Judge urges new lawyer to serve her community

LEGAL: Rebecca Gibbs was admitted to the bar in Whangarei on Monday.PHOTO/SOPHIE RYAN

Whangarei judges' research counsel Rebecca Gibbs, 25, was encouraged to serve her local community during her ceremony to be admitted to the bar.

Miss Gibbs was admitted to the order of bar at the High Court in Whangarei by Justice Raynor Asher on Monday.

District Court Judges Keith de Ridder, Duncan Harvey, Simon Maude and Sarah Lindsay were present, as well as Associate Judge Roger Bell.

The ceremony was full of the pomp and formality of barristers' robes and wigs, a hark back to 18th century England.

Justice Asher said Miss Gibbs had been an outstanding student during her university career at University of Otago and Victoria University and had already had an excellent participation in community services.

Justice Asher said being involved in the community is an important and rewarding part of of any lawyer's life.

"Look at local councils, school boards of trustees, sporting boards, and you will see lawyers serving the community," he said.

"I urge you, Rebecca, to do pro bono work and get involved in the community."

Ms Gibbs has been a judicial clerk and a judges' research counsel at the Whangarei District Court and the High Court in Whangarei since April.

Originally from Nelson, she said she was pleased to launch her legal career in Whangarei.