Newly admitted lawyer Shayne Vigorelli swapped their normal seat in the Cairns Supreme Court for a different one at Friday’s admission sitting.
Mx Vigorelli was one of six lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland as a solicitor on 11 September in Cairns.
They considered it a privilege to be seated in a new position in the courtroom. After a year of pursuing midwifery, they took some advice after a short break from studies and started legal studies.
“Having been a bailiff to the Supreme and District Court for two years, it was a change to be seated at the bar table, as opposed to the bailiff desk,” they said.
“As a single parent, it was a huge milestone to be admitted.
“Additionally, as a non-binary person, it was a moment of appreciation for our industry as a whole for its inclusivity (namely, Chief Justice Bowskill’s inclusion of Mx as a prefix on appearance slips, and the admission process for also allowing such inclusions).
“The courts are no strangers to diversity. However, it is always affirming to have the bar and bench respect and use a person’s preferred pronouns and suffix, a privilege I have experienced much of as a bailiff.”
Mx Vigorelli asked Rachel Black, a local barrister at Legal Aid Queensland, to move their admission.
“On my first court circuit as a bailiff I was fortunate enough to see not only Rachel’s advocacy in action, but also the incredible person she is,” Mx Vigorelli said.
“From that point on I have looked up to Rachel for her ability to juggle a beautiful family and a successful career, while also maintaining a healthy sense of humour and adventure.”
They most remember Ms Black’s “equally heartfelt and hilarious address to the Court” at the admission sitting as well as the “immense gratitude for my family, friends, and colleagues who were in attendance”.
Ms Black spoke to the court about Mx Vigorelli’s background of volunteering which started during their schooling at St Andrew’s Catholic College as a prefect of community service.
“This commitment to helping others continued, as Mx Vigorelli has supported both Lifeblood Australia and Rosie’s as a volunteer for over 10 years,” she said.
“During their studies at James Cook University, Mx Vigorelli also served as the lead mentor to students undertaking the diploma of higher education.
“A desire to give back to the community such as this is, of course, an important quality to bring to this profession and their experience in that regard will most certainly serve future clients well.”
Ms Black said Mx Vigorelli was already a familiar face in the court precinct, serving as a bailiff in the higher courts since 2024.
“In addition, Mx Vigorelli has had the benefit of undertaking practical placements with both his Honour Judge Morzone KC, and her Honour Judge Fantin,” she said.
“I know I speak on behalf of everyone who has had the pleasure of working with Mx Vigorelli in that role when I say that our profession is going to benefit from someone who demonstrates integrity, respect, intellect and a very healthy sense of humour.
“These are traits that perhaps would have also served Mx Vigorelli well in their first area of study, being midwifery. Thankfully, that pursuit was short-lived, and the allure of a room where people are generally fully dressed and scream a little less often was just too great.”
Mx Vigorelli has been balancing the demands of full-time work, law studies and parenthood, with their son also attending the sitting alongside immediate family.
“Also present in support today are a number of Mx Vigorelli’s colleagues and friends, of which I am honoured to say I am now both,” Ms Black concluded.
Mx Vigorelli will start an Associateship next year to a District Court Judge.
“I look forward to the challenges and joys of my Associateship next year, as well as the journey ahead within the profession,” they said.
“My focus is to practise within criminal law and continue community service within the region.”
Admitted before Justice Henry on 11 September were Jacobs, Vigorelli, McManus, Payne, Mally and Walker.
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.
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