Townsville lawyer Hayley Becker was fortunate that when she landed an administrative position at Creevey Horrell, it confirmed her desire to pursue the law.
The newly admitted lawyer was one of 10 admitted in the Townsville Supreme Court on 4 September, with colleague Hana Fellows.
Ms Becker had become interested in the legal profession in her teenage years.
“My interest in law was first sparked in high school during my legal studies classes taught by an amazing first year teacher, Ms White, who was herself a former lawyer,” she said.
“After high school I went straight into the workforce, working as an administrative assistant with Creevey Horrell Lawyers from the beginning of 2022, where I was able to watch the work firsthand and see the impact lawyers have – which only deepened my desire to pursue it as a career.”
And her North Queensland colleagues were there to celebrate her latest career milestone.
“What stood out most during the ceremony was the atmosphere in the courtroom. The room was full of families, friends, and colleagues all there to watch their loved ones be admitted as lawyers,” she said.
“There was an overwhelming sense of pride and celebration in the room, seeing so many people supporting each other on such a significate day was truly such a surreal feeling.”
She asked her colleague Special Counsel Lucas Hickey to move my admission.
“I have worked with Lucas over the past four years, and he has been an incredible mentor to me,” Ms Becker said.
“His guidance and support has played a big part in getting me to this point, so it felt fitting to have him move me on the day.”
It was a special and busy day for Mr Hickey too, where he not only moved his first admission ever but a second one that same sitting.
“Watching Hayley balance university and work for four years to finally achieve what she had strived for, and to be a part of that, felt extremely special,” he said.
“And I had to do it twice, one for Hayley, and the other for our mutual friend and colleague, Hana Fellows.
“Not being a court lawyer myself, my nerves were skyrocketing – I did not need coffee that morning.”
Mr Hickey said he was proud of Ms Becker’s progression in the profession.
“It can be hard to get a solid grounding in the legal industry, and even those who do can do it find it difficult to progress to the next level,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed watching Hayley break down barrier after barrier to progress through.
“The grit and determination she has demonstrated is a noteworthy example for others.”
Ms Becker is focused on continuing her career in North Queensland.
“I hope to continue developing my skills in property and commercial law, with a focus on servicing the legal needs of regional Queensland.”
Admitted in Townsville on 4 September before Justice Johnstone were: Hana Fellows, Charli Gordon, Mitchell Nugent, Howard Keyes, Ruby Larrazabal, Gabriella Birmingham, Natasha Fisher, Taryn De Wee, Taneeka Godfrey and Hayley Becker.
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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