As the words “let another Kerr be admitted” were read out in the Cairns Supreme Court on Friday, newly admitted lawyer Jasmin Kerr felt a deep sense of pride.
The Preston Law lawyer was one of four admissions on 7 February, along with Alice Robinson, Mai Fukushima and Imogen Napier, and her admission was moved by her father Andrew, a Partner at Moray & Agnew.
Law is staying in the Kerr family with Jasmin’s admission.
“The most memorable thing about the admission ceremony was hearing Supreme Court Judge Justice Henry say, ‘let another Kerr be admitted’,” Jasmin said.
“After four years of university and training, hearing those words was such a powerful moment for me. It was a real ‘you’ve done it’ moment in my life, and it made all the hard work, dedication and sacrifices feel completely worth it. Hearing those words in such an important setting made the whole experience incredibly special.”
Having her father in the legal profession influenced her career path.
“I decided to go into law because growing up, I saw how passionate my dad was about his work, and it really stuck with me,” she said. “Watching him put so much heart into what he did made me realise I wanted to do the same.
“He inspired me to follow in his footsteps, and I’ve always admired how he made a real difference in people’s lives. His commitment to helping others made me want to pursue a career where I could do the same.”
So the decision about who to ask to move her admission to the Supreme Court of Queensland was an easy one.
“I chose my dad, Andrew Kerr, to move my admission because it’s such a special and meaningful moment, and I couldn’t think of anyone better to be a part of it,” Jasmin said.
“It’s not every day you get the opportunity to have one of your parents play such an important role in your career journey.
“My dad has been a huge inspiration to me throughout my life and having him move my admission felt like a full-circle moment, as he’s been such an influential figure in my decision to pursue law in the first place. It was a personal and proud moment for both of us.”
And the proud dad, who focuses on local government and native title law, felt the same emotions.
“As a legal practitioner with nearly 30 years’ post-admission experience, being given the rare privilege of moving a new lawyer’s admission before the Supreme Court is one thing, but being asked and then moving my daughter Jasmin’s admission was a very proud moment and highlight in both my professional career and my personal life,” Andrew shared.
“I wish Jasmin the experiences and opportunities I have had as a regionally based lawyer including the many satisfying moments working with clients to understand and resolve legal issues impacting them.”
And Jasmin has several role models to help guide her career.
“While I was completing my traineeship under the supervision of Louise Robert at Preston Law, I saw firsthand her dedication to her clients and her drive to achieve the best outcomes for them,” Jasmin said.
“Her approach and passion for family law really inspired me and solidified my decision to focus on this area of law.
“I knew I wanted to make a similar impact in people’s lives, especially in such a sensitive and meaningful field. I was told at the beginning of my traineeship that you don’t choose the area of law, the area of law chooses you and I certainly think that was the case.”
So family law appears to be in Jasmin’s future.
“Moving forward, I hope to continue learning and growing in family law, striving to make a positive impact in my clients’ lives during some of their most challenging times. My goal is to build a reputation for being a trusted and compassionate lawyer who can help families navigate difficult situations with understanding and care.”
Proctor looks to celebrate all newly admitted lawyers 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.
Share this article