Past Presidents

Laurel Vaurasi

Laurel Vaurasi served as FLS President from 2016-2020 and is the first female President of the FLS. Laurel is the principal and founder of Shekinah Law. Laurel’s work experience commenced at the Native Land Trust Board as a law clerk before her studies, followed by work experience at the Crown office in Queensland in 1996 and also in the private sector in New South Wales in 1997. In 1998, Laurel moved back to Fiji and joined a private practice focusing on conveyancing and litigation matters until 2002. She joined as an in-house counsel for the Carpenters Fiji Ltd. group, attending predominantly to their finance and employment matters. Later in 2003, Laurel joined a private firm and became a partner. Laurel worked on a number of big investment development projects in Fiji, as well as commercial work. In 2007, she headed the Legal Department for the Superannuation Fund in Fiji, based at the Suva office, before opening Shekinah Law. Laurel set up Shekinah Law in 2009. Laurel has over 15 years of civil litigation, family law, commercial law, conveyancing, contract law, torts, and criminal litigation experience. Laurel is also an accredited mediator by the Singapore Mediation Centre.

Isireli Fa

Isireli Fa served as FLS President 2007 to 2008, where he spearheaded a comprehensive program of reform and revitalised engagement within the legal profession. Under his leadership, the Council launched several innovative initiatives to enhance collegiality, professional development, and unity. These included hosting inclusive cocktail events tailored for key constituent groups, such as the Fijian Lawyers Association, Young Lawyers Association, Women Lawyers Association, Government Lawyers, and the Society’s soccer team - successfully fostering greater camaraderie and professional connection across the membership. His term also marked the introduction of the inaugural Bench and Bar Dinner, participation by two members in the Victorian Bar Readers’ Course, the first South Pacific Law Conference, and a structured 12-month Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Calendar. Previously dormant programs were revived, including the Practice Management Course and the Exchange Program with the Queensland Law Society.

Mr Fa is the Founder and Principal of Fa & Company Barristers & Solicitors, established in 1993. His practice covers Common Law, Constitutional Law, Commercial and Corporate Law, & Indigenous Title Law. He is particularly noted for securing the largest commercial award granted by the High Court of Fiji in Ratu Solomone Naqa v FEA (HCA 237/2002), the landmark Monasavu case, demonstrating his enduring dedication to upholding the rule of law and advancing justice in Fiji.

Devanesh Sharma

Devanesh was elected as FLS President in September 2006. He served for a term of 1 year, concluding in 2007. A Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and Fiji. A graduate of Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Admitted to practice in Fiji on 26 March 1993. Appointed a Notary Public in 2008.

Mr Sharma commenced his legal career as a Solicitor with a private law firm and then joined as a Solicitor in a Commercial Bank, practising in New Zealand since 1986. He came to Fiji and joined Sherani & Co in 1993. Having worked for three years at Sherani & Co, he resigned and joined Jamnadas Jalal & Co.

In 1998, he teamed up with Mr Patel to set up this present practice. He specializes in all aspects of civil and commercial litigation.

Graham Leung

Graham Leung served as President of the Fiji Law Society for two terms (2005–2006), a pivotal and challenging time following the removal of the Qarase government. He showed steadfast commitment to the rule of law, focusing on advocacy and raising both domestic and international awareness of the unfolding events in Fiji.

A key highlight was welcoming Her Honour Dame Sian Elias, then Chief Justice of New Zealand, as chief guest at the Society’s Annual Conference, strengthening regional legal ties.

Beyond the FLS, Mr. Leung served as Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Secretary for Justice in Nauru, and Attorney-General of Fiji (2024–2025). He advanced critical constitutional issues, notably securing Cabinet consideration of a question that prompted a landmark Supreme Court opinion on constitutional interpretation.

A respected Suva barrister and solicitor specialising in constitutional and administrative law, he has long championed integrity and public service.

Reflecting on Fiji's history, he reminds us that the practice of law demands courage and offers a profound opportunity for public good. To the next generation: embrace leadership with integrity, speak out against injustice, and protect our democracy. As Thurgood Marshall urged "Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.”

Peter Knight

Peter Knight has had the distinct honour of serving as President of the Fiji Law Society on two occasions:

1) September 1998 - September 2000, and

2) September 2015 - September 2016.

During his initial term, the Society enjoyed robust membership and financial stability, reflecting the era's requirement for solicitors to join. He notes with a wry smile that the 2-year maximum then helped ensure no one felt indispensable, a gentle reminder of shared stewardship.

By his second presidency, the Society had become largely dormant following the 2008 Legal Practitioners Decree, which made membership voluntary and stripped much of its revenue. Peter stepped in to breathe new life into the organisation, successfully reviving its operations and engagement among Fiji's legal practitioners. He handed over the reins after a year to his capable Vice-President, Laurel Vaurasi, who continued the momentum. In gracious recognition of his efforts, Ms Vaurasi nominated him for Life Membership, an honour duly conferred.