SO'O PEREZ ADMITTED TO THE BAR
314 km away from her Tokelau home , juggling a full time job with three children , So'o Perez managed to take her oath of admission to the bar in the Supreme Court in Mulinu'u on Friday saying "Anything is possible, if you rely on God".
Thirty-two year old So'o Perez from Tokelau and with Tokelauan Nationality was admitted with one other new legal practitioner with families and friends there to witness their special moment. A total of five lawyers including the newly admitted were able to finish the PDLP programme.
Her journey as a lawyer, which culminated with her getting sworn-in on Friday, was a special moment for her "it wasn't easy , but with God by my side I had nothing to worry about " she told EyeSpy Radio after the ceremony.
Ms Perez graduated in 2022 from the University of the South Pacific with a Degree in Law , and started her quest as a law student in 2010. And in July last year , she started her Professional Diploma in Legal Practice where she had to face an intense legal training programme.
" I took a break for a while then I came back to complete this course, I thank God for all the help he has guided me in this journey" stated Ms Perez.
"Also my family has helped me tremendously and thanks to them I was able to complete this chapter of my career" she added.
The lawyer stated she had to travel back and forth to Tokelau and then back to Samoa for studies, thanks to her husband she was able to get some well needed help with their little family. "To my husband , thank you for helping me with the kids and for the support he has given me during this journey," she said emotionally.
According to Ms Perez , Tokelau does not have many lawyers and because of this it motivated her to keep pushing for her career. "I'm excited to help with whatever I can and for the community of Tokelau" she stated happily.
She further expressed that her achievement is dedicated to her family and loved ones including law students you aspire to serve the Judiciary System in the future."It's possible if you put your mind and heart into it , just don't doubt yourselves" she encouraged.
So'o Perez and her husband Kueva with their 3 children witnessed her swearing in ceremony on Friday this week at the Supreme Court in Mulinu'u