Daughter joins dad in law firm

> ABOVE PHOTO: DOUBLE ACT: Timaru lawyer Tony Shaw is joined in law by his daughter Jess.

First impressions are not always lasting.

Jess Shaw, who worked in the Timaru District Court for the first time on Tuesday, can remember watching her dad, lawyer Tony Shaw, at work once. "It was during the school holidays; I remember my brother, sister and I had to sit in the Ashburton District Court. I found it really boring."

Despite her initial introduction to court, the experience did not put her off pursuing a legal career, and since graduating from Otago University last year Miss Shaw, 23, has taken up a year-long position, working with her father as Timpany Walton's newest lawyer.

While her father had been supportive of her decision to become a lawyer, Miss Shaw said she had made up her own mind to study law. Like her father's early career, she intends to focus on family and criminal litigation.

Mr Shaw said working with his daughter was interesting.
"She and I can go home and talk shop – I think my wife is feeling left out."

And Miss Shaw may not be the only family member to follow in his footsteps. Son Harry, in his second year at university, is also studying law.
"Obviously I'm proud and delighted. It's not something that happens every day," Mr Shaw said.

Working in Timaru would give Miss Shaw opportunities that other young lawyers starting in larger centres would not get, he said. Timaru had struggled for many years to get "really good" young lawyers, but now had a great young team working at firms in the area, he said.

By FLEUR COGLE - The Timaru Herald
Last updated 05:00 20/08/2010
Photo By John Bisset/Timaru Herald

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