FIJIAN LEGAL EXPERTISE

Our Aviation Law practice is a dynamic and specialist offering within the firm. We provide legal, regulatory and advisory services across the aviation sector, supporting clients in both the public and private spheres. Our in-house legal expertise is complemented by an external aviation consultant who works closely with our team, bringing significant regulatory and legal experience within the aviation industry. Together, we offer clients a unique and seamless combination of technical, regulatory and legal insight.

Our Aviation Law services include:

• Aircraft purchase and leasing, including sale and purchase agreements, financing arrangements, and title registration.
• Airport and airstrip development advisory, including regulatory compliance and land use planning.
• Aviation compliance and enforcement matters, including regulatory investigations, audits and disciplinary proceedings.
• Aviation safety and accident liability, including incident review and legal risk management.
• Civil Aviation Authority and regulatory engagement, including permit and licence applications, dispute resolution and submissions.
• Commercial aviation transactions and joint ventures, including charter agreements and airline partnerships.
• Drone and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) regulation and compliance.
• Passenger rights and airline liability under domestic and international law.
• Policy and legislative review, including input into aviation law reform, regulatory frameworks and operational standards.
• Strategic advice to aviation stakeholders, including airlines, airports, government departments, private operators and investors.

Whether you operate in commercial, private or public aviation, we offer trusted, strategic guidance backed by sector-specific expertise.

Our Civil Law and Litigation practice areas include:

• Accident Compensation and Personal Injury Actions;
• Commercial Disputes;
• Contractual Disputes
• Debt Recovery;
• Defamation;
• Estate Conveyancing and Litigation;
• Social Media, content creation, influencer and brand partnership legal services across Tik Tok, Facebook, Instagram, You-tube, print media and digital media.

Lal Patel Bale Lawyers often undertakes complex and high-profile domestic and international commercial litigation and matters, including:

• Bankruptcy Litigation;
• Company Reservation and Registration; 
• Contract Disputes;
• Corporate Fraud;
• Defamation;
• Domestic and International Litigation;
• Emergency and Equitable Relief;
• Exclusivity and Non-competes;
• Governance Issues;
• Injunctions;
• Insolvency and Restructuring;
• Investment Fiji Applications;
• Partnerships and Joint Ventures;
• Shareholder and Director Disputes; and
• Vendor Financing.

Our Criminal Defence law portfolio is rapidly expanding across all levels of Fijian Courts, including the Appellant Division. Our diverse practice areas encompass the following criminal offences:

• Arson and Attempted Arson.
• Bail, Bail Pending Appeal and Revising Bail Conditions. 
• Criminal Intimidation and Criminal Trespass.
• Domestic Offences including Domestic Violence Orders and Non-Contact Orders.
• Driving and Traffic Offences including Dangerous Driving Occasioning Death or Grievous Bodily Harm, Reckless and Dangerous Driving and Careless and Inconsiderate Driving and Driving under the Influence of Alcohol.
• Drug Offences including Unlawful Importation and Exportation, Possession, Manufacture, Cultivation and Supply including Marijuana, Cocaine and Methamphetamine.
• Financial Crimes, including Proceeds of Crime Offences and Money Laundering.
• Fraud-Based Offences such as Obtaining Property or Financial Advantage by Deception, Conversion, General Dishonesty.
• Homicide and Manslaughter.
• Injuring Animals, Incitement of Animals and Animal Welfare Offences.
• Juvenile Offenders.
• Property Offences including Theft, Robbery and Aggravated Robbery and Burglary and Aggravated Burglary.
• Sexual Offences including Sexual Assault, Indecent Assault, Defilement and Rape
• Violent Crimes including Common Assault and Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm.

Our team is also able to assist with pre and post-charge and conviction matters including:

• Caution Interviews.
• Facilitating Criminal Representations for Prosecuting Bodies.
• Facilitating the Filing of Criminal Complaints.
• Facilitating the Return of Property and Passports from Criminal Registries post Acquittal or Discharge.
• Liaising with Embassies and High Commissions for Foreign Nationals under investigation, charged or convicted in Fiji.
• Police Clearances.
• Rehabilitation of Offenders Certificates.
• Visitation of Serving Prisoners.
• Uplift of Departure Prohibition Orders (DPO) post Acquittal or Discharge.

Our commitment is to offer specialised and effective legal defence across a broad spectrum of criminal law matters.

Debt Recovery is one of our fastest-growing portfolio areas, with domestic, regional and international recovery actions. Our dedicated Recovery Team works with our clients to prompt debtors to resolve their debts and employ the most cost effective strategies to ensure successful recoveries. We provide a full range of Debt Recovery and Resolution services, including:

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• Pre-litigation measures such as Letters of Demand or Statutory Demands.
• Negotiated Settlements and Payment Plans
•  Commencement of Proceedings
• Defending Claims includes setting Aside Default Judgements, Statutory Demands and Disputing Debts.
• Enforcement Proceedings include obtaining Default Judgements, enforcing judgements, Bankruptcy proceedings and Winding Ups Actions.

We act for notable domestic and international clients offering services in Fiji and the South Pacific Islands.  

Our Fiji Employment Law portfolio includes:

• Advice on Employment Mediation and the Employment Tribunal;
• Contracts for Financial Compensation;
• Drafting or Negotiating Employment Agreements;
• Employment Disputes and Litigation;
• Employment record searches and verification including Police Clearances;
• Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure Clauses and Agreements;
• Non-Payment of Wages;
• Severance and Just Cause Matters;
• Workplace Harassment and Discrimination; and
• Wrongful Terminations.

As the energy sector transitions towards cleaner, more resilient and sustainable systems, our Energy Law practice supports clients across the full energy lifecycle, from generation and supply to regulation, compliance and reform. We advise public and private sector stakeholders, independent power producers, infrastructure developers, and community-based energy projects operating within both traditional and renewable energy spaces.

Our expertise spans electricity, gas, and emerging energy technologies, with a particular focus on energy access, regulation, and the development of sustainable energy solutions in the Pacific context.

We provide advice and representation in relation to:

• Commercial contracts, project finance and joint venture agreements in the energy sector;
• Dispute resolution and litigation related to energy supply, infrastructure or regulatory enforcement;
• Energy infrastructure development, including rural electrification, mini-grids and off-grid solutions;
• Energy sector policy and legislative reform, including drafting, submissions and stakeholder engagement;
• Environmental and land use approvals for energy projects, including permitting and community consultation;
• Independent power producer (IPP) arrangements, including power purchase agreements (PPAs) and grid connection negotiations;
• Regulatory compliance with national energy laws, licensing requirements and utility standards
• Renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, hydro, biomass and waste-to-energy developments;
• Private and community-based power generation, supply and pricing arrangements; and
• Tariff structuring, subsidies and incentives for clean energy investments.

We understand the unique energy challenges and opportunities facing small island states and developing nations. Our approach combines legal excellence with a deep commitment to supporting just, inclusive and forward-looking energy transitions.

With increasing pressure on governments, businesses and individuals to operate in environmentally responsible and sustainable ways, Environmental and Climate Change Law is more relevant than ever. Our practice supports clients across the public and private sectors to navigate the complex legal, regulatory and policy frameworks governing environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development.

We provide strategic legal advice, compliance support, and advocacy in relation to:

• Advice and legal opinions on climate change law, environmental obligations and sustainable practices;
• Environmental and climate change policy drafting, review and implementation
• Environmental permitting, compliance and regulatory approvals, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and development consents;
• Environmental due diligence for infrastructure, extractive, tourism, commercial and residential developments;
• Environmental litigation, including judicial review, enforcement actions, and disputes arising from pollution, land degradation, or biodiversity impacts;
• Legal redress for environmental damage and harm, including contamination, erosion, flooding, and unlawful land clearing;
• Energy law and private power generation, including renewable energy, microgrids, pricing arrangements, and regulatory compliance;
• Stakeholder engagement, public consultation, and facilitation of community agreements;
• Capacity building and legal training in environmental governance and climate law.

We are committed to helping clients meet their environmental responsibilities and climate goals while ensuring compliance with evolving legal standards, national policies, and international obligations.

Our legal expertise in Family matters encompasses the entirety of Family Law, including:

• Adoptions.
• Custody Matters.
• Child Abuse Applications.
• Child Abduction Matters, including Hague Convention Applications.
• Child and Spousal Maintenance.
• Deeds of Family Arrangement. 
• Divorces, Annulments, and Separations.
• Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) - including non-contact and non-molestation orders.
• Guardianship of Children.
• Guardianship of elderly and incapacitated family members.
• Matters related to legal and de-facto relationships.
• Maintenance enforcement for Non-payment.
• Mediation of Family Disputes.
• Name Changes for Children or Adults.
• Parental Maintenance.
• Parenting Plans.
• Pre-Nuptial Deeds and Post-Nuptial Deeds.
• Powers of Attorney and Advance Care Directives.
• Property Settlements, including Medium and High Net Worth Settlements.
• Removal of Children from the jurisdiction.
• Residence and Visitation Matters. 

Our commitment is to provide thorough and effective legal support across the spectrum of Family Law issues.

Lal Patel Bale Lawyers provides a comprehensive suite of immigration-related legal services, catering to individuals, groups, and businesses. Our Fiji immigration lawyers are dedicated to delivering optimal services, including expertise in:

• Applications for Release of Passports in Criminal Matters.
• Bridging Visas.
• Certificates of Rehabilitation for Immigration Purposes. 
• Character Waiver Requests for Immigration Matters.
• Deportation and Extradition Proceedings.
• Fiji Residence including on Assured Income Permits.
• General Immigration Advice and Assistance.
• Letters of Support for Visa Applications.
• Migrant and Tourist Visa Issues
• Naturalisation and Acquisition of Fijian Citizenship.
• Police Clearances for Immigration Purposes.
• Prohibited Persons Matters.
• Uplifting of Departure Prohibition Orders (DPOs).
• Visa Appeals and Requests for Further Information.
• Visa Renewals and Extensions. 
• Work Permits.

Navigating immigration law complexities can be daunting, which is why our legal team at Lal Patel Bale Lawyers ensures you receive the highest quality immigration law services across Fiji. Reach out to us, and let's address your immigration law challenges with precision and effectiveness today!

Lal Patel Bale Lawyers offers a comprehensive range of intellectual property (IP) legal services, tailored for individuals, businesses, and organisations seeking to protect and maximise their IP assets. Our experienced team of Fiji-based IP lawyers are dedicated to providing expert guidance in the following areas:

• Design Registration and Infringement Issues.
• E-commerce and Digital Media IP Protection.
• Fiji Domain Name Registration.
• IP-related Contract Negotiations.
• Patent Application and Filing.
• Software and Technology Licensing.
• Trademark Registration and Protection.

Navigating the complexities of intellectual property law can be challenging, but our team at Lal Patel Bale Lawyers is committed to delivering high-quality, results-driven IP services across Fiji. Contact us today and let us help you safeguard your innovations and build a solid foundation for your intellectual property success.

Our Conveyancing and Land Law practice covers a wide variety of transactions, land sizes, types and locations, including:

• Estate Transfers;
• De-Reservation of Land
• Itaukei Land Trust Board (ITLTB) Consents; 
• Ministerial Consents;
• Property Developments; 
• Property Transactions including Commercial, Residential and Agricultural; 
• Re-Entry of Land Matters;
• Sale and Purchase of Islands and Resorts;
• Sale and Purchase of Native Lease and Crown Lease Land; and
• Security Documentation including Mortgages, Debentures, Guarantees, Bonds, Undertakings, Charges and Liens.

As the media landscape evolves across print, broadcast and digital platforms, our Media Law practice supports a wide range of clients navigating the complex intersection of law, journalism, content creation and public discourse. 

Our firm is proud to support both established and emerging media, including television shows and media productions filmed and produced in Fiji. We provide comprehensive legal services throughout the lifecycle of media projects, from pre-production and licensing through to content clearance, distribution and dispute resolution.

We advise and represent clients in relation to:

• Advertising, sponsorship and product placement in media content;
• Content regulation and compliance, including media codes, broadcasting standards and classification requirements;
• Contract drafting and negotiation for on-screen talent, production crews and licensing deals;
• Defamation and reputation management, including pre-publication review, litigation and settlement;
• Engagement with media regulators, including submissions, advocacy and enforcement responses;
• Intellectual property rights, including copyright and licensing of scripts, footage, images and music;
• Legal support for television and film production, including location agreements, permits, release forms and regulatory approvals;
• Privacy and confidentiality concerns, including unauthorised disclosure, leaks and public interest exemptions;
• Representation of media corporations and print newspapers in regulatory, contractual and dispute matters;
• Risk management for media organisations, public figures and corporate communications teams;
• Social media use, influencer campaigns, and digital platform liability.

With a strong understanding of both local law and international standards, we deliver commercially pragmatic and contextually sensitive advice tailored to Fiji’s growing and vibrant media sector.

As parties increasingly turn away from litigation, mediation and dispute resolution processes are becoming increasingly attractive solutions.

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Mediation allows parties to find a practical and immediate solution acceptable to all involved. Parties find mediation attractive as it provides a timely and cost-effective remedy to ongoing disputes while in many instances allowing a greater chance at relationship preservation.

If you are looking for reliable Fiji lawyers that are ready to tackle your mediation and dispute resolution problems - contact us today.

When seeking notarisation services from a trusted Notary Public, look no further than Lal Patel Bale Lawyers for seamless assistance. Our dedicated team features three in-house Notary Publics stationed in our Suva, Nadi, and Labasa offices, providing comprehensive coverage across Fiji to meet your specific needs.

For documents originating or created in Fiji but intended for use overseas, witnessing by a Commissioner for Oaths or Barrister and Solicitor may not suffice. In those cases, vetting, witnessing, and execution by a Notary Public become essential. In Fiji, a Notary Public is a seasoned lawyer with a minimum of 10 years of practice experience duly admitted to the roll of Notary Publics.

Our specialisation extends to a diverse array of documents, including, but not limited to:

• Academic and Professional Bond or Guarantor Forms.
• Affidavits.
• Agreements and Contracts.
• Consents for Travel, Education, and Passport Renewal.
• Custody and Guardianship Documents.
• Probates and Renunciation Documents.
• Powers of Attorney.
• Vetting of Identity Documents, including Local and International Passports.
• Vetting of Academic Qualifications.
• Vetting of Translated Documents.
• Wills and Estate Documents.
• Other crucial legal instruments or documents.

Our unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch services involves close collaboration with clients to ensure the meticulous execution and notarization of all documentation. This commitment aligns with both domestic and international laws and regulations, ensuring a seamless and legally sound process.

In cases where a document require an Apostille Stamp, we can faccilitate this process on your behalf with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Fiji. 

We strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our experienced Notaries for efficient notary services. You can easily arrange this through a phone call, email, or by using the enquiries section on our website. While prioritising pre-scheduled appointments, we also strive to accommodate walk-in clients seeking notary services whenever possible.

Lal Patel Bale Lawyers can draft and render legal opinions, provide legal advice, and review and vet your policy documents. Including updating existing policy documents and preparing new policy documents to ensure compliance with changing domestic and International Law.

Our team is also equipped and experienced in legislation review and redrafting, regulation review and updates, drafting of manuals, internal guides and handbooks, standard operating procedures, stakeholder engagement and presentations on any of the above areas. We can also facilitate internal staff trainings on legal compliance, rights, duties and the implementation of new legal measures, regulations and internal policies.

​We can also assist in the drafting and vetting of public circulars, press releases, tenders, annual reports, publications, corporate plans and newsletters.

Lal Patel Bale Lawyers provides clients with strategic, in-depth legal advice on the full range of legal, financial and environmental issues associated with property development, real estate and construction in Fiji. Our firm works closely with a broad range of stakeholders, including developers, contractors, architects, engineers, surveyors, real estate agents, financial institutions and landowners.

What sets us apart is that our firm houses the only dual Property and Law conjoint degree holders in Fiji. This unique combination of qualifications means our team brings both legal and technical property expertise to every matter, placing us in a strong position to advise on complex, high-value and multi-stakeholder projects.

We assist clients with:

• Commercial and residential tenancies, including lease drafting, renewals and termination;
• Contract negotiation, drafting and enforcement across all stages of development and construction;
• Construction-related disputes and defect claims;
• Development structuring, financing and regulatory approvals;
• Dispute resolution and mediation between tenants, landlords, developers, contractors and landowners;
• Due diligence for property acquisitions, project sites and investment portfolios;
• Land subdivisions, strata titles and unit title developments;
• Project management and compliance with town planning and environmental regulations;
• Property transfers, including conveyancing and title registration;
• Sale and purchase of land, buildings and commercial developments.

Whether you are embarking on a new development, resolving a dispute, or seeking to secure a major property transaction, we provide integrated, practical and commercially focused legal advice tailored to Fiji’s property and construction landscape.

Our firm specialises in Tax Law and Customs, offering a niche service tailored to our clients' specific needs. Collaborating closely with clients, legal and accounting firms, as well as relevant tax and customs bodies globally, we strive for successful outcomes.

Our dedicated approach involves a thorough review of each client's unique tax circumstances, ensuring individuals and companies achieve the most favorable tax positions. Our areas of legal practice encompass:

• Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Applications and Assessments.
• Charitable Organization and Non-Profit Tax exemptions.
• Collaborative engagements with key entities such as Investment Fiji and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA).
• Corporate Income Tax Compliance.
• Dividend and Shareholder Taxation.
• Estate and Gift Planning Tax.
• Excise Duties and Customs Duties.
• Personal Income Tax Assessments, Compliance and Filing.
• Inheritance Tax.
• Investment Fiji Applications.
• Partnership and Joint Venture Taxation.
• Real estate and Property Tax matters.
• Representation in Tax Audits and Investigations.
• Sales Tax Compliance and Disputes.
• Stamp Duty on Property or Financial Transactions. 
• Taxation of Trusts and Estates.
• Tax Advice and Compliance for Professional Practice.
• Tax Assessments, Re-assessments , Compliance and Payment Plans.
• Tax Considerations for Multinational Corporations.
• Tax Considerations for Startups and New Ventures.
• Tax Determinations for Charitable Organisations and Non Profits.
• Tax Implications of Expatriate or Seconded Employees.
• Tax Incentive Applications.
• Tax Issues post Divorce or Seperation.
• Tax Litigation.
• TIN Registrations.
• Tax Penalties and Waivers.
• Tax Structuring for mergers, acquisitions, and reorganizations.
• Value Added Tax (VAT).

Our team is also able to assist with:

• Reviewing and Revising Tax Policy and Legislation.
• Reviewing and Revising Technical Tax Manuals.

Visiting Fiji should be a dream experience, but sometimes unforeseen legal issues can arise. Our experienced legal team specialises in assisting tourists, volunteers, expatriates and their families who require legal representation or assistance while in Fiji. Our services include:

 Injury & Compensation Claims

• Personal Injury Claims (Slips, Falls, Recreational Accidents).
• Motor Vehicle Accidents & Road Traffic Injuries.
• Medical Negligence & Hospital-Related Injuries.
• Wrongful Death & Fatal Accident Claims.
• Disfigurement & Permanent Disability Claims.
• Travel Insurance & Compensation Disputes.

Criminal Law & Victim Advocacy

• Criminal Defence for Tourists & Visitors.
• Assistance for Victims of Crime (Robbery, Assault, Sexual Offences).
• Lodging Criminal Complaints with the Fijian authorities.
• Court Representation & Bail Applications.
• Emergency Legal Support & Advice.

Legal Liaison & Coordination Services

• Liaison with Fijian Police, Prosecution, & Courts.
• Embassy & High Commission Liaison for Nationals in Legal Trouble.
• Coordination with Hospitals & Medical Facilities for Injury Cases.
• Assistance with Insurance Companies for Claim Settlements.
• Handling Legal Documentation & Translations.

Tourism & Travel-Related Legal Issues

• Airline, Cruise & Resort Liability Claims.
• Disputes with Travel Agencies & Tour Operators.
• Contract & Consumer Rights for Tourists.
• Lost or Stolen Passports & Legal Assistance.

Immigration & Visa-Related Matters

• Assistance with Visa Extensions Due to Legal Proceedings.
• Deportation Defence & Immigration Disputes.
• Immigration Support for Families of Injured or Deceased Tourists.
• Prohibited Immigrant Status.

Do you have something of value, be it cash, bonds, property, jewellery or the family pet? Safeguarding the well-being of your loved ones and preferred charities in the event of your passing requires meticulous estate planning.

Our team is well-versed in the following spectrum of services including:

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• Digital Asset Planning.
• Domestic and International Estate Planning.
• Drafting and Updating Wills.
• Establishment and Administration of Trusts including Family Trusts, Charitable Trusts and Business Trusts.
• Estate Administration and Distribution of Probates.
• Estate Claims and Litigation.
• Estate Planning.
• Estate Tax Implications.
• Guardianship and Conservatorship Agreements.
• Intestate Succession.
• Living Wills and Advanced Directives.
• Pet Trusts.
• Powers of Attorney including General and Enduring.
• Probate Administration including Probate and Letters of Administration. 
• Removal or Replacement of Trustees.
• Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts.
• Transmissions by Death.
• Trust Disputes and Litigation.
• Wills including reviewing and updating Wills.  
• Will Disputes and Litigation.

Whether you seek guidance in one or multiple areas, do not hesitate to reach out to us for the support you rightfully deserve!