Despite being the only lawyer in Rockhampton being admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland last month, Jocelyn Wilson did not feel alone.
The commercial law graduate, who works at Queensland’s oldest firm Rees R & Sydney Jones, said the admission sitting on 23 August “felt very personal”.
“I remember feeling nervous and excited as this was the final step in my journey to becoming a legal practitioner,” Jocelyn said of the occasion.
“Seeing all my family, friends, local barristers and work colleagues in the courtroom supporting me during my biggest milestone to date was an unforgettable feeling.
“The Honourable Justice Crow made references to my local upbringing and family which reassured me I was entering into a warm and collegiate legal community.
“There is something special about being admitted in your hometown and having the privilege of being moved by a close family friend. I do not think I would have had the same experience being admitted in a big city.”
Jocelyn chose Steven Deaves KC, a family friend who had gone to school with her father, to move her admission.
“Steven is an excellent role model and embodies qualities, both in and outside the office, I aspire to develop,” she said.
Mr Deaves said it was a “great privilege” to move Jocelyn’s admission.
Jocelyn with Steven Deaves KC at her admission.
“I have known Jocelyn her whole life. Her parents are dear friends and, in particular, her father is a school friend,” he said.
“In Rockhampton, an applicant for admission can have family, friends and colleagues present in court, and the Central Judge permits movers to make a short address about an applicant for admission. This makes the application a very personal occasion.
“Moreover, Jocelyn was the only applicant for admission on the day of her application. The Courtroom was packed and the Bar table was full.”
Jocelyn said she chose to study law “because I want to assist people during some of the most pivotal moments in their lives, whether they are facing exciting opportunities or stressful challenges”.
“Being able to guide and support clients through the legal processes is something I find highly rewarding,” she said.
Jocelyn enjoys working in a regional centre.
“My goal is to ensure that people in Rockhampton and Central Queensland don’t feel they need to travel to larger cities for quality legal advice and representation.
“I want them to know that they can find dedicated and capable lawyers in their community who understand their unique needs and circumstances.
“Additionally, I find the law to be fascinating and complex, constantly presenting new challenges, and I love embracing those challenges.”
Firm Partner Melanie Findlay said Jocelyn decided to move back to Rockhampton from Brisbane to complete her final six months of her undergraduate degree remotely.
“Jocelyn applied for a role at the firm after speaking with other local lawyers about which firms promoted work-life balance so she could continue studying full-time,” Melanie said.
“Jocelyn started in the administration team here so she could juggle her full-time studies with full-time work. After Jocelyn completed her university studies, she commenced working as a paralegal in the commercial team. Jocelyn completed her Practical Legal Training whilst working under Kerry Attwill, the Wills and Estates Partner.”
Jocelyn’s plans to expand her expertise in specialised areas of law “that interest me and are important to my community, such as Commercial Law, Family Law and Succession Planning”.
She also hopes “to build long-term relationships with clients and colleagues, become a reliable resource who understands local challenges and provide tailored legal solutions”.
In the Townsville admission sitting last month, Trevor Nichols was the sole newly admitted solicitor before Justice North. There are seven admission sittings in Brisbane today, 9 September.
We look to celebrate all newly admitted solicitors and congratulate them on this significant achievement. Please email details to proctor@qls.com.au. Ensure you include some details of your current role, along with a quality head-and-shoulders image or images from your admission sitting.
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