Bar Association Welcomes Court of Appeal Initiative

1 March 2018

Bar Association Welcomes Court of Appeal Initiative on Role of Juniors

The announcement today by the Court of Appeal that it has resolved to encourage greater participation of junior counsel in hearings is an important and significant step that will increase the opportunities for both male and female junior counsel to gain experience and help to build a stronger and more diverse body of advocates.

“We know that a disproportionate number of senior counsel appearing in the higher courts are male. Creating more opportunities for junior counsel to have a speaking role in hearings will therefore enable more women to gain the skills and experience needed to progress to senior counsel roles, and will equally create more opportunities for male juniors, creating a wider and deeper pool of talented advocates. This can only be a good thing for our profession.” Say the Co-Chairs of the Gender Equity Committee, Kate Davenport QC and Jim Farmer QC.

The Gender Equity Committee congratulates the Court on adopting this excellent initiative, which complements the NZLS and NZBA’s joint Gender Equitable Engagement and Instruction Policy.

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