The newest member of Australia's highest court, Justice Jayne Jagot, has been described as a "great quiet achiever" known for her empathy and an awareness of the human element of the law.
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The High Court of Australia on Monday held a ceremonial sitting to welcome Justice Jagot after her appointment.
For the first time in its history, the court has a majority of female judges.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus congratulated Justice Jagot and praised her personal qualities which made her such a "worthy appointment" to the court.
"Your honour is said to discharge your judicial duties with courtesy, kindness, and empathy, conscious of the human element of the law and of the legal process," he said.
"Your honour is known for the egalitarian manner in which you treat your colleagues and court staff, with compassion, humour and a sincere interest in other people's lives.
"Colleagues have remarked that you are incredibly modest, despite your many achievements ... you have never sought the limelight and have been described as the great quiet achiever."
Justice Jagot has previously served as a judge in the Federal Court and was an additional judge on the ACT Supreme Court and a judge in the NSW Land and Environment Court.
Mr Dreyfus said she was clearly "up to the task" of finding the "better answer" to complex legal questions.
"Your honour brings your many positive attributes including your sharp legal intellect, strong work ethic and sense of empathy and compassion," he said.
She took over from Justice Patrick Keane following his retirement and becomes the seventh woman appointed to the court.
Australian Associated Press
