Solicitor Skips Courts For Supreme Spot

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday August 5, 2008

By JULIEANNE STRACHAN

FORMER dux of Newcastle Girls High School Julie Ward has effectively topped her class again, this time breaking new ground in her appointment to the NSW Supreme Court.

The Hunter-born and raised solicitor, who works in Sydney, is poised to become the first female solicitor directly appointed to the bench.

The move would catapult her from her role as a solicitor straight to the court, without first serving as a magistrate or district judge.

Ms Ward said yesterday she was "humbled" by the appointment and hoped it would encourage other female solicitors.

It is not the first time Ms Ward has broken new ground. In 1988 she became the youngest partner ever appointed at law firm Mallesons Stephen Jaques.

She credits some of her success to her Newcastle upbringing.

She attended New Lambton Public School and the selective Newcastle Girls High School, which later became Newcastle High School.

"I'm very proud of that background," she said.

"I was dux at the school and I think that gave me an excellent foundation for my later academic studies.

"I went to the University of Sydney to study arts/law. "Newcastle University did not offer any law courses at that stage."

There, she won the prestigious University Medal in Law in 1982.

Ms Ward later studied at the University of Oxford and received first class honours.

NSW Attorney-General John Hatzistergos has announced he will recommend the Governor, Marie Bashir, make the appointment so Ms Ward can be sworn in on September 29.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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