Bates at the Bar

18/2/2009

When Henry Bates (1998-2002, Head Boy 2002) was admitted to the Bar last week it was a true family occasion.

He was moved by his parents, Dunedin Crown solicitor Robin Bates (1969-70), and family court lawyer Jo Bates.

Robin, Henry and Jo Bates

The day had been ‘‘a long time coming’’, five and a-half years to be exact, and Henry was glad to have made it.

His first job had been lined up since halfway through last year at the law firm Meredith Connell, in Auckland. He will be working in litigation, ‘‘similar to Dad’’.

A move to a different city would allow him to do his ‘‘own thing’’ and get a true feel for the job, he said.

Although his parents never pushed him into the profession, they were both proud of his achievement.

‘‘It’s a very proud moment that he has chosen to do this. We hope he has a successful career,’’ Henry said.

His mother recalled her admission to the Bar, about six months after her husband, who moved her admission as well.

Henry’s sister, Olivia, was also present, but brother Tom (1996-2000, Head Boy 2000) was in Sydney and sister Suzie in Wellington, with the New Zealand women’s cricket team.

Among the other applicants admitted was Pierre Larroche (1998-2002).