Averil Deverell facts for kids

Averil Katherine Statter Deverell (born January 2, 1893 – died February 11, 1979) was a very important woman in history. She was one of the first two women to become a barrister in all of Great Britain and Ireland. A barrister is a special kind of lawyer who represents people in court.

Her Early Life and Education

Averil Deverell was born in Dublin, Ireland, on January 2, 1893. Her father, William Deverell, was also a lawyer, called a solicitor. A solicitor helps people with legal paperwork and advice, often outside of court. Averil grew up in Greystones, a town in Ireland. She had a twin brother, William, who also became a barrister.

College Life and War Service

In 1911, Averil started studying at Trinity College, Dublin (TCD). This was only a few years after the college began allowing women to attend in 1904. She earned her law degree, an LLB, in 1915.

During the First World War, Averil wanted to help. From July to December 1918, she drove an ambulance in France. This was a very brave thing to do during wartime.

Becoming a Barrister

After the war, a new law was passed in 1919. This law finally allowed women to become barristers. Averil Deverell and another woman named Frances Kyle decided to study to become barristers at the King's Inns. The King's Inns is a special place where lawyers are trained in Ireland. Because of her service during the war, Averil was given a special permission that made her training a bit easier.

Making History in Law

On November 1, 1921, Averil Deverell and Frances Kyle were officially "called to the bar." This means they were given permission to work as barristers. It was a huge moment! The news of two women becoming barristers made headlines all over the world.

Averil was called to the bar before the Anglo-Irish Treaty was fully in place. This treaty led to the creation of the Irish Free State. Because of this, her first case in January 1922 meant she was officially the first woman to work as a barrister in the entire United Kingdom. At that time, all of Ireland was still part of the United Kingdom.

Her Career in Law

In January 1922, Averil joined the Law Library at the Four Courts in Dublin. She was the only woman barrister there for a while. Another woman, Mary Dillon-Leetch, joined her in June 1923. The Four Courts building was damaged during the Irish Civil War, so the Law Library had to move to Dublin Castle until 1931.

Breaking New Ground in Courts

Averil Deverell continued to break barriers in her career. She was the first woman to appear in the Supreme Court of Ireland. This is the highest court in Ireland. She was also the first woman to appear in the Court of Criminal Appeal in Ireland.

In 1928, she made history again. She became the first Irish woman barrister to appear before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) in London. This was a very important court that heard appeals from across the British Empire.

A Unique Hobby

To help with her income, Averil used her first fee as a barrister to buy a cairn terrier dog. She then started a kennels and became a breeder of these dogs. This was a fun way for her to earn extra money alongside her legal work.

See also

• First women lawyers around the world