Growing up with family members working in law was enough to make John Weir want to tackle the industry.
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“When I was far younger, I had older siblings within the legal profession, so I had some insight into the nature, rigours and rewards of legal work,” he said.
“I started a law degree at their suggestion.
“I knew that there would be a long hard road ahead to become established as a lawyer, particularly in the non-government sector of the profession.
Fast forward to today and he is the only defence lawyer who is an accredited specialist in criminal law in Wagga.
I understood that criminal law would enable me to practice in an area of law that directly affected people’s lives, and I believed I could make a contribution to the practice of law and the administration of justice
- Pennicott Weir Lawyers partner John Weir
Mr Weir is a partner at Pennicott Weir Lawyers and has been the firm’s criminal lawyer since 2013.
The most rewarding part of the job for Mr Weir is knowing he has helped his clients through what can be a very stressful and confusing experience.
“The simple satisfaction of knowing that I have assisted someone navigate through the often difficult legal landscape,” he said.
“There is deep satisfaction when a client is acquitted who you believe was falsely accused.”
However, the reality of the job isn’t what most of us are used to seeing on TV series.
“Practicing criminal law has very little semblance to the story lines depicted in popular legal dramas,” Mr Weir said.
“There is a lot of behind the scenes preparation requiring extensive reading and research, as well as interviewing clients and witnesses.
“The work can be at times extremely challenging and confronting.”
Pennicott Weir Lawyers have six staff with offices in Canberra and Wagga.
The firm has lawyers experienced in criminal law, children’s and family law, wills and estate law, conveyancing and leases.
