Three private attorneys were honored by the American Samoa Legal Aid for their services for the less fortunate,
During the American Samoa Bar Association’s Annual Meeting on Thursday May 5, ASLA Executive Director Fainu’ulelei L.P.F. Ala’ilima-Utu presented Certificates of Appreciation to three private attorneys Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde, Matailupevao Leupolu and Richard deSaulles for their participation in ASLA’s Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) reduced fee basis program and their commitment to ensuring access to equal justice for the poor in American Samoa.
Alailima-Utu said these three private attorneys agreed to take referrals of low income clients from ASLA for various types of cases such as divorce, child support, debt collection and Special Education services etc.
ASLA pays for the private attorney’s reduced legal fees and court filing fees.
During the Bar’s Annual Meeting, ASLA Executive Director Fainu’ulelei encouraged more members of the private Bar to participate in the ASLA PAI program and challenged government attorneys to provide pro bono civil legal services to the low income residents of American Samoa.
At the Bar’s AGM, Assistant Attorney General Fuimaono Asauawas appointed as the next attorney member in the ASLA Board to replace outgoing ASLA Board attorney member Leiataua Charles Ala’ilima.
