Judith Ablett-Kerr

Judith Ablett-Kerr
Born	Judith Mary Ablett Template:Birth year and age Wales
Occupation(s)	Criminal defence attorney, King's Counsel
Years active	1970–present
Known for	Third woman and first female criminal defence lawyer appointed Queen's Counsel in New Zealand; defence of high-profile cases including Vicky Calder, Peter Ellis, Clayton Weatherston

Judith Mary Ablett-Kerr (born Ablett; ) is a New Zealand criminal defence attorney and King's Counsel.

Early life and education

Ablett-Kerr was born in Wales around 1946 or 1947 and was brought up by her father, a lay Baptist preacher and Conservative political figure, following the early passing of her mother. At the age of 15, she led the Welsh Young Conservatives chapter and earned recognition as a national debating champion. She pursued legal studies at the University of London and was called to the bar in Cardiff in 1970, becoming Wales' second female barrister.

Career

Beginning her professional journey as a Crown prosecutor in Wales, Ablett-Kerr relocated to New Zealand in 1981, establishing herself in Dunedin. After being admitted to practice law in New Zealand in 1982, she attained the rank of Queen's Counsel in 1995, marking her as the country's third woman and first female criminal defence lawyer to receive this distinction.

Her legal defence portfolio includes prominent figures such as scientist Vicky Calder, childcare worker Peter Ellis, and Clayton Weatherston in connection with the Sophie Elliott homicide case. Ablett-Kerr is also recognized for representing women involved in domestic violence incidents, including Gay Oakes, who was convicted for burying her partner but subsequently granted parole.

In recognition of her contributions to the legal field, she was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit during the 2002 Queen's Birthday and Golden Jubilee Honours.

Personal life

Prior to moving to New Zealand, Ablett-Kerr had been married twice. She has two sons: Rupert from her first marriage to a London-based judge, and Edward from her second marriage to Edward Hampson, an insurance professional. In 1987, she wed Lewis Kerr, a theatre director from Dunedin; together they adopted the combined surname Ablett-Kerr. Her elder son, Rupert Ablett-Hampson, pursued a legal career and was appointed deputy chief censor of New Zealand in 2021. Her younger son, Edward Ablett-Hampson, has experience working as an aide to Murray McCully during his tenure as foreign affairs minister and as a senior advisor at the Ministry of Social Development.

Her brother Michael Ablett stood as the National Party candidate for Dunedin Central in the 1978 general election but was defeated by Labour's Brian MacDonell.