayan College)
Pass in Fiji School Leaving Certificate Examinations (Form 6) - undefined
Lelean Memorial School
Pass in Fiji Junior Certificate Examinations (Form 4) - undefined
Lelean Memorial School
Admitted as Barrister and Solicitor -
Supreme Court of Nauru
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