Our People

A Legacy of Legal Brilliance.

A BREADTH OF LEGAL KNOWLEDGE

  • Raina Lal-Patel – Managing Partner

    ​Raina has always been the driving force behind Lal Patel Bale Lawyers. Twelve years ago, she was pivotal in bringing our firm together, setting the stage for our success.


    With an impressive 16 years of legal experience, Raina embarked on her career as a Development Executive in New Zealand. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Property degree from the University of Auckland and a Diploma of Professional Legal Studies from the Institute of Legal Studies in Auckland. Raina is admitted to practice in Fiji and New Zealand and has been recognized as a Notary Public since 2022.


    Raina's passion for Law and Property Development shines through her expertise and achievements. She possesses remarkable proficiency in diverse areas, including Site Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Financing of Residential, Commercial, Retail, and Integrated Resort Developments, Resort and Project Development, Corporate Structuring and Restructuring, Real Estate, and Contractual Negotiations.


    With membership in New Zealand and Fijian Bars, Raina brings her work a unique blend of local and international perspectives. This enriches her ability to provide our clients with comprehensive, well-rounded legal solutions.


    Raina is based in our Nadi office, where she continues to lead with her exceptional skills, passion, and dedication to delivering outstanding results for our clients.

  • Renee Lal – Senior Partner & Litigation Partner

    Renee is arguably one of the best litigators in Fiji. With 25 years of experience, her skill in the courtroom is surpassed only by her breadth of legal knowledge. 


    Renee has been a trailblazer from the start, being a part of the inaugural graduating Law cohort at the University of the South Pacific in 1997. After graduating with distinction, she earned a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Diploma in Legal Practice. 


    Beginning her career when female Lawyers were few and far between, Renee's determination and talent have propelled her to become one of Fiji's most respected senior female Practitioners. Furthermore, she has held the esteemed position of Notary Public since 2007.


    As the backbone of our cross-practice specialisation, Renee has dedicated much of her career to practising Civil, Commercial, and Family Law. Her extensive experience across these domains has solidified her expertise and reputation as a formidable legal professional.


    Renee is based in our Suva office, where she continues to contribute her exceptional skills, invaluable insights, and unwavering commitment to providing our clients with the highest quality legal representation.

  • Amani Bale – Senior Partner & Tax Partner

    Amani ​has long had a love affair with Tax. Over the span of 30 years, Amani has cultivated a diverse professional background, encompassing Private Practice, the Public Sector, Tax Consultancy, and serving as an International Legal Advisor to the World Bank. His exceptional knowledge and experience make him a go-to authority in the field.


    Amani's expertise extends to various aspects of Taxation, including Audit Assessments, Tax Litigation, VAT and PAYE issues, VAT refunds, Capital Gains Tax, and Land Sales Tax in Fiji, Timor Leste and the Pacific. He is highly adept at navigating the complexities of these areas, providing invaluable guidance to clients.


    Amani earned his Bachelor of Laws from Bond University and a Masters of Taxation from the University of New South Wales. He is a member of the bars of both Fiji and Queensland, Australia. Notably, Amani became Notary Public in 2022, further enhancing his credentials.


    Amani is based in our Labasa office, where he continues to contribute his vast expertise and serve our clients with exceptional dedication and professionalism. servingcontributing

  • Ita Dolo Sauduadua – Senior Associate

    Ita ​obtained a Bachelor of Law and a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice in 2006 from the University of the South Pacific. She was admitted to practice in 2007 and has since excelled in her areas of specialisation, which primarily encompass Family Law and General Litigation. Ita possesses exceptional expertise in handling Divorces, Matrimonial Settlements, Custody Matters, and Maintenance issues within these domains.


    What sets Ita apart is her distinctive perspective, gained through her prior experience as a Registrar in the Family Court before transitioning into Private Practice. This background has equipped her with an in-depth understanding of the intricate nuances inherent in Family Law cases. Moreover, Ita excels in navigating Bail issues, Police Interviews, and Caution Interviews.


    Ita's unwavering dedication to providing unparalleled legal representation, combined with her extensive experience and specialised skills, renders her an invaluable asset to our team. She is a trusted advocate for our clients, ensuring their interests are protected and prioritised.

  • Kya Raina Lal – Associate

    Kya epitomises a new wave of young legal practitioners striving for efficiency and unwavering quality. With a keen eye for legal technicalities and a tech-savvy approach, she is always seeking innovative legal strategies.


    She graduated from the University of Auckland, where she achieved a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws in 2015 and Masters of Law with First Class Honours, specialising in Environmental Law in 2016. Additionally, she holds a Certificate of Legal Practice from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies in Auckland, New Zealand. Kya is admitted to practice in both Fiji and New Zealand. 


    Kya's legal practice encompasses Criminal and General Litigation and Environmental Law. Her expertise shines particularly in Bail, Criminal Appeals, Illicit Drug Offences, Money Laundering, and Traffic Offences. 


    Furthermore, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in International Environmental Law, Maritime Law, and Climate Change Law, actively participating in negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).


    Beyond her legal practice, Kya is pursuing a PhD in Law at the University of the South Pacific, displaying her commitment to ongoing scholarly pursuits and her dedication to further contributing to the field.

  • Payal Kumar – Associate & National Recoveries Manager

    Payal completed her academic journey at the University of the South Pacific in 2019, earning a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Subsequently, in 2020, she was admitted to practice law. With substantial professional experience, Payal has actively participated in high-profile litigation cases, specialised in Land Law, conducted Environmental Impact Assessments, handled Consents, and engaged in Resource Management matters.


    Although initially drawn to Development, Environmental, and Commercial Law, Payal has since diversified her areas of expertise. She leads our Debt Recovery Team, demonstrating her adeptness and proficiency in this domain. She also focuses her time on Employment, contracts, General Litigation and Company Winding Ups. Payal's versatile legal skills and knowledge enable her to provide practical guidance and support to clients seeking resolution in debt-related matters.


  • ​Maria Raga – Associate

    Maria joined our team in 2019 while at the University of Fiji and adeptly managed the dual responsibilities of work and school. She demonstrated exceptional dedication and determination, rising from Clerk to Legal Executive before becoming a Senior Legal Executive. In 2021, Maria graduated with her Bachelor of Laws and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She was admitted to the bar in 2022. 


    With her extensive experience, Maria oversees and manages high-level Civil and Corporate files, including domestic and international companies and developments, and legislative and policy review matters. Her approach to each case is hands-on and nuanced, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive representation for our clients.

  • William Lomaloma – Junior Associate

    William earned his Bachelor of Laws from the University of the South Pacific in 2021. Further, he enhanced his legal expertise by completing a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice in 2022. Shortly after, in August 2022, he was admitted to practice.


    William's passion lies in Family Law and Criminal Litigation, with an expanding interest in Civil Litigation. Despite being a Junior Associate, he has acquired valuable experience working as a Legal Clerk and a Junior Associate in previous private firms. Additionally, his extensive background in the Civil Service, spanning over seven years, provides him with a unique perspective and insight into legal matters.


    With a solid academic foundation, practical experience and a diverse professional background, William is well-equipped to handle various legal challenges.

  • Mohammed Tanweez Hussain – Junior Associate

    Tanweez earned his Bachelor of Laws from the University of South Pacific in 2020 and completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice in 2021. Tanweez began his career as a Paralegal while pursuing his degrees and was admitted to practice in 2021.


    With a keen interest in Civil and Company Law, Tanweez brings a practical edge to the table. 

  • ​Lillian Ali-Sagaitu – National Practice Manager

    Lillian plays a pivotal role in our organization as she diligently manages the day-to-day administration of our three national offices. With an impressive legal career spanning over 17 years, Lillian brings a wealth of administrative expertise and experience to our team. As the key point of contact for our clients, she leads our client liaison team, ensuring that our branches consistently meet the high standards of Lal Patel Bale. Lillian's commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail contribute significantly to the smooth operation of our organisation.

  • Luisa Bakani - National Litigation Manager

    Luisa has been a cornerstone of our litigation team since 2016, beginning her journey as a legal executive. In 2023, she transitioned into the pivotal role of our National Litigation Manager. At the forefront of our legal endeavors, Luisa plays a vital role in orchestrating and leading our national litigation teams across all offices. She offers substantial support on complex cases, upholds rigorous compliance with regulatory standards, and closely collaborates with our teams to secure successful legal outcomes. In her capacity, Luisa oversees a team of adept litigators, ensuring the seamless and effective management of legal proceedings and cases.

  • Sonam Shivagni Chand - National Conveyancing Manager

    Sonam joined our team as our National Conveyancing Manager in 2023. With over a decade of invaluable experience in conveyancing and law, Sonam brings a wealth of expertise to the role. Holding a Diploma in Business Accounting from the Fiji National University, Sonam is well-equipped to streamline the conveyancing process nationwide. In this pivotal position, Sonam oversees a team of conveyancing professionals, ensuring the seamless and precise transfer of legal titles and property documents. Sonam's commitment extends to maintaining strict compliance with regulatory requirements while continuously optimising processes to achieve heightened efficiency.

  • Vani Tale - National Revenue Manager

    Vani joined Lal Patel Bale Lawyers in 2015, steadily advancing to the role of National Revenue Manager. In this pivotal position, Vani is instrumental in overseeing and enhancing the financial vitality of our nationwide operations. She is actively involved in crafting and executing effective revenue strategies, overseeing billing processes, and collaborating with legal teams to ensure precise and timely invoicing. Vani is a driving force behind the financial success of our team on a national scale.

  • Elenoa Buasali - National Accounts Manager

    Elenoa embarked on her journey with Lal Patel Bale Lawyers in 2016, starting as an Accounts Executive and rising to the role of National Accounts Manager in 2023. At the helm of our client relationships, Elenoa excels in developing strategic account strategies, collaborating seamlessly with legal teams to grasp client needs, and delivering personalized solutions to elevate client experiences. As the pivotal link between the firm and its clients, Elenoa plays an indispensable role in sustaining impressive client retention rates and nurturing enduring partnerships.

  • ​Asena Vole – Practice Manager Central

    Asena, with her extensive 15 years of experience in the legal profession, leads and supervises our national litigation and conveyancing teams. Her remarkable expertise encompasses all facets of the job, making her exceptionally knowledgeable in institutional practices, legal principles, and procedural intricacies. Asena's unparalleled level of proficiency ensures that our clients receive top-notch guidance and representation in their legal matters.

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