He was moved by his parents, Dunedin Crown solicitor Robin, and family court lawyer Jo Bates.
The day had been "a long time coming", five and a-half years to be exact, and he was glad to have made it.
His first job had been lined up since halfway through last year at the law firm Meredith Connell, in Auckland.
He will be working in litigation, "similar to Dad".
A move to a different city would allow him to do his "own thing" and get a true feel for the job, he said.
Although his parents never pushed him into the profession, they were both proud of his achievement.
"It's a very proud moment that he has chosen to do this. We hope he has a successful career," Mr Bates said.
His mother recalled her admission to the Bar, about six months after her husband, who moved her admission as well.
Henry's sister, Olivia, was also present, but brother Tom was in Sydney and sister Suzie in Wellington, with the New Zealand women's cricket team.
Other applicants admitted were: Ross Coleman, Olivia Crisp, Anne Graham, Pierre Larroche, Sarah Loftus, Rohan McKenzie, Hana Straight, Christopher Taylor and Katie Thomas.
