William Wylie Clarke has secured another term as President of the Fiji Law Society, obtaining a commanding victory with 80 votes against Dorsami Naidu’s 39. This result, delivered during the Society’s Annual General Meeting, emphasizes strong support for Clarke’s leadership and vision for the organization.
Clarke, the Principal at Howards Lawyers, brings a wealth of expertise to the role, specializing in commercial law and governance. He holds a law degree from the Australian National University and an honours degree in Government from the University of Sydney. His professional accolades include advising Westpac Fiji and collaborating with Andersen Global, thereby broadening his firm’s reach across the Asia-Pacific region. His esteemed skills in governance, compliance, and integrity have garnered him recognition throughout the region.
Upon his re-election, Clarke expressed appreciation for the renewed confidence in his leadership. He laid out his plans to concentrate on enhancing pro bono legal services, upholding the rule of law, and advancing the Society’s operational systems to better serve its members. His strategic program is designed to optimize support for the Society’s members while ensuring meaningful contributions to the wider legal community.
The newly elected council brings together a varied and proficient group, with Poonam Maharaj Wong as Vice President, and includes members Seruwaia Nayacalevu, Mele Rakai, Dilan Patel, Jotishna Nair, Arthi Swamy, and Jovilisi Liganivai, each contributing unique expertise ranging from litigation and commercial practice to family law and governance.
This leadership transition occurs during a pivotal period for Fiji’s legal profession. Clarke has previously highlighted the need for law graduates to consider diverse career options due to an oversaturated job market. The Fiji Law Society has advocated for reforms such as extending the experience requirement for independent practice from three to five years and implementing a practice management and ethics course for new lawyers. These initiatives aim to tackle the surplus of law graduates and ensure they are adequately equipped for the profession’s demands.
Ultimately, Clarke’s leadership promises to guide the Fiji Law Society through a transformative era, characterized by modernization and enhanced influence. His re-election not only signifies a commitment to continuity but also offers a promising outlook towards developing a more flexible and robust legal framework in Fiji.