The Office of the Attorney General wishes to formally acknowledge and express its sincere gratitude to the Australian Government for its continued support towards the strengthening of Samoa’s legal sector and the ongoing professional development of government lawyers.
As part of this valued partnership, two highly experienced and respected Australian lawyers, Ms Julie Atwell and Ms Deborah Porter, have volunteered their time and expertise to be attached to the Office of the Attorney General for a period of one year each. Their contribution represents a significant investment in the development of Samoa’s legal profession and the strengthening of legal services provided to the Government and people of Samoa.
Ms Julie Atwell is currently attached to the Commercial and International Division, while Ms Deborah Porter is attached to the Civil and Litigation Division. Since commencing their attachments, both lawyers have quickly become integral members of their respective teams and are already actively engaged in mentoring, training, advising, and supporting lawyers across the Office.
The Office of the Attorney General is deeply appreciative of the Australian Government’s continued commitment to supporting legal capacity building in Samoa. The willingness of Ms Atwell and Ms Porter to dedicate a year of their professional lives to mentoring and working alongside our lawyers is an extraordinary contribution to the development of our Office.
Both lawyers bring with them decades of legal knowledge, practical experience, and professional insight that will greatly benefit our staff. Their presence strengthens our ability to provide high-quality legal services to Government while also helping to develop the next generation of Samoan government lawyers.
The Attorney General Office further notes that the attachments form part of the Office’s broader commitment to investing in the professional development of its lawyers through international partnerships, mentoring programmes, specialist training opportunities, and the sharing of legal expertise.
Capacity building is not achieved overnight. It requires sustained investment, mentorship, and practical exposure. The contribution of Ms Atwell and Ms Porter will leave a lasting legacy within our Office and will continue to benefit Samoa long after their attachments have concluded.
The Office of the Attorney General extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Australian Government, Ms Julie Atwell, and Ms Deborah Porter for their generosity, professionalism, and commitment to supporting this office. The attachments have come at the right time with the need for capacity building in the Office of Attorney General.
The Office looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with Australia and other development partners in strengthening the rule of law and promoting excellence in government lawyers.
This is a press release from the Office of the Attorney General.
