 In deciding to pursue law as a career, Kerr found a role model in H. V. Evatt, a fellow Fortian who in 1930 became the youngest-ever High Court judge; in the same year, Evatt completed a doctoral thesis on the royal prerogative.Kerr's father knew Evatt through his membership of the Labor Party (which Evatt would eventually lead), and had helped him on his successful campaign for the state seat of Balmain in 1925.Evatt became the first in a series of patrons who helped Kerr progress in his career despite a relatively humble background.