Local Counsel in American Samoa
No other firm in American Samoa has the mix of experience, local insight, and capabilities that Mooney Wieland Warren has in serving as local counsel for attorneys outside the territory. As anyone who has had exposure to the American Samoa legal system will quickly learn, the territory is a highly unique place to practice law. The court system resembles the American justice system in many ways, but because American Samoa is not entirely subject to the U.S. Constitution, there are many differences, including the fact that many cases are partially presided over by cultural judges without formal legal training. (For more on the American Samoa legal system, see American Samoa Law & Government.) Succeeding here requires first-hand knowledge that can only come with a local practice.
We Support Lead Counsel
As local counsel, we treat lead counsel as if they are our client. Our job is both to obtain a great result for the client, but also to help make lead counsel shine. We start each local-counsel relationship with a direct and frank discussion as to each respective firm’s roles and expectations. Although practicing in American Samoa will likely require our more active participation in court proceedings, we are happy to work with lead or national counsel to find the level of participation most appropriate for the case.
Our Experience Speaks for Itself
As the premiere commercial and insurance litigation firm in American Samoa, we have the experience necessary to act as local counsel in whatever capacity is requested by lead counsel. Our experience touches on all sectors of the American Samoa economy and political environment, including telecom, shipping, manufacturing, utilities, and real estate. The following list is merely a sample of cases we have handled recently:
- Representing an international insurance underwriter in a subrogation claim related to the destruction of power-storage facilities;
- Defending an international automobile manufacturer in defense of a product-liability suit; and
- Insurance coverage defense for prominent national and international insurers.
Reach out to our American Samoa-based litigators today for more on how we can support you and your team here in American Samoa.