Ceremonial Sitting of the Federal Court of Australia to welcome The Honourable Justice Jane Needham
Speech delivered by Juliana Warner, President-elect of the Law Council of Australia at the Federal Court of Australia in Sydney, 12 July 2024.
"It is an honour and a great pleasure to represent the Law Council of Australia at this ceremony to welcome Your Honour’s appointment and extend to you the congratulations and best wishes of the profession. I seem to be outnumbered by barristers who are speaking at the Bar table today so I think I will even up the score a bit by noting that I am also representing the Law Society of NSW and I am here to congratulate you on behalf of the 42,230 solicitors holding active practicing certificates in this great State.
One of the many, many things that I admire about Your Honour is that you have been an outspoken and tireless champion of diversity, inclusion and equality within our profession. Throughout your career you have carved a path for other women to follow and supported many female lawyers on their journey.
We have heard today that you are following in your father’s footsteps. I understand that it was through Your Honour working as an associate to your father in the Supreme Court that the legal profession was lucky enough to attract your attention and dedication.
But I would also like to pay tribute to your mother. Your mother, then Anne Cunningham, was a solicitor at the venerable firm of Allen, Allen & Hemsley in the 1950’s – only the second woman lawyer there. In those days that was quite exceptional. She must have been a trailblazer at that time. Many women of her generation left their careers early, for a variety of reasons, but went on to raise little girls who grew up, like Your Honour, determined to make a change. So, it is hardly surprising that you have been such a champion for women lawyers. I expect that your mother was a huge source of inspiration for you.
With your appointment, you will continue to inspire the next generation within our profession or those considering a career in the law."
Read full speech below.
Last Updated on 19/08/2024