Zaina Fazeela Bhatti found herself overwhelmed with emotion as she was admitted to the bar at the High Court of Fiji during a special ceremony held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. This milestone has been particularly significant given the challenges she faced during her studies, which began amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2020 after earning her degree in human resources and marketing.
Speaking to the crowd, Zaina reflected on the intensity of her journey through the Professional Diploma in Legal Practice (PDLP) program at the University of the South Pacific. Initially, she was hesitant about pursuing law due to her fears, but her sister, Zanuba Bhatti, who is also a lawyer, encouraged her to persist. “I didn’t want to do it at first because I was really scared. But my sister told me that I had to do it. If not, I wouldn’t be a lawyer, and that pushed me to keep going,” she shared.
Zaina now joins her sister as the second lawyer in their family, as Zanuba proudly moved her admission petition during the ceremony. With tears of joy, Zanuba expressed her pride in Zaina’s accomplishment and remarked, “This is only the beginning, and like Chief Justice [Salesi Temo] said, she still has a long way to go. I really want to see her excel in her legal profession and engage in pro bono work, helping the community.”
Their bond as sisters remains intact, with Zanuba affirming that their discussions may now include legal cases and law-related matters. Additionally, their family legacy of pursuing law may continue, as Zaina’s twin sister, Zoya, is currently studying law in Sydney, further highlighting the family’s commitment to the legal profession.
This inspirational journey emphasizes the importance of support from loved ones and the pursuit of education even in the face of adversity. Zaina’s success not only celebrates her personal achievements but also serves as a beacon of encouragement for young individuals aspiring to enter the legal field in Fiji and beyond. As the Bhatti sisters pave their paths in the legal world, their stories offer hope, determination, and commitment to community service.
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