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First virtual admission ceremony turns Chief Justice into ‘vlogger’
In its first-ever virtual admission ceremony, the Chief Justice of NSW’s Supreme Court has welcomed the newest members of the legal profession, addressing the major legal challenges and social issues that the next generation will be responsible for.
Naomi Neilson
In what was quipped to be a “pandemic special”, Chief Justice Tom Bathurst welcomed the newest members of the legal profession in the first-ever virtual ceremony since the time-honoured tradition of accepting new lawyers began in the 12th century.
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“This is as strange to you as it is to me,” CJ Bathurst told the virtual crowd, pointing to the desire to prefer cat videos and beauty tutorials over an admission ceremony before joking that “I didn’t know what a vlogger was until last week, but I guess I am one now”.
“This virtual ceremony reflects agility and dedication of the profession you are entering to delivering justice outside a [bricks-and-mortar] classroom. We transitioned into virtual systems of justice at a previously unimaginable speed,” CJ Bathurst said. “As you are experiencing right now, dining tables have become the new bar tables, family dogs the courtroom security and interrupting children the new rowdy members of the public.”
CJ Bathurst said this transition into a virtual system could have only been done by the dedication and commitment of the profession in ensuring that the wheels of justice have continued to run. This admission is one key example, with CJ Bathurst pointing to the fact that lawyers were admitted even during the Spanish flu and during world wars.
Throughout his welcoming speech, CJ Bathurst addressed key legal and social issues that are facing the new members. Beginning with the pandemic, CJ Bathurst said that it was up to this new generation to uphold justice by ensuring that the COVID-19 virus does not “undermine access to justice” and all rights and dignity of clients are upheld.
Outside of the pandemic, CJ Bathurst explained that the Black Lives Matter and recent #MeToo movements presented a challenge for the profession to ensure that the calls for change do not pass without systemic reforms and, as new members, they may be “called upon to ensure that our justice system is in fact just for all”.
“Many of you would have chosen to study law because you wanted to promote human rights, to reform policy or to advocate for the most vulnerable. I urge you to remember why you decided to study law all those years ago,” CJ Bathurst said.
“Irrespective of whether you practice in commercial firms, a community legal centre or pursue a career outside the law altogether, I encourage you to use the legal knowledge and capacity for critical thinking for the public good.”
CJ Bathurst added that, as members of the legal profession, the new lawyers are now in a position of great privilege and will play a trusted role in “some of the most testing times of others” as their confidant, an adviser or an advocate to many.
“As lawyers, we have a responsibility to use our training and knowledge as a tool. This year has shown us there is much for us to defend and strengthen, undo and remake. As the newest members of our profession, you have an unparalleled opportunity to be part of this change for the better,” CJ Bathurst said.
