Newly admitted Cairns lawyer Vicky Torrisi stands by her own life advice: You’re never too old to try something new; don’t die wondering; and use your skills help others.
Vicky was one of two lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland before Justice Henry in Cairns along with law graduate Mia Leoni on Friday, 7 June.
And her decision to pursue the law was sparked by her desire to help others.
“Working as a project manager for new housing projects in the Torres Strait Islands gave me an insight into advocacy through land use agreement negotiations,” Vicky said.
“Law also provided many career paths and I wanted to give myself more skills and employment options.”
The Babinda local is the fourth of six daughters to Filipo and Ma-ree Torrisi. Two of her five sisters were present in the court along with her parents, godparents, other family members, friends and importantly her three children.
“Admission day was fantastic. I had a large crowd of family, friends and work colleagues to celebrate the occasion,” she said.
Vicky asked colleague and friend, Rachel Boivin, who is Senior Prosecutor at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to move her admission.
The Barrister’s submission to the court captured the essence of Vicky’s mottos and journey to the law.
“Ms Torrisi has asked that I pass on her gratitude to her family and friends including those that could not make it today, for their support during the last three and a half years, but wants to especially take this opportunity to acknowledge her three kids who are by far her proudest achievement,” Rachel said.
“Ms Torrisi’s passion for the law is grounded in advocacy. It was an interest that was piqued during her time as a project manager with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council. Her work in that space was the catalyst for her to commence her law degree.
“The journey was not without its obstacles, but it was this very moment, what she has achieved today, that Ms Torrisi described as the light at the end of the tunnel and what kept her going.
“Not content with the mental load that comes with simultaneously juggling full-time work, study and parenting, Ms Torrisi has also been an active member of the community, volunteering her time to a number of local organisations.”
These roles included Deputy Chair of the Catholic Care Services Board, Board member of the Catholic Early Learning and Childcare, President of the Leichhardt Soccer Club and a member of the Cairns Rugby Union judiciary panel.
Rachel went on to say that Vicky’s goal “is to be on her feet and forge a career at the bar table”.
“Ms Torrisi has already taken steps to achieve this by joining the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which as Your Honour well knows, is where many exceptional advocates commence their legal career,” she said.
“Ms Torrisi commenced with our office in January this year and has already established herself as a valuable team member through her hard work, enthusiasm and touch football prowess. Many of our colleagues are present in court today and we are all proud to share this achievement with her.
“The personal challenges Ms Torrisi has overcome to complete her degree and practical legal training, demonstrate that she has the determination, resilience and intellect to succeed in a career in the law. her passion and commitment for giving back to the community confirms she will also be an asset to the profession.”
Vicky was humble in her own summation to Proctor about her future.
“For now I have a lot of learning to do in the field of criminal law. I want to hone my advocacy skills and sit the bar in a few years.”
Proctor looks to celebrate all newly admitted solicitors and congratulate them on this significant achievement. Please email details to proctor@qls.com.au. Ensure you include some details of your current role, along with a quality head-and-shoulders image or images from your admission sitting.
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