Attorney General Suʻa Hellene Wallwork has completed her term as head of the Office of the Attorney General, with today, 15 January 2026, marking her final day in office after more than four years in the role.
Suʻa first took up the position on 4 September 2021 as Interim Attorney General following the 2021 General Election and was formally appointed Attorney General on 13 January 2023.
Her time in office covered a demanding period for Samoa’s constitutional and legal system. During her tenure, Samoa saw the transition of two new governments into office, two votes of no confidence and the early dissolution of Parliament. Through these developments, Suʻa was known for her firm approach to constitutional principles, the separation of powers and the independence of legal advice.
Under her leadership, the Office of the Attorney General strengthened its institutional capacity through senior legal appointments and managed a series of high-profile and sensitive matters. She maintained close engagement with the Samoa Law Society and regional legal bodies while working to modernise systems, raise professional standards and support a workplace culture based on accountability, respect and service.
In December 2024, Suʻa appeared before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, presenting Samoa’s oral submissions in the advisory opinion on States’ obligations in relation to climate change. In that forum she put forward the perspectives of small island developing states and the particular risks they face.
A strong focus of her term was work on victim-centred justice. On her final day today, the Office launched a mural for the Victim Interview Room under the theme “Le Va e Malu ai”, set up as a safe and supportive space for victims of crime, especially young female victims of sexual offences. The project reflects ongoing efforts to improve facilities and processes for vulnerable people within the justice system.
The day began with a faigalotu service at 10.00am, led by Reverend Siaosi Salesulu, who also officiated at Suʻa’s swearing-in as Attorney General. Staff of the Office of the Attorney General used the occasion to reflect on her leadership and to thank her for her service to Samoa’s constitutional and legal institutions.
The Office has extended its best wishes to Suʻa Hellene Wallwork for her future endeavours.
This article is based on an official statement issued by the Office of the Attorney General on 15 January 2026.
