A chip off the old block

Henry Moore with his father, lawyer Simon Moore. Photo / Dean Purcell

Auckland Crown Solicitor Simon Moore, SC, has proudly sponsored his son Henry's admission to the bar.

Henry will not follow him into criminal law, however. He is focusing on commercial law.

The swearing-in of Henry Moore and 30 other young lawyers took place in the 19th-century courtroom in the High Court at Auckland in front of the families and friends.

Justice Timothy Brewer, wearing his "highly fashionable dress from 600 years ago", told the new lawyers they had to meet a high level of professional conduct. He had a special message for those following in their parents' footsteps: "No pressure."

Asked about "the pressure", Henry Moore said he was used to it. "I get it through all facets of life."

Simon Moore said it was a privilege to sponsor his son: "There were quite a few parents admitting their children at the ceremony and everyone must have felt that level of pride. "It's a very special day for someone who loves the law, enjoyed the law and has got as much out of the law as I have."

Mr Moore's recent high-profile cases include the prosecution of disgraced former Government minister Taito Phillip Field and of the killers of police sergeant Don Wilkinson.