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Chief Justice welcomes Newcastle lawyers for first time in 25 years

For the first time in 25 years, Newcastle hosted the NSW Chief Justice and three top judges to admit new lawyers into the profession. 

user iconNaomi Neilson 26 February 2021 NewLaw
University of Newcastle
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The Honourable Chief Justice Tom Bathurst visited the University of Newcastle earlier this week to welcome in a suite of new graduates into the profession, marking the first time in 25 years that major judges presided over the admittance ceremony. 

In his speech, CJ Bathurst commented: “One of the reasons we have all come here today is to recognise the significant contribution the Newcastle profession and the Newcastle law school has made to the administration of justice and the rule of law, both generally and particularly in the Hunter region … Great lawyers are known to come out of Newcastle, and I am confident that today is no exception.”

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He was joined in Newcastle by three top judges and colleagues Justice Andrew Bell, president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Clifton Hoeben, Chief Judge at Common Law, and Novocastrian justice Julie Ward, Chief Judge in Equity. 

In his speech, CJ Bathurst also made mention of the “alarming” under-representation of diversity and culture in the profession: “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and peoples from diverse and cultural backgrounds continue to be alarmingly underrepresented in the legal profession. 

“We will only achieve a truly diverse profession when barriers to advancement are broken down, and people from different backgrounds are properly supported in a collegiate and inclusive environment free from harassment and discrimination.” 

Dean of the law school Professor Tania Sourdin said to have the state’s top judges in attendance was an “incredible moment” for students. 

“The University of Newcastle consistently produces some of the country’s most influential and impactful lawyers, and I am honoured to be here experiencing this moment with our newest cohort,” Professor Sourdin said.  

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