Auvergne Doherty

Doherty was born in Perth, Western Australia, the second daughter of Denis and Georgina Doherty. Auvergne was raised abroad, attending Convent schools in Belgium and England, one of which included the Convent of H.C.J. in Cavendish Square, London. In 1916, Auvergne passed the Responsions exams for Oxford University; she graduated and matriculated on 30 October 1920. Auvergne was among the first of nine women called to the Bar in England in 1922, following the enactment of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919. Despite gaining admission to Middle Temple, Auvergne did not go on to practise law. In 1930 Auvergne returned to Western Australia with her father Denis Doherty and sister, Dorothy. When her father died in 1935, Auvergne took over his cattle business with Mr Michael Durack, in the Northern Territory. Four years before the company was wound up in 1950, Auvergne resigned as the company director. Auvergne died on 3 January 1961. She is buried at Karrakatta Cemetery, Western Australia, in the Roman Catholic portion next to her father.

Auvergne Doherty was educated abroad at Convent schools in Belgium and London, attending the Convent of H.C.J., 11 Cavendish Square, London. After the Convent of H.C.J., Auvergne attended Oxford University (1916-1919). On 30 October 1920, Auvergne returned to Oxford to matriculate and graduate; from Michaelmas term 1920, women who had previously passed examinations, which would have qualified a man for a degree, were able to return in order to matriculate and graduate. The degree of MA was awarded on 28 June 1923.

Auvergne Doherty applied for admission to Middle Temple on 5 January 1920. Just over two years later, she was 'screened' for Call on 24 October 1922 and formally called to the Bar on 17 November 1922. On Auvergne's gravestone BLL, 1922 is written. Her Call and admission were widely reported in British and Australian newspapers at the time but she is not considered Perth's first 'Portia' - that was Edith Haynes.