In 1989 she opened her own legal practice in Manukau, Auckland, focusing on family court work and representing children in matters related to their care and protection, justice and guardianship.
[2] One of her more high-profile cases was in 2009, when she was the defence lawyer for Lisa Kuka during her trial for the neglect of daughter Nia Glassie.
[2] Tuilotolava was a member of the Pacific Peoples Focus Group at the Ministry of Justice for three years, finishing in 2002.
[2] She has provided legal clinics at the Mangere Citizens’ Advice Bureau and on radio talkback shows.
[4] Tuilotolava has also been involved in a number of other Pasifika community groups including the National Council of Tongan Women, the Tongan Women's Association, and the Auckland Pacific Island Community Radio Trust.