Top criminal barrister David Stokes transitions to Heather Stokes
AdelaideNow
August 14, 20124:42PM

http://www.news.com.au/national/top-criminal-barrister-david-stokes-transitions-to-heather-stokes/story-fndo4dzn-1226450277413


Criminal barrister Heather Stokes,  formerly David Stokes, outside the District Court today. Picture: Greg Higgs. Source: AdelaideNow

A RESPECTED Adelaide criminal lawyer has made her first appearance in court since transitioning from life as a man.

Heather Stokes, formerly known as David, represented convicted murderer Kelly Lee Pearman in the Supreme Court today.

The Advertiser understands Ms Stokes has been transitioning from male to female for several months.

She is in the process of changing both her legal name and practising certificate.

Law Society of SA president Ralph Bonig said there was "no question" Ms Stokes enjoyed her peers' support and respect.

"Heather's ability to practice law has not changed from last week to this week," he said.

"As such, the Society is just as supportive of her this week as it was last week."

It all happens in Adelaide

 

...or as us Sydneysiders like to call it, Radelaide!

It must be so difficult for someone so high-profile to transition.

That said I imagine it would be easier to transition at that stage of one's career, when you're at the top of your field, as opposed to just starting out.

I wonder what the chances of a thirty something solicitor living openly in the opposite gender to their chromosomal sex being called to the bar are. It's hard enough for women much less for people living post gender incongruence.

The Lady has my admiration and respect!

And the Adelaide Advertiser reported on her today and got all the pronouns correct, for a change.

I wonder if it is because she is a lawyer?

She was on the news tonight, she is very inspiring if you ask me.