Ruth Garry is a newly admitted Solicitor & Barrister of the High Court of Fiji, bringing a fresh and deeply personal perspective to the legal profession. Of Kiribati heritage and a fourth-generation Banaban, whose people were forcibly displaced from Ocean Island (Banaba) to Fiji in 1945 due to colonial phosphate mining, Ruth is passionately committed to justice, equity, and the empowerment of Pacific communities. This year, she proudly marks her people’s 80th year anniversary of resilience and survival.
Ruth graduated from Bond University in 2022 with a double degree: a Bachelor of Laws specializing in International and Comparative Law, and a Bachelor of International Relations majoring in International Relations and Diplomacy. In 2024, she completed her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Queensland University of Technology, where she gained hands-on experience during her placement at the Environmental Defenders Office in Brisbane. As an Australia Awards alumni, Ruth further enhanced her leadership skills through the Australia Awardees Women’s Leading and Influencing (WLI) program, participating in Cohort 5 of the WLI Women’s Leadership Development Program, as well as the WLI LeadershipConnect programs.
Beginning her legal career as a paralegal at Haniff Tuitoga, Ruth developed expertise in legal research, drafting, client communication, and civil procedure. Now, as a Solicitor & Barrister, she drafts legal submissions, prepare and review key legal documents and supports Principal Partners in court.
Fluent in English and I-Kiribati, Ruth communicates effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds and is well positioned to serve a broad clientele within Fiji and, potentially, the wider Pacific region. She is currently pursuing Postgraduate studies in Diplomacy and International Affairs at the University of the South Pacific, aiming to integrate her legal expertise and international relations knowledge to better serve her community and region.
Driven by a commitment to advancing Fijian jurisprudence and advocating for marginalized voices, Ruth concentrates on international law areas critical to the region—human rights, environmental law, and climate change. Eager to broaden her impact, she is dedicated to deepening her knowledge in civil procedure nationally and continuing her work for justice in Fiji and the broader Pacific.
Ruth holds her family, cultural values, and traditions close to her heart, finding comfort and strength in spending time with her loved ones. After a busy day at work, she looks forward to returning home to them, where she reconnects with the grounding influence of her heritage.