Waiting at the High Court to be admitted to the bar, Patrick Hargreaves looked at his daughter Ashley, pausing proudly to appreciate the unique achievement of following in her footsteps to become a lawyer.
“Sitting next to Ashley, dressed in formal court regalia, was a higher privilege than being admitted to the bar,” beams Patrick, 56.
“I’m struggling to describe the feeling of not only achieving admission, but doing so by and because of my own daughter. Words don’t do it justice.”
A daughters honor at the bar
Family court lawyer Ashley echoes the sentiment, sharing that it was an immense privilege to be the one tasked with moving her father’s application for admission before the judge.
“Typically, it’s a parent who admits a child to the bar, but not in this whānau,” smiles Ashley, 27.
“I was very excited and proud to be able to be my father’s moving counsel.”
Choosing her path
Growing up, she wanted to join the police force, which her older brother Michael went on to do. But an opportunity working with “truly inspirational” family and criminal lawyer Raewyn Sporle convinced her otherwise.
“That’s where it all changed for me – I knew what side I wanted to be on, which was a ‘supportive, strong advocate and voice for the people’,” explains Ashley.
“As a lawyer, I work with our most vulnerable people, those who really need that support and someone to ensure the system is working as it should.”
For Patrick, becoming a lawyer was a long-held dream, but raising a young family meant that for decades, practicality won out over passion when taking time out to study law wasn’t financially possible.
Following a path left untaken
“An argument could be made that Ashley followed a path that I had chosen not to walk,” he reflects.
“Like most parents, it’s usual to put aside much of what you would chase as an individual. For me, that was a career in law.”
Instead, a varied career as an electrician, electrical inspector, volunteer firefighter and teacher followed. In 2021, when Ashley was admitted to the bar, he watched on with pride.
“I was in awe of how well she adapted to her new challenges,” he tells.
“I had no doubts about her capability and aptitude. It’s both a joy and a privilege for a parent to see these qualities put into action.”
Lessons in resilience
Patrick and his wife Lisa have always instilled a sense of resilience in Ashley.
“Failure is just a blip – a lesson,” explains Ashley.
“Anything is achievable if you set your mind on it and don’t give up.”
So with her dad’s words top of mind, in 2022 Ashley refused to let her father’s legal dream fail and enrolled him in an online law degree at the University of Waikato – something that hadn’t been available before Covid restrictions.
“I’m one of many people who were suddenly able to undertake desired qualifications and new directions,” says Patrick.
It’s one of the best decisions ever made for him.
A career of purpose
“Law is a career of purpose,” he enthuses.
“It requires empathy, integrity and compassion to help people during difficult times. Ashley has these qualities in abundance. Following in her footsteps, I intend to maintain the high standard set.”
Patrick has gone on to intern with Ashley – “a privilege”, he says. He is now road-tripping around Canada and the US with Lisa while they plan the future and enabling him to practise law. Meanwhile, driven by a desire to understand people more deeply and help break cycles of intergenerational trauma. Ashley is doing her Masters in Psychology at Waikato University, while also working as a lawyer.
“The goal really is to create better outcomes for the people within the system and break the chain of repeat offences or harm generationally,” she says.
Joy in shared success
While her work carries a heavy responsibility. Ashley also finds comfort and lighter moments of joy in sharing the profession with her dad.
“Now Dad and I are both official,” she shares.
“Long may the debates continue about almost any and every topic at whānau gatherings – it’s good to shake up new ways of thinking.”
The discussions around the Hargreaves’ dinner table may now have a sharper legal edge. They’re still rooted in the same values the family has always held – integrity, service and a commitment
to a life well lived.
“My wife and I have always tried to live a life less ordinary,” shares Patrick.
“Creating great memories is our measure of success. Our hope is for our children to create the same. “Ashley and I have created many great memories throughout our lives – and this is one at the top of the list.”
