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Bacalando and Olmstead newest attorneys admitted to FSM Bar

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Supreme Court/FSM Information Service): June 3, 2005 - The Supreme Court of the Federated States of Micronesia has admitted two new attorneys to the FSM Bar.

Matthew Olmsted and Leonito M. Bacalando Jr. became the newest members of the FSM Bar during an induction ceremony held in the afternoon of May 20, 2005 at the FSM Supreme Court in Palikir. The Honorable Andon L. Amaraich, Chief Justice of the FSM Supreme Court presided over the special proceeding to admit Mr. Olmsted and Mr. Bacalando to the FSM Bar. They attorneys had taken the FSM Bar Examination in March 2005.

Olmsted is a citizen of the United States American currently residing in the State of Pohnpei. He is presently employed as an Assistant Attorney General with the FSM Department of Justice. In May 1997, Olmstead received his Doctorate in Law from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA ) - School of Law . Olmstead also has a Masters Degree in Public International Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He graduated with distinction from both of these educational institutions. Olmsted was admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of California in March of 1998. Since then, he has remained a member in good standing with the California Bar. His previous work experience also included assistant at the CNN Crossfire Program, research assistant with the House of Commons in United Kingdom, law clerk with the U.S. Department of State and a senior field coordinator and an election coordinator with the United Nations Mission in the Republic of Kosovo.

Bacalando is a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines currently residing in the State of Pohnpei. He received his Bachelor of Laws degree in March 2001 from the University of San Carlos, School of Law in Cebu City, Philippines. In may 2002, Bacalando became a member of the Philippine Bar, duly admitted to practice as an Attorney and Counselor of Law in all the courts of the Philippines and remains a member in good standing in all the courts of the Philippines. Bacalando is presently working as an Assistant Attorney for the Office of the the Pohnpei State Government State Attorney General.

Chief Justice Amaraich congratulated the newly inducted members of the FSM Bar and added that, as Bar members, the public would expect their conducts and character to adhere to a higher standard of professionalism.

The Chief Justice thanked the family members, employers, friends and members of the FSM Bar, for their support and encouragement and especially as witnesses to the auspicious occasion of the Induction of Olmstead and Bacalando to the FSM Bar.

A short reception followed the induction ceremony.