Our Lawyers & Legal Team

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

With nearly two decades of legal experience, Raina commenced her career as a Development Executive in New Zealand. Raina's passion for Law and property development shines through her expertise and achievements. She possesses remarkable proficiency in diverse areas of construction and property law, 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 cross-jurisdictional expertise, Raina brings a unique blend of local and international perspectives to her work, which 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 exceptional skill, passion, and dedication to delivering outstanding results for our clients.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Property, University of Auckland

Bachelor of Laws, University of Auckland

Diploma of Professional Legal Studies, Institute of Legal Studies

Admission:

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Fiji

Notary Public, Fiji 

​Renee is one of the best litigators in Fiji. With nearly three decades of practice 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. She began 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, highlighted by her admission as a Notary Public in 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.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Laws, University of the South Pacific

Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, University of the South Pacific

Admission:

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Fiji

Notary Public, Fiji 

Amani ​has long had a love affair with tax. With over 30 years of practice experience, Amani has cultivated a diverse professional background, encompassing private practice, the public sector, private 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 is based in our Labasa office, where he continues contributing his vast expertise and serving our clients with exceptional dedication and professionalism. 

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Laws, Bond University

Masters of Taxation, University of New South Wales

Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Queensland University of Technology

Admission:

Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Fiji

Notary Public, Fiji

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.

Kya is a seasoned legal professional with nearly a decade of experience across criminal, family, civil, and commercial litigation and employment, environmental, and climate change law. She has successfully represented clients at all levels, from tribunals to appellate courts, delivering impactful results through sharp legal analysis and strategic advocacy.

Her practice focuses on criminal and general litigation and environmental law, with particular expertise in bail, criminal appeals, drug offences, money laundering and financial crimes, and traffic offences. She also brings deep knowledge of international environmental law, maritime law, and climate change law, having actively participated in UN climate negotiations under the UNFCCC framework.

With a proven track record of excellence in litigation, legal education, and international negotiation, Kya continues to redefine the future of legal practice, balancing efficiency, innovation, and a deep commitment to justice.

Beyond the courtroom, Kya is pursuing a PhD in law at the University of the South Pacific, underscoring her commitment to academic excellence.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts, University of Auckland

Bachelor of Laws, University of Auckland

Certificate of Legal Practice, Institute of Professional Legal Studies

Masters of Law in Environmental Law with First Class Honours, University of Auckland

Admission:

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Fiji

Maria  joined our team in 2019 while studying at the University of Fiji, expertly balancing the demands of work and academia. Her unwavering dedication and determination saw her rise through the ranks—from Clerk to Legal Executive, then Senior Legal Executive, and ultimately to Associate upon graduating.

With extensive experience, Maria now plays a pivotal role in overseeing and managing complex civil, commerical and corporate matters, working with both domestic and international companies on high-value transactions, developments, and regulatory compliance. She also has a strong background in legislative and policy review, ensuring that businesses and organisations navigate legal frameworks effectively.

A formidable litigator, Maria is known for her sharp legal acumen and unwavering commitment to securing the best outcomes for clients. Her approach is hands-on, strategic, and detail-oriented, allowing her to provide tailored, results-driven solutions. Her ability to analyse intricate legal issues, coupled with her tenacity in the courtroom, makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Laws, University of Fiji

Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, University of Fiji

Admission:

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Fiji

Priyenka is a dynamic lawyer with a fresh and pragmatic approach to legal practice. She has a strong passion for advocacy and is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients.

Her practice covers the breadth of general practice and includes civil, commercial, family and criminal litigation. A formidable litigator, Priyenka thrives in high-pressure environments and is known for her strong work ethic, adaptability, and ability to think on her feet. She is a team player who works seamlessly with colleagues and clients, ensuring a collaborative and results-driven approach to legal problem-solving.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Laws, University of the South Pacific

Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, University of the South Pacific

Admission:

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Fiji 

Tiaré is a highly skilled young lawyer with a strong background in property and development law, offering strategic legal solutions across a broad spectrum of property infrastructure, site development, and real estate transactions. She has a proven track record of advising on complex cross-jurisdictional matters, ensuring seamless compliance with regulatory frameworks and institutional requirements.

Her expertise spans body corporates, commercial leasing, and large-scale property developments, where she provides tailored legal guidance to developers, investors, and corporate entities. She is adept at handling civil, commercial, and corporate matters, including debt recovery, compliance, and regulatory approvals, working closely with government agencies and industry bodies to streamline processes.

Beyond property law, Tiaré  has a strong background in commercial and corporate regulatory matters, advising businesses on corporate governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. She regularly assists clients with corporate structuring, mergers and acquisitions, and contractual negotiations, ensuring they meet legal obligations while maximising commercial opportunities. Her comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks and industry standards allows her to provide strategic counsel that safeguards clients’ interests in an evolving legal landscape.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Property, University of Auckland

Bachelor of Laws, University of Auckland

Certificate of Legal Practice, Institute of Professional Legal Studies

Admission:

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Fiji

Silivenusi brings a wealth of experience in the legal field, he has developed a strong reputation at Lal Patel Bale Lawyers, specialising in recoveries, compliance, and immigration law.

Silivenusi has successfully managed corporate debt recovery and ensured that businesses comply with registration and regulatory requirements. His prior experience as a Legal Executive involved supporting the firm with client liaison, administrative management, and document preparation, further solidifying his expertise in legal practice, compliance, and project coordination.

Silivenusi brings a practical, solutions-driven approach to all legal matters, particularly in immigration law, company establishment, and infrastructure. He is well-versed in advising clients on immigration processes and ensuring compliance with local regulations, facilitating smooth business operations and expansions. His deep understanding of company establishment and infrastructure enables him to offer strategic guidance, making him an invaluable asset to the firm and its clients.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Laws, University of Fiji

Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, University of Fiji

Admission:

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Fiji

Sarafina  transitioned into legal practice with a strong background in public administration, she brings invaluable experience from her tenure at Fiji’s Ministry of Justice. Serving as an Executive Officer, District Registrar, and Clerk, she developed a deep understanding of administrative law, records management, and public service procedures.

Her hands-on experience in court operations, regulatory compliance, and procedural law provides her with a practical, solutions-driven approach to legal challenges. She regularly appears across a broad range of matters, particularly in family and civil law, where her meticulous attention to detail and strong procedural knowledge ensure effective case management and advocacy.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Laws, University of the South Pacific

Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, University of the South Pacific

Admission:

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Fiji

Lillian plays a pivotal role in our organisation as she diligently manages the day-to-day administration of our four national offices. With an impressive legal career spanning over 20 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 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.

Qualifications:

Certificate of Paralegal Studies, University of Fiji

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. 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.

Qualifications:

Diploma in Business and Accounting, Fiji National University

Asena, with close to two decades 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.

Qualifications:

Certificate of Paralegal Studies, University of Fiji