While Robertson O’Gorman law clerk Harry Gambling initially had his sights set on a future in sports law, his career took a successful sidestep into criminal law.
The District Court Associate to Judge Holliday KC was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland at the 17 November sittings in Brisbane after two years with Robertson O’Gorman.
“Initially, the intention was to pursue commercial law to play some part in the commercial side of Australian sport; I wish there was a more noble reason but I just really liked sports,” Harry said.
“I had no aspirations of going into criminal law. It was only after commencing as a clerk at Robertson O’Gorman Solicitors that a genuine passion for criminal law became apparent.
“That experience underscored for me, that there are far more important battles to be fought than trying to slow down the decline of rugby union in Australia.”
And while Harry might enjoy the buzz of excitement around the ground at a rugby game, there was a buzz at the Banco Court as more than 80 lawyers were admitted.
“For me, the most memorable part of the ceremony was before it even started,” he said.
“The atmosphere outside the Banco Court was buzzing as families and friends gathered to support their loved ones – it helped to distract me from how stressed I was that something was going to go wrong.
“It was great to see so many peers from university and PLT ready to join the profession.”
Harry asked Emma Higgins, Legal Director at Robertson O’Gorman and an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law, to move his admission.
“When I first interviewed with Robertson O’Gorman for a law clerk position in November 2022, Emma was one of the interviewers who had the misfortune of watching me fumble my way through,” he said.
“In the two years that followed I worked on a number of her matters. I was, and continue to be, grateful for Emma’s mentorship throughout this time and her willingness to challenge me with difficult work.
“It was only fitting that someone who was in the room when my career in criminal law started, and who has supported me at every turn, would be the person that moved my admission.”
Emma said moving Harry’s admission was “an honour and a responsibility in equal measure”.
“The path to admission is paved with forms and fees but once the paperwork is all settled and the endorsement of the board is secured, the ceremony itself is one of tradition and celebration,” she said.
“It was deeply gratifying to stand before the Court and vouch for Harry’s character and fitness to join the profession. I felt proud to see Harry recognised for the lawyer he has worked hard to become.”
Emma said before starting his associateship in the District Court, Harry was employed as a law clerk at the criminal law firm.
“The firm has a long tradition of social justice advocacy, which reflects our view of the profession’s broader role in serving the community through both that advocacy and law reform,” she said.
“These values are reflected in Harry – his dedication as a clerk, sound judgment under pressure and preparedness to learn and improve were characteristics that impressed me. He has demonstrated reliability, discretion and an appreciation for the role that lawyers play within the wider community as advocates.”
Moving Harry’s admission was also a first for Emma, who is also a member of the Queensland Law Society Criminal Law Committee.
“I felt deeply honoured to shepherd Harry into the profession through this process. It was a privilege to address the Court in support of his application and entry to practice and highlighted to me the trust the profession places in those who vouch for their candidate.”
Harry holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Business (Distinction). He will be welcomed back to the office in 2026.
“For now, I’m looking forward to wrapping up my associateship in the District Court and heading back to Robertson O’Gorman in the new year,” he said.
“My only plan for the time being is to continue learning from those around me and preparing myself to be the best advocate possible moving forward.
“I hope to use the education and mentorship I’ve been fortunate enough to receive to contribute to a better justice system for all who come in contact with it.”
Proctor celebrates all newly admitted lawyers and congratulates them on this significant achievement. Please email details to proctor@qls.com.au. Ensure you include some details of your current role, your admission mover, along with images from your admission sitting.
Share this article