Auvergne Doherty, Australian businesswoman (b. 1896)

Auvergne Mary Doherty: A Pioneering Australian Businesswoman and Legal Trailblazer (1896 – 1961)

Auvergne Mary Doherty, an exceptionally accomplished Australian, left an indelible legacy as both a formidable businesswoman and a significant figure in the history of women's entry into the legal profession. Born on 3 October 1896, and passing away on 3 January 1961, Doherty's life spanned a transformative period, during which she earned both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, showcasing her profound intellectual capabilities and dedication to education at a time when such opportunities for women were still evolving.

A Groundbreaking Achievement: Called to the English Bar

In a landmark moment for gender equality in professional fields, Auvergne Mary Doherty achieved the extraordinary distinction of being one of the initial nine women ever called to the Bar in England. This pivotal event occurred in 1922, a direct consequence of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919, which legally opened doors previously closed to women across various esteemed professions, including law. Doherty's admission to the prestigious English Bar, specifically at the Inner Temple, cemented her place in legal history. Moreover, she held the unique and proud distinction of being the first woman from Western Australia to be called to the English Bar, a testament to her pioneering spirit and academic excellence. Her comprehensive educational background, which included studies at renowned institutions such as Somerville College, Oxford, and the London School of Economics, undoubtedly equipped her for the rigorous demands of the legal profession.

A Legacy in Business: Leadership in the Family Cattle Enterprise

Despite her groundbreaking legal qualifications and the historical significance of her achievement, Auvergne Doherty ultimately opted for a different, yet equally impactful, career path. She chose not to practice law, either in England or her native Western Australia. Instead, following the death of her father, William Doherty, in 1935, she made the decisive choice to assume leadership of the family's substantial cattle business. This enterprise was a crucial component of Western Australia's vital pastoral industry, encompassing extensive cattle stations and valuable pastoral leases. Doherty's remarkable leadership in this traditionally male-dominated sector underscored her exceptional business acumen and unwavering dedication. Her decision ensured the continuity and prosperity of the family's economic legacy, demonstrating that a pioneering spirit could manifest powerfully through various forms of leadership and contribution, beyond the conventional professional trajectories.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auvergne Mary Doherty

When was Auvergne Mary Doherty born and when did she pass away?
Auvergne Mary Doherty was born on 3 October 1896 and passed away on 3 January 1961.
What was Auvergne Mary Doherty's primary professional focus?
While she was a qualified barrister, Auvergne Mary Doherty primarily focused on her career as a businesswoman, managing her family's significant cattle enterprise in Western Australia.
What was her significant achievement in the legal field?
She was one of the first nine women called to the Bar in England in 1922, and uniquely, the first Western Australian woman to achieve this distinction following the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919.
Did Auvergne Mary Doherty practice law?
No, despite being called to the Bar, Auvergne Mary Doherty did not go on to practice law in England or Western Australia. She instead chose to manage her family's business.
What type of business did Auvergne Mary Doherty manage?
She took over her family's substantial cattle business in Western Australia, which was involved in the pastoral industry, including the management of cattle stations and pastoral leases.