Julie-Anne Kincade KC and Emma Priest are delighted to announce the launch of Augusta Chambers from 1 July 2023. Having outgrown the Blackstone Chambers space, the barristers of Blackstone are moving to a new space at 115 Queen Street.
Augusta Chambers is named after Dame Augusta Wallace, the first female judge in New Zealand. We continue to offer expertise in criminal, youth, regulatory and appellate law with a civil and employment offering also. Augusta Chambers has a commitment to access to justice, with all members taking legal aid assignments.
Joining them in the move to Augusta Chambers are Nick Chisnall KC, Susan Gray, Nicola Manning, Scott Brickell, Shane Elliott, Devon Kemp, Oliver Troon, Susan Giles, Harry Redwood, Aieyah Shendi and Lila Tu’i.
Augusta Chambers is named after Dame Augusta Wallace, the first female Judge in New Zealand in 1975. She worked in across Auckland District Courts in service to the community. Prior to this Dame Augusta worked as a lawyer, at a time when only 2% of lawyers were women. She worked when pregnant and with a young baby, which was unprecedented at the time. She is survived by one daughter, who is also a lawyer.
Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias noted Dame Augusta’s special place in the history of the law in New Zealand and her importance as a role model for other women lawyers: the fact that Dame Augusta had “discharged her responsibilities with complete professionalism was particularly important in the move to gain acceptance for women in legal practice and, following her lead, on the bench”.
Dame Augusta was the ultimate feminist, but her approach to being described as a trailblazer was to entirely reject it. This resonated. Julie-Anne Kincade KC and Emma Priest are heads of chambers. Having a strong, female lead chambers fits with the name.
There is a personal connection too. Emma Priest was awarded the Wallace scholarship for contribution to the community and the law when she was a law student. Dame Augusta met with her and delighted in explaining that she would be remembered, because her dog was called Emma. Dame Augusta was direct, down-to-earth and funny.
The barristers of Augusta Chambers aspire to provide excellence to our clients, to lead in the law and to serve the community with compassion. We hope that Dame Augusta would approve.