A BREADTH OF LEGAL KNOWLEDGE

Raina Lal-Patel – Managing Partner

​Raina has been calling the shots since day one. Ten years ago, she was the driving catalyst that brought Lal Patel Bale Lawyers together.

Raina has 16 years of legal experience but commenced her career as a Development Executive in New Zealand.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Property from the University of Auckland and a Diploma of Professional Legal Studies from the Institute of Legal Studies in Auckland. Additionally, Raina is admitted to practise in Fiji and New Zealand

​With a combined passion for both Law and Property Development, Raina is formidable in the areas of Site Acquisitions, Joint Ventures and Financing of Residential, Commercial, Retail and Integrated Resort Developments, Resort and Project Development, Corporate Structuring and Restructuring, Real Estate and Contractual Negotiations.

Raina’s membership of both New Zealand and Fijian Bars means that she can bring both local and international perspectives to all aspects of her work.

Raina is based in our Nadi office.

Renee Lal – Litigation Partner

​Renee is arguably one of the best litigators in Fiji. With over 20 years’ experience, her skill in the courtroom is surpassed only by her breadth of legal knowledge. 

​As a member of the University of the South Pacific’s, inaugural graduating Law cohort in 1997, Renee has always been a trailblazer. Graduating with a Bachelor of Laws, and a Diploma in Legal Practice, Renee began her career at a time when very few female Lawyers were in Practice. As a result, she is now one of Fiji’s most senior female Practitioners.

Renee is the backbone of our cross-practice specialization having practised in the areas of Civil, Commercial and Family Law for the majority of her career.
 
Renee is based in our Suva office.

Amani Bale – Tax Partner

Amani ​has long had a love affair with Tax, having dedicated most of his career to specializing in Tax and Customs issues. Over 25 years, Amani's extensive career has seen him work as a General Practitioner, in the Public Sector, as a Tax Consultant and as an International Legal Advisor to the World Bank. ​ He is an expert in Audit Assessments, Tax Litigation, VAT and PAYE issues, VAT refunds, Capital Gains Tax and Land Sales Tax. 

Amani is Australian qualified having gained a Bachelor of Laws from Bond University and a Masters of Taxation from the University of New South Wales. Amani is a member of the bars of Fiji and Queensland, Australia. 
​
Amani is based in our Labasa office. 

Ita Dolo Sauduadua - Senior Associate

Ita ​is an alumnus of the University of the South Pacific, holding a Bachelor of Laws and Professional Diploma in Legal Practice. Ita’s key areas of practise are Family Law and General Litigation with specific expertise in Divorces, Matrimonial Settlements, Custody and Maintenance issues.

​Ita is also extremely experienced in handling Bail issues, Police Interviews and Caution Interviews. She has over a decade of legal experience, having worked as a Registrar in the Family Court, before transitioning to Private Practice. 

Kya Raina Lal – Associate

Kya represents a growing breed of young Practitioners, striving for efficiency without sacrificing quality. Kya has an eye for legal technicalities, is tech-savvy is always looking for innovative legal strategies.

​She graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws and Masters of Law with First Class Honours and a Certificate of Legal Practice from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies in Auckland, New Zealand.

Kya practices in the areas of Criminal and General Litigation and holds specializations in International Environmental Law, Maritime Law and Climate Change Law. She also has significant participatory experience with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

​Outside of Legal Practice, Kya is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Law at the University of the South Pacific.

Payal Kumar – Associate | Head of Recoveries

​Payal graduated from the University of the South Pacific in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She was admitted to Practice in 2020. Payal has significant previous work experience in large scale Litigation, Land Law, Environmental Impact Assessments, Consents and Resource Management. 
​
While initially interested in Development, Environmental and Commercial Law, Payal has since branched out her areas of practice. And now heads our Recoveries Team.

​Jessie Tunikula – Associate

Jessie graduated from the University of the South Pacific, Emalus, Vanuatu in 2016 with a Bachelor of Laws and Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She has previously worked as in-house legal Counsel in the tourism sector at an internationally recognised hotel chain. Jessie also brings to our team expertise in the areas of prosecution and defence. Jessie has a keen interest in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Media and Dispute Resolution.

​Maria Raga – Associate

Maria  joined our team while still at University, and quickly learned to juggled work and school. During this time she worked her way through the ranks starting off as a Clerk, Legal Executive and then Senior Legal Executive before being admitted to the bar in 2022.  Maria oversees and handles large scale litigation matters, as well as general litigation files. Maria brings a hands on and nuanced approach to all her files.

​Tejash Patel – Chief Financial Officer

Tejash has always had a strong edge in developing new businesses in both Fiji and beyond across a range of industries including luxury retail and quick service restaurant franchises. Always seeking out new challenges he switches tact to bring a focused business development aspect to a a multi-faceted boutique law firm in Fiji at Lal Patel Bale Lawyers.

Tejash is raising the bar by bringing nouveau elements of automation and migration to best business practices enhancing a services business into a growing firm nationally. At Lal Patel Bale Lawyers Tejash is keeping us on our toes.

​Lillian Ali-Sagaitu – National Practice Manager

​Lillian oversees the day to day administration of our three national offices. Having worked in the legal profession for over 15 years, Lillian brings a wealth of administrative experience to our team. She is the forefront of our client liaison team and ensures each of our branches is up to the Lal Patel Bale standard.

​Asena Vole – Practice Manager Central

Asena oversees our national litigation and conveyancing teams. Having 13 years experience in the legal profession, Asena is well versed with all aspects of the job, bringing an unmatched level of institutional, legal and procedural knowledge.