The woman who has just been named the first female chief justice of Australia’s High Court dropped out of school aged 15 in a bid for financial independence.
It had not been long before Susan Kiefel found work as a secretary in a Brisbane law firm though after regretting the move.
She completed her high school certification part time, then took a position as a legal clerk while finishing a law degree during the night.
Arriving in the bar in 1975, the Queenslander embarked on an impressive career which culminated with her being named the 13th chief justice in Australia.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, in announcing the appointment, described Justice Kiefel’s story as “an inspiration”.
The Law Council of Australia called it a “landmark moment” for the nation and its legal system.
“Prior to her her appointment, Justice Kiefel was already a trailblazer for women in the legal profession,” said Law Council president Stuart Clark.
“She was the first female QC appointed in Queensland in 1987. She was appointed to the Queensland Supreme Court in 1993 and the Federal Court of Australia in 1994.”
She also served as Queensland Bar Association president and as a part-time Australian Law Reform commissioner, he said.
