Dame Judith Potter: Life and Influences

The life and times of Dame Judith Potter, who was a High Court judge for 15 years. She was the first woman president of a District Law Society (Auckland, 1988) and the first woman president of the NZ Law Society (1991).

Dame Judith Potter

This is how they marked a baby's first year back in the day - beats Facebook!

Judith aged 2

Judith aged 8

Judith Potter's dad, Philip was mayor of Mt Roskill from 1950 to 1953.

Mother Marjorie and dad Philip.

Sister Raewyn and brother Ross.

With sister Raewyn at the Mt Eden tennis courts.

Being admitted to bar in February 1965, with David Williams (right, later QC) and on left his brother Michael Williams.

Dame Judith at her sister's wedding.

Dame Judith with her nieces and nephews.

1969, admission of younger brother Ross to the bar

1981 - photo taken by NZ Times

1988: With QCs Leary, Southwick, Tong and Hutchinson

1988: Lowell Goddard, Judith Potter, Sian Elias were the first women to be appointed QCs. Judith Potter was the first woman President of a District Law Society (Auckland). Photo taken in the No. 1 courtroom at the Auckland High Court.

Dame Judith was a trailblazer for women in the legal profession. This photo is the centennial year for the Auckland Law Society in 1979 and shows presidents and past presidents.