Dina Yehia has become the first person of Greek Egyptian descent to sit on the Supreme Court of NSW.

Esteemed solicitor, barrister and District Court Judge Yehia was sworn in on Monday at Sydney’s Banco Court reminding the audience that anything is possible as she shared her own story of immigration to Australia.

“As a woman and an immigrant, I encourage diversity in the profession,” Justice Yehia said, adding that when she arrived from Egypt at the age of seven, she didn’t speak or understand a word of English.

“Diversity on the bench is an essential component of a fair and impartial judiciary. If our institutions are to remain strong and independent, they must reflect the community they represent.

“Some of you have shared with me your uncertainty about whether you belong in this profession. I hope today gives you some confidence that you do belong. You have much to offer the profession, you bring to it your lived experience your capacity for hard work, your resilience.”

This morning, Monday, 4 July 2022, Justice Dina Yehia was sworn in as a Judge of the Common Law Division of the Supreme Court of NSW. The Court congratulates Justice Yehia on her appointment.

Ceremony recording: https://t.co/QKWmOpVBbF pic.twitter.com/vDxBg07gq3

— NSW Supreme Court (@NSWSupCt) July 4, 2022

NSW Attorney General, Mark Speakman, introduced Justice Yehiaa, who, as the Chair of the Ngara Yura Committee and the Walama Working Group, on top of being a member of the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration and the National Judicial College of Australia has defended thousands of Indigenous people and presided over complex trials including serious charges of sexual assault, attempted murder, drug supply, importation and fraud.

“Your leadership and legal acumen have provided NSW with an innovative and compassionate form of justice to improve the lives of many people,” Mr Speakman said.

President of the NSW Law Society, Joanne van der Plaat, also described Justice Yehia’s life as “full of journeys, both literal and metaphorical.”

“As a young immigrant coming to Australia; as a newly-admitted lawyer crossing the Great Dividing Range; or as a woman of colour ascending to the bench – your Honour’s life has been full of journeys, both literal and metaphorical,” van der Plaat said.

Watch Justice Yehia get sworn in below: