News
A journey of purpose: From Fiji to Hawai’i
Posted by Media Team 24 October 2025
Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Acting Principal State Counsel Joseph Work recently returned from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in the United States, where he completed a Master of Laws (LL.M.) under the prestigious United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Project Governance Fellowship.
His one-year program focused on Human Rights & Social Justice and Environmental Law, two fields highly relevant to the Pacific’s governance and development priorities.
Born in Sigatoka and raised between Korolevu and Kulukulu, Mr. Work’s early years were shaped by life along the ocean.
“Growing up by the coast, there was always a sense of calm and familiarity, something that stayed with me when I was in Hawai‘i,” he shared.
“The coast shaped much of my childhood and gave me a deep appreciation for home and community.”
His educational journey began at Saint Peter Chanel School, later continuing at Kulukulu Public School and Sigatoka Methodist College, where he completed his high school education in 2009.
In 2010, he received the Multi-Ethnic Affairs Scholarship, allowing him to pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of the South Pacific (USP).
After completing his Professional Diploma in Legal Practice (PDLP), Mr. Work was admitted to the Bar in 2014, the same year he began his legal career with the Commission.
Starting as a Legal Counsel (Assessment), Mr. Work steadily rose through the ranks, serving as State Counsel, Acting Senior State Counsel, and Senior State Counsel, before assuming his current role as Acting Principal State Counsel.
“My first court appearance and trial as a prosecutor was with the Commission. I’m deeply grateful for that opportunity, it allowed me to develop and refine my advocacy skills,” he said.
For Mr. Work, his career in law has always been personal.
“None of my parents attended college or university, so becoming the first lawyer in my family and achieving the highest level of education was a deeply personal milestone.”
“My father passed away in 2009, during my final year of high school, and I often wish he could have seen how far I’ve come.”
He credits those early life experiences, particularly his father’s encounters with law enforcement as shaping his commitment to justice and fairness, and fuelling his passion for criminal law and prosecution.
That same passion led him to the University of Hawai‘i.
As the first Fijian recipient of the Fellowship, Mr. Work described the experience as both humbling and transformative.
“Laws and systems only work when they reflect the realities and needs of the people they serve,” he said.
“My time in Hawai‘i reaffirmed that justice is not only about punishment, but also about protection, equity, and long-term societal change.”
During his studies, Mr. Work engaged with Pacific and international professionals on issues such as climate justice, indigenous rights, and governance reform, and even had the opportunity to visit Superior Courts in California and Hawai‘i.
His key takeaway: that community-led, culturally grounded governance is essential for meaningful legal reform.
These lessons now have profound influence over his work at the Commission.
Having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by witnesses and whistle-blowers in corruption cases, Mr. Work has become a strong advocate for a rights-based, victim-sensitive approach within the justice system.
“In one matter, a witness who courageously gave evidence against a powerful individual was later victimised.”
“That experience opened my eyes to the human rights challenges within anti-corruption work and sparked my determination to advocate for stronger protections.”
Through his post-graduate research, he explored how international human rights frameworks can strengthen witness protection laws, ethical prosecution practices, and whistle-blower safeguards insights he continues to apply at FICAC today.
To those considering further studies, Mr. Work’s message is simple but powerful:
“Do it. The journey is not easy, balancing work, study, and family never is but it’s worth it.”
“Education broadens your perspective and deepens your ability to serve. Stay grounded in your purpose, and let that guide you through the challenges.”
From humble beginnings in Nadroga to international recognition as a governance fellow, Mr. Work’s story is one of perseverance, integrity, and service, qualities that continue to strengthen the Commission’s mission to build a fairer and more transparent Fiji.
