Vicki Jackson has never thought of herself as a woman lawyer, but rather just simply a lawyer.

Vicki Jackson, senior partner at South & Geldard, is this year’s Agnes McWhinney Award winner. Picture: Contributed

Whether she realised it or not, it was this attitude that had her pave the way for a new generation.

Ms Jackson, now a senior partner at South & Geldard Rockhampton, began her articles with the firm in 1974 and was the first woman to be admitted as a solicitor in Rockhampton. Forty years later, and much has changed, with more than 60% of law graduates women.

Last Friday, Ms Jackson was announced this year’s Queensland Law Society Agnes McWhinney Award winner. The prestigious award recognises the outstanding contribution of female practitioners to the profession.

Coming from a grazing family, Ms Jackson said her father had always encouraged her to find a stable job. After contemplating court reporting or becoming a legal stenographer, she heard about a program called Articles of Clerkship.

“Complete in Range Convent school uniform with blazer, beret and two plaits, I attended an interview with Robert South, the founder of my firm,” she said in her acceptance speech.

A couple of days later, Ms Jackson received the long awaited phone call. And so a love and passion for the law was born.

Ms Jackson said she had never suffered prejudice, but saw the importance of mentoring and supporting women in legal careers.

For her, technology was the biggest change she had encountered over the years.

“The public are now online consumers. They want to type in a question and get an instant answer,” she said.

She said this was the greatest challenge facing lawyers, but it was also the greatest advantage.

Ms Jackson said it was the personal satisfaction of helping people that kept her committed to her job and she was not planning to retire any time soon.

First female to be admitted as solicitor in Rockhampton

First female president of the Central Queensland Law Association

Appointed ALES Senior Counsellor in 1996

Achieved ALES specialist accreditation in family law in 1997

Provided pro bono advice to a variety of regional organisations including pony clubs, riding for the disabled, country racing committees and sporting bodies

Original Article credit: 
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rockhampton/from-the-farm-to-the-courtroom-rocky-lawyer-an-inspiration/news-story/da2652234aabc2825663ddcbda72f703

By Kparadies
October 30, 2014 – 8:17AM