judges

"I never thought I could be a judge; I didn’t know anybody; I was not politically aware probably as much as I should have been. But I applied anyway, thinking that I could take a year or two as a judge and see the law from that perspective and I could become such a great trial lawyer after that. I got appointed, and I didn’t want to leave the bench at all because I love being a judge. It was a terrific and has been a terrific experience."

"It is very limiting to have one life—but I can’t say I’m disappointed in having chosen the law. I love the law, I loved being a lawyer, I love being a judge. I’m not sure I can answer the question of whether or not my experiences as an immigrant or my childhood informed that decision. I don’t consider myself a brilliant person by any means. I’m smart enough, but I’m not the philosopher that I would like to be… But the law ended up being a great fit for me. I love the concept of an organized society where people can interact peacefully with one another."

"I am fortunate to have come from a tri-cultural family, which has helped me to understand different experiences, different points of view."

"I think gender, racial, and ethnicity representation on courts and on boards is extremely important, because of its impact on inclusiveness and on the understanding that we are all part of the same world and need to have our group represented. Having said that, the more important thing for me in terms of diversity on courts is the diversity of viewpoints."

"I hope that the world will get better incrementally. As a realist, I doubt that there will be a dramatic breakthrough, though I will certainly embrace it if there is any! I hope we will be able to understand how to communicate better, so that the values that I espouse will be understood by those who don’t seem to have the same values, or those who seem to have the same values, but somehow can’t see that those values are not being advanced."

"She didn't solve the problem, but they then rebuilt an underground network from scratch, successfully."

"shortfalls are inevitable given factors such as... a nascent democratic culture and an increasingly charged political and security environment."

"Even though there's still a lot to be done, we see institutional reforms in many directions. These are good opportunities."

"I signed on that document. This is a fact that I can't change, even if I want to."

"the new premier described her as someone who would never surrender, even to the government."

"She has acted as Rapporteur on numerous occasions, and has specialised in thematic areas, such as the right to vote, the rights of detained persons, arbitrary arrests and the right to fair trial."

"Justice Mengue is also a member of the National Commission of Human Rights and Freedoms of Cameroon, where she has acted as Rapporteur on numerous occasions, and has specialised in thematic areas, such as the right to vote, the rights of detained persons, arbitrary arrests and the right to fair trial."

"In celebration of International Women’s Day in Cameroon, on 8 May 2011 Judge Arrey was named amongst 50 women who had made an impact in Cameroon and was hailed “as a no-nonsense Judge” by her government."

"Apart from Justice Epuli, other Anglophone Magistrates who were also raised by Paul Biya include Justice Arrey Florence Rita, who becomes technical adviser the MINJUSTICE"

"Justice Gordon is keen to embrace the challenges of working as a High Court Judge, following her recent appointment."

"After just a few years, I commenced to teach the course, and still do, with Simon Steward QC and Ms Lisa Hespe."

"Justice Gordon is just the fifth woman appointed to the Court in its 112-year history, joining The Hon. Susan Mary Kiefel AC and The Hon. Virginia Bell, making a total of three women on the High Court bench."

"Hard work and application remain as important as they have always been. I have enjoyed my time as a practising lawyer, barrister, teacher, and judge. In the end, it is dealing and interacting with others —clients, junior barristers at the bar, participants in the Indigenous lawyers program, my associates, and my students — from whom I have learned and benefitted that has been the most rewarding. You always learn more from those you interact with."

"Justice Gordon's dedicated work ethic and commitment to advancing legal education at the highest level meant that her involvement with Melbourne Law School has only increased with time."

"It has been fascinating creating and teaching a new course. I learn far more than I teach… Teaching has its own challenges. Trying to pass on to others the knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary to an understanding of a particular area of the law is itself an education. And there is always the pleasure when you see that a student understands the point you are trying to make."

"My appointment as a Justice of the High Court of Australia is exciting but I am very well aware that large challenges lie ahead. The work of the Court is relentless and, inevitably, comprises the truly hard cases. That combination presents both the challenges and the rewards of the tasks that lie ahead."

"I agreed to present a course on tax litigation with The Hon. Ken Jenkinson QC and Tony Pagone QC (as he then was). As a junior practitioner, it was daunting teaching with such senior practitioners."

"Be yourself. You are who you are, and you have much to give in whatever you are doing."

"From the outset, her teaching has been extraordinarily popular and is very well received by students each year. With two such significant judges teaching the subject, there are a lot of legal professionals who want to take it, to hear what Justice Gordon and Justice Hayne have to say about statutory interpretation."

"I can honestly say, it's been a real privilege."

"I wanted to be independent,"

"I realised, it's not just defence work that helps vulnerable people. Prosecuting is about protecting people… it's about giving people the justice they deserve."

"I never imagined coming back to this school as a 'role model',"

"Arguing cases in front of the high court is something I never imagined doing when I was at school."

"It was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time, but that's the kind of work that made me want to do my best and push forward."

"Lady Justice Hannah Okwengu has served with dedication and integrity in her judicial capacity. Her contributions to the administration of justice in Kenya have been invaluable."

"She took the smart classes, I took lunch,"

"It's an honour she never expected to be given, then again, she never imagined she'd be married to fellow classmate Gary, a 4KQ presenter, either."

"I looked for her in detention, but she was never there."

"I know she will serve the people of NSW with absolute distinction."

"owever, that interest flourished in my time in high school at the Sacre Coeur convent in Kincoppal. The Sacre Coeur nuns wore habits, or robes, which were quite unique and it seemed to me that their presence enhanced the nuns' authority. It was not just the individual with whom one was dealing with but an institution which commanded and might I say received, respect."

"This is a wonderful ceremony made more so by the presence of my family, my friends and colleagues. It is, of course, not possible to thank you individually but I would like to say that the trust of my instructing solicitors in placing their briefs in my hands over the years has been enormously gratifying. It is that trust upon which a career at the Bar depends. For that I thank you."

"WHEN Leanne Clare was a student at Bremer High school in the 1970s she always looked up to Rosemary Milgate – a student who competed at the Montreal Olympics."

"I won't be able to look at my family at this stage."

"Justice Beazley said she would bring three of her core beliefs — community, education and rule of law — to the role."

"The people of NSW are extremely fortunate Justice Beazley has accepted the position."

"She is a leader in the legal profession [and] has been a mentor to many aspiring legal professionals."

"It is most gratifying to be reminded of the interesting and important aspects of my life and career. One aspect to which reference has not been made directly is my abiding interest in the exercise of power and how it affects others."

"I am indeed honoured and delighted to be that woman and to be appointed to Equity when it is so clearly in a period of vigour."

"Chief Justice, your Honours, Mr Barker, Ms Hole, members of the legal profession, ladies and gentlemen, thank you Mr Barker and thank you Ms Hole. I am deeply grateful for the generous remarks that have been made."

"I have the honour to announce I have been appointed a Judge of this Court. I present to you my Commission."

"Hannah Okwengu’s work will always be remembered for her unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice was accessible to all Kenyans."

"I am very honoured … didn't think I would be emotional, so I do apologise."

"It is what makes us such a cohesive society."

"As a leader in various judicial committees and professional bodies, Okwengu has shown a commitment to advancing women's rights and promoting judicial efficiency."