Themis › Issue 13 2010
Issue 13 - NOvember 2010
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(1) The Governor-General addressing the delegates (2) Excitement in the foyer (3) The Governor-General (4) Patricia Easteal (5) Enjoying High Tea (6) Kerry Clark, Justice Matthews, Susan Booth and Dr Rae Kaspiew (7) Patricia Easteal 4
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The third National AWL Conference was discrimination, law and policy reform, held at the Stanford Plaza in Brisbane particularly in the state of Queensland on 6-8 August 2010. and legal professional reform. The Conference attracted a stellar On the evening of day one, delegates line up of presenters, most famously, the enjoyed a gala dinner in the magnificent 7 Governor-General Quentin Bryce. The River Room at the Stamford. Governor-General arrived on Saturday The success of the Conference is afternoon to launch the book Women and attributable not only to the efforts of the the Law in Australia, edited by Australian AWL organizing committee but also to National University academic Patricia the delegates who gave their support Easteal. A High Tea followed the occasion. and speakers who gave us their time The Conference was officially over the weekend. Special thanks also opened by the Honourable Justice to Lexis Nexis who proudly organized Paul de Jersey, Chief Justice of the event and our sponsors, the Bar Queensland. Day one kick started with Association of Queensland, Bond a keynote address by AWL’s Patron, University, Griffith University, Australian the Honourable Diana Bryant, Chief National University and Lawyers Weekly. Justice of the Family Court of Australia. The fourth National AWL Conference The program was jam packed with a will be held in Canberra in 2012! variety of topics from, family violence and corporate insolvency, to gender
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(8) Former AWL Presidents (9) Members of the AWL Board at the Gala Dinner (10) The Governor-General with one of the many contributors to Easteal’s book, Fiona McLeod (11) Delegates at the Gala Dinner (12) Amy Challans, 11 10 Kristina Piper, Karla McCulloch and Philippa Branson. (13) Queensland Attorney-General Cameron Dick and Justice Atkinson (14) Rachel Reed, Sue Oliver and Jo Beckett (15) Kim Rubenstein (16) Carmella Ben-Simon, Georgia McMasters, Tammy Young and Jane Treleaven. (17) Olivia Perkiss, Chief Justice Bryant, Mary-Anne Ryan and Professor Rosalind Croucher
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Governor-General Quentin Bryce Australian Women Lawyers Conference
Brisbane
Australian National University Lexis Nexis
gender practitioners
freedom
Justice Women Lawyers
QUT Queensland
R E S E C www.facebook.com/mx.brisbane A Y + E C L L
E P WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2010 FREE Picture: STEVE POHLNER
TRICK AN EXTRA TREAT If you play your cards right, magician Pete Nguyen will amaze 3 2 1 B F you at Emporium Hotel’s grand ballroom on Friday. Nguyen will perform between live auctions and music at the Brain Injury Foundation’s One Day at a Time fundraising gala. www.bif.org.au C M Y K Rape blame game PAGE 4-AUG-2010 MEL Jodie Munro O’Brien odology continues despite all the com- munity education and the changes in Nearly all Aussies still believe a woman’s Aussies still believe sex assault myths the law over the past 20 years,’’ she said. clothing and behaviour is relevant when Easteal said she was not surprised at determining the seriousness of a sexual Editor professor Patricia Easteal, determining the seriousness of a sexual all the education in the past 20 years the survey results, especially when 1 assault, a new legal book claims. of the University of Canberra, said offence. hadn’t helped dispel many myths. rapists receive such light sentences. The statistic is revealed in Women one study found that 98 per cent of Easteal, who will make an appear- She said research highlighted in the ‘‘I have done a lot of research on and the Law in Australia, which brings participants believed that the victim’s ance at the Australian Women Lawyers book was proof many people still had judges, and I have found, say on together a suite of studies relating to clothing, behaviour, chastity and National Conference in Brisbane this varying definitions of rape. sentencing a rapist, that the myths are women and the legal system. alcohol consumption was relevant in weekend, said the statistic showed that ‘‘The victim being responsible meth- very much alive even there,’’ she said.
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presidents report MARY ANNE RYAN president awl
I was honoured to be elected President The Board is well advanced in their of AWL in August this year and look planning for the establishment of a forward to working with the new board perpetual AWL award. We all look to progress AWL objectives. forward to the launch of this initiative. Our 3rd Biennial Conference was As President I have been invited to an outstanding success. AWL is join the Equal Opportunity Committee grateful for the feedback provided of the Law Council of Australia. I am at the completion of the conference. committed to improving the quality of We rely on this to plan for our next work offered to women at the bar and event: Canberra 2012. Should any consider continued consultation with reader not have been able to complete the Law Council of Australia one of the the feedback form, please feel free Board’s highest priorities. to contact me personally to pass on As with previous presidents I am also your comments. In fact regardless concerned at the low numbers of female of whether you attended the Brisbane equity partners in private practice. Conference or not I encourage your I have been contacted with respect Pamela Burton’s input into the next conference. to a series of stamps to be issued ‘From Moree to Mabo: AWL is very grateful to our sponsors : by Australia Post commemorating The Mary Gaudron Lexis Nexis, Australian Bar Association, prominent women lawyers in our Story’ is out now. AWL Bar Association of Queensland, history. Not wishing to steal their has a limited number Bond University, Griffith University, thunder I won’t say anymore than that, of copies for purchase, Australian National University, Victoria but how wonderful. at the significantly University and Lawyers Weekly. AWL has been given the opportunity discount price of $29.95 Without their support we would not to provide nominations as to suitable plus postage of $10.00. have been able to provide the diverse appointments to the Federal Magistrates This represents a panels, activities and events we enjoyed. Court and the Federal Court. We look saving of $20.00. Please The Board will be working to forward to the announcement of the email the President, continue to promote the participation successful candidates over the next Mary Anne Ryan, at and advancement of women in the twelve months. [email protected], profession over the next 12 months. Lastly, I would like to see AWL be to reserve your copy. As we will the interests of all women’s at the forefront of women’s access experience of the justice system. to justice. Given the immense focus I am particularly keen to provide of all governments and courts on greater focus and leadership to smaller family violence, I regard advocacy and jurisdictions, which have quite different leadership to the profession and women profiles to the larger states of New in general as a major focus for AWL in South Wales, Queensland & Victoria. I the coming 12 months. welcome invitations to any events being planned by our constituent bodies.
5 WOMEN BARRISTERS REPORT Kim Knights WBA Representative (Victoria)
On 19 August 2010 Joye Elleray, who about 70 barristers attended. Magistrate Stella Stuthridge appointed had been the WBA’s Convenor for The WBA was well represented at the to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria the previous 2 years stood down and AWL Conference in Brisbane from 6-8 Suzanne Kirton was elected the new August 2010. The contingent enjoyed Magistrate Ann McGarvie appointed to WBA Convenor unopposed. the conference, new friendships and the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria better weather. The current office holders for WBA are: Her Honour Justice Margaret Stone Acting Magistrate Gail Hubble was the guest speaker at a WBA appointed an Acting Magistrate of the Convenor Suzanne Kirton networking breakfast held on 10 August Magistrates’ Court of Victoria 2010. Many barristers invited their Assistant Convenor Jane Treleaven and Kathleen Foley solicitor clients to attend the breakfast. Federal Magistrate Dominica Whelan The breakfast was also well attended appointed to the Federal Magistrates Treasurer Joye Elleray by members of the Victorian and Court of Australia Secretary Deborah Foy Commonwealth judiciary. On 13 October 2010 WBA held a drinks On 19 October 2010 WBA hosted an Communications Kathleen Foley function to celebrate female judicial information evening for solicitors Officer: appointments made during the last year. thinking of coming to the Bar. WBA Membership Cilla Brookes & The following appointments provided refreshments and a panel of secretaries Sarah Mansfield were honoured: speakers and VWL promoted the event to their members. On 26 May 2010 the WBA and VWL Justice Pamela Tate appointed to the jointly hosted a gala dinner for the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court Women’s Achievement Awards. The of Victoria Women’s Achievement Awards were won by Pamela Tate SC (as she then Justice Karin Emerton appointed to was, now Her Honour Justice Pamela Supreme Court of Victoria and to the Tate), Jane Dixon SC & Simone Cusack. Victorian Law Reform Commission Simone won the Rising Star award. A lunchtime forum was hosted by Justice Anne Ferguson appointed to Jennifer Batrouney SC and Maryanne Supreme Court of Victoria Loughnan SC on 26 June 2010 for barristers of less than 6 years, called Judge Gabriele Cannon appointed to “Life as a Junior Barrister”, to listen County Court of Victoria to the experiences (good and bad) of junior barristers. Judge Kathryn Kings appointed to the Also on 26 June the Magistrates Court County Court of Victoria invited all women barristers to “Meet the Magistrates”. WBA assisted the court Magistrate Roslyn Porter appointed to with the promotion of this event and the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria
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WOMEN BARRISTERS REPORT nsw REPORT Lee-May Saw NSW Representative
Since March this year, WLA NSW has Australia”, hosted by Norton Rose May 2010 NSW Bar Readers Course. been privileged to be part of several on 6 July 2010, with Vice President About 30 people attended the Bar exciting developments. of Fairwork Australia, Graeme R Readers Lunch. The lunches have been Watson, as speaker; re-named the Janet Coombs Lunches Research and Policy > “Family Law Practice Today”, for Female Bar Readers. Janet Coombs On 20 July 2010, WLA NSW sent the hosted by WHK Horwath on 25 was one of the 42 founding members draft of our Career Intentions Survey Augustr 2010, with the Honourable of WLA NSW, and continues to serve to the Deans of university law schools Justice Jennifer Boland of the Family as the longest serving member on the across New South Wales. We are Court of Australia, Appeals Division, WLA NSW Executive Committee. currently seeking ethics approval for the David Dura, Barrister, and Melinda On 29 July 2010 WLA NSW held our survey before it is distributed to students. Di Condio, Associate of McLachlan major function for 2010 our “Celebrating Thorpe Partners, as speakers; and Women in the Judiciary” cocktail event, Membership > “The Contribution of Women to where we celebrated the appointments We have had a good response to our Environmental Law in Australia”, of 20 women to the bench from New annual membership drive, with a hosted by Martin Place Chambers South Wales since the event was last particularly good response to the renewal on 29 September 2010, with the held two years ago in 2008. The guest and take up of corporate membership. Honourable Justice Rachel Pepper speaker for the evening was Professor of the Land and Environment Court Rosalind Croucher, President of the Sponsorship and Partnerships of NSW, as speaker - speech given Australian Law Reform Commission. We are grateful for the on-going by Justice Pepper available online About 100 people attended the function. support of our Principal Sponsors, the at http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/ The Honourable John Hatzistergos, Law Society of New South Wales. We lawlink/lec/ll_lec.nsf/pages/LEC_ Attorney General of NSW was among further acknowledge the sponsorship speeches_and_papers#pepper, for our honoured guests for the evening. and presence of Lawyers Weekly, Susan those interested in reading this. Holmwood shirtmaker, and Sada Natural AWL Third National Skin Care, at our functions and events. Our functions for Law Week in 2010 were Conference WLA NSW is grateful for the strong our “Law as a Career: Coming to the Bar” WLA NSW were pleased to contribute relationships and partnerships we seminar on 19 May 2010, and Female Bar to the AWL Third National Conference share with our corporate members, Readers Welcome & Networking Lunch in Brisbane on 6-8 August 2010, supporters, and with key organisations jointly hosted with the Women Barristers by funding the attendance of four in New South Wales and nationally. Forum (NSW) on 21 May 2010. Speakers delegates from the WLA NSW Executive for the Coming to the Bar seminar Committee: Mary Snell, President; Functions and Events were the Honourable Justice Catherine Rebecca Barry, Vice President; Lee-May Networking seminars and forums for Branson President of the Human Rights Saw, Immediate Past President & AWL WLA NSW have included: and Equal Opportunity Commission, Representative; and Louise Hazelton, > “Women and the Workplace: the Julia Baird SC President of the Women Fundraising & Sponsorship Officer. Myths that Hamper”, hosted by Blake Barristers Forum (NSW), and Amy The Law Society of NSW funded two Dawson Waldron on 25 March 2010, Douglas-Baker barrister. delegates from Law Society Council to with Catherine Fox as speaker; There were 19 new women barristers attend the Conference. > An Evening with Fairwork out of a notably large intake of 60 for the
7 (1) Fatoum Souki, winner of the Community Justice Award and winners of the Women Lawyers Achievement Awards, Pamela Tate SC (as her Honour then was), Jane Dixon SC and Simone Cusack (2) Convenor, Astrid Haban-Beer, Assistant Convenor, Kate Ashmor and Patricia Athanasiadis with the Hon. Quentin Bryce (3) VWL delegation at the AWL conference, final day Victoria Report Astrid Haban-Beer VWL Convenor
Diversity in 2010 and beyond has been ‘diversity’ – we try to promote The Year in Review “Be the change you want to see in the diversity always, but this year it has Thank you to all who attended VWL world” or various iterations of Gandhi’s been a particular focus of ours. Many events over the year’s busy calendar, famous quotation is often the start or of our members come from different and thank you to the organisations we end point of well intentioned magazine backgrounds, and all are doing different partnered with. Here are some of the reports, graduation speeches, and things and contributing in different ways. events VWL hosted in 2010: many lectures. Maybe the quotation We all face different challenges along the > January – Legal laneway breakfast has become somewhat diminished by way, and I hope that VWL even in some in support of the Law Foundation, repetition, or bruised by the context in small way, is encouraging its members to Women’s Legal Service, and others which the words are delivered, but I truly overcome these hurdles and reach their > February – Sponsor firm dinner at love it. It inspires one to believe and potential. We have done this practically The Italian champion the notion that one person’s by partnering with organisations such as > March – Dame Roma Mitchell actions are significant, and that each Lawyers for Animals and Tarwirri - the memorial luncheon with guest speaker person’s conduct can influence the Indigenous Law Students and Lawyers Clare Martin, CEO of the Australian wider community. Association, and we’ve been consulting Council of Social Services (ACOSS) VWL will celebrate its 15th birthday widely, particularly with migrant with the Law Institute of Victoria in 2011, and I’ve been fortunate enough communities, for some important events > April – Hosted a cocktail function to have met many of the women and and research driven projects. At all of with Monahan + Rowell Lawyers to men who have devoted their time and our events VWL provides a ‘space’ for all congratulate Justice Dodds-Streeton’s effort into supporting the organisation women lawyers to learn, contribute, and appointment to the Federal Court and over these years. These people have network with each other. hear about her Honour’s experiences recognised that change in societal We have also confirmed our in the law attitudes was needed and they’ve relationships with other supportive > April – Launched the annual VWL/ done something personal to contribute people and bodies, such as meeting Women Barristers Association (WBA) towards change, as gradual as it has with the Victorian Premier and Victorian Law Student mentoring program at been. Equality is everyone’s issue and Attorney-General, the President and Middletons with the support of The I know that there are many champions CEO of the Law Institute of Victoria, Hon. Justice Neave AO. among VWL members and supporters the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court > May – Pro Bono and Community who’ve talked, campaigned, written and many other judges, and the Office work forum, moderated by Fiona and battled for getting the message for Women’s Policy in Victoria. Their McLean, CEO of the Public Interest of gender equality heard in our small work complements our own, and we are Law Clearing House (PILCH) at Blake corner of society, the legal profession. pleased that such relationships have Dawson Waldron Individuals have been responsible been cemented this year. > May – Law Week seminar ‘Hear Me for VWL’s progress in 2010, which has VWL’s work is the result of a Roar’ – a joint event with Lawyers for included an expansion of our core commitment to bring events and Animals highlighting the links between committees, and a record number of seminars that continue promote equality rights and animal rights. events. New core committees include the Association’s objectives of > May – Women Lawyers Achievement the Law Reform Committee and the advancing women in the profession Awards at Chapter House with WBA, Women Migrants Legal Information and contributing to the promotion of with (the Hon. Justice) Pamela Tate Project Committee. The year’s theme women’s rights in the wider community. SC, Jane Dixon SC received awards
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(4) Astrid Haban-Beer, Anna Forsyth, Patricia Athanasiadis, Christine Melis and Carmella Ben-Simon, part of the Victorian delegation at the AWL conference at the opening evening (5) Launch of the 2010 VWL/WBA Mentoring Program with the support of Her Honour Justice Neave
for excellence, and Simone Cusack the Sex Discrimination Commissioner and hard-working members of all VWL was named ‘Rising Star.’ Fatoum launched the report, with the support committees who have devoted their time Souki was awarded the Community of the LIV, our principal sponsor. to organise these wonderful events, Justice award. The Hon. President of > November – Launch of the Women and be the voice of VWL throughout the Court of Appeal, Justice Maxwell, Lawyers in Government network, with the legal profession. I would also like to presented these awards, with guest guest speaker the Hon. Justice Emerton. thank our Patron the Hon. Chief Justice speaker Liz Jackson of Four Corners > November – AGM and Christmas Marilyn Warren, who has provided providing the keynote address. party, with entertainment provided by support and guidance to VWL over > August – Australian Women Lawyers the Women’s Circus, and the event many years, and is a keen advocate of Conference in Brisbane. VWL is a hosted by Minter Ellison Lawyers. women’s advancement in the law. Thank Victoria Report constituent body of AWL, and we you especially to our generous major support this biennial conference. VWL In addition to the events hosted, each sponsors, Maurice Blackburn, Corrs sponsored the attendance of 8 of its committee has been working hard Chambers Westgarth, DLA Phillips Fox, members to attend this conference, over the year to provide comment and Clayton Utz, Mallesons Stephen Jaques, including members from regional submissions in relevant areas, such Minter Ellison, Allens Arthur Robinson, Victoria and regional Western Australia. as a response to the Law Council of Blake Dawson Waldron, Maddocks, and > August – Sexual Assault forum in Australia/AWL Gender Appearance our principal sponsor the Law Institute Mildura with a number of partners survey, and a submission to the Victorian of Victoria. Such support is vital for including Victoria Police and the Attorney-General in relation to judicial VWL and its ongoing work. Aboriginal Family Violence and appointments. Committees have also Prevention Legal Service been working hard on projects such as Judicial Appointments > August – Mildura Networking dinner the Women Migrants Legal Information VWL was delighted to be provide > August – Lunch with the Chief Project, and a membership survey comments to the Victorian Judicial Justice at Mallesons Stephen into gaps in networking. VWL has Appointments Review in August 2010, Jaques - a frank discussion about many projects on the burn, including following a request for our comments the advancement and development of a future Pathways to Partnerships from the Attorney-General, Mr Hulls. women in private law firms seminar, further research into attrition While the outcome of the review is > August – Members and Guests night of women lawyers in the profession, as yet unknown, VWL is very pleased to at The Apartment, with comedian and joint events with Women in Finance congratulate a number of women who Denise Scott providing entertainment and the Australian Corporate Lawyers have been appointed to Judicial Office > September – Lesbia Harford Oration Association (ACLA). VWL has also this year, including: in collaboration with PILCH. The partnered with the Victorian Bar and Oration was delivered in a panel format WBA to work on gender appearance The Hon. Justice Julie Dodds-Streeton addressing the topic Do We Measure figures and equitable briefing issues. to the Federal Court Up? How Australia fares in the There are many ideas that are in the international women’s rights context. process of being cultivated in response The Hon. Justice Pamela Tate SC to the > September – Sexual Assault forum to member feedback. Court of Appeal in conjunction with the Medical VWL is also fortunate to host two Women’s Society of Victoria. student interns provided to us by the The Hon. Justice Anne Ferguson to the > October – Women’s Business in the Victoria Law Foundation, who are Supreme Court Law - a breakfast event to celebrate working on various VWL projects. and encourage indigenous women’s I have recently been appointed as the Associate Justice Rita Zammit to the participation in the legal profession. Law Institute of Victoria representative Supreme Court This event was hosted by VWL on the Law Council of Australia’s in conjunction with Tarwirri, and Equalising Opportunities in the Law Judge Gabriele Cannon to the Maurice Blackburn Lawyers. Committee (EOL Committee). The EOL County Court > October – Coming to the Bar drinks Committee are very supportive - and and seminar session in conjunction impressed, by the work that is going There have also been a healthy number with the Women Barristers in Victoria. Our research, events and of women lawyers appointed as Association reports are admired beyond state Magistrates, indeed around 30% of the > October – Launch of Do You borders and it’s a testament to the Magistracy in Victoria is composed of Manage? A Guide for managing energy and commitment of lawyers in women. lawyers with flexible work Victoria that this is the case. arrangements. Elizabeth Broderick, Thank you to the executive committee
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(1) Justice Blokland, patron of Northern Territory Women Lawyers (centre), speaking at the Patron’s drinks function (2) Patron’s drinks Northern Territory Report Sue Oliver NT Representative
Appointments Magistrate for the past three years, Jenny Blokland was appointed as a specifically with the SN W Youth Drug Judge of the Supreme Court of the and Alcohol Court at Parramatta. Northern Territory in April 2010. At the time of her appointment, Justice Events Blokland was the Chief Magistrate of Justice Blokland, who is patron of the the Northern Territory, having held that Northern Territory Women Lawyers position since 2006. Prior to that, Justice Association, hosted drinks on the balcony Blokland had been a magistrate in the of the Supreme Court in September. Northern Territory. Justice Blokland’s The event was well attended and, in appointment the Northern Territory addition to providing a great venue for Supreme Court brings for the first time sunset drinks to be enjoyed, resulted in a the Supreme court being constituted by doubling of the membership numbers 4 male and 2 female judges. for the Association. Leanne Turner was appointed as The AGM for the Association is due to Federal Magistrate in the Northern be held on 3 November 2010. Territory in May. Ms Turner was formerly a Registrar of the Family Court Brisbane Registry since 2005, and Appeals Registrar from 2006 and Regional Coordinating Registrar from 2007. From 2008 to her appointment, Ms Turner was Magellan Registrar, working closely with the Magellan Judge to case manage children’s matters involving allegations of sexual abuse or severe physical abuse in order to expedite those matters. Hilary Hannam was appointed in September as the Chief Magistrate of the Northern Territory replacing Justice Blokland in that role. Ms Hannam was formerly a Magistrate in NSW for 10 years, including as a Children’s
10 Themis › Issue 13 2010
Northern Territory Report QUEENSLAND Report Kathryn Finlayson Vice-President wlaq
The last eight months have been opportunities; Coast central business districts and the particularly active for the Women > assistance in taking responsibility Woman Lawyer of the Year Award which Lawyers’ Association of Queensland for their learning and career direction; is open to any category of admission. (WLAQ). We hosted our annual Una > a contact in the industry; and This year, the Woman Lawyer of the Prentice Awards in April and our annual > empowerment to take advantage of Year was won by Linda Macpherson, Queensland Women Lawyer of the Year any opportunities that are given. Deputy General Counsel - Banking, Awards Dinner and launching their first Our committee for 2010/11 including Suncorp, the Regional Woman Lawyer of dedicated function for the members, half a dozen new, enthusiastic ladies the Year was won by Magistrate Suzette and prospective members of the was elected at our AGM on 9 June. Coates and the Emergent Woman Queensland Bar. Following the AGM, WLAQ held a Lawyer by Debbie Kilroy, Lawyer, Sisters The Una Prentice Awards were networking function officially opened Inside/Callaghan Lawyers. held on 22 April with over 60 people by the Honourable Justice Ann Lyons For the first time this year, the in attendance. The Awards recognise of the Supreme Court of Queensland. Queensland Law Society presented the achievements of the highest The evening included an entertaining the Agnes McWhinney Award For graduate female law student from each speech by Jacoba Brasch, Barrister and Outstanding Achievement by a Female Queensland University. The evening some remarks in relation to financial Lawyer at our Awards Dinner. The provided an opportunity for WLAQ to awareness by representatives from Agnes McWhinney Award celebrates recognise the students’ achievements Grant Thornton. more than 100 years of women in the and to launch the 2010/11 Ladder This year’s Awards Dinner held on 1 law, and is named in honour of the first Program while allowing students, legal October 2010 were a fantastic success female solicitor in Queensland. This professionals and members of the with over 130 guests attending. The year’s recipient was the Honourable judiciary to mingle and network in a Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Judge Fleur Kingham. relaxed environment The Honourable Penelope Wensley AO addressed the Justice Roslyn Atkinson of the Supreme Dinner. The Awards Dinner recognises, Court of Queensland officially opened encourages and supports the the event and spoke of her experience endeavours and contributions of women being a mentor for the Ladder Program. lawyers in Queensland. WLAQ presents The Ladder Program, now in its 3rd three awards: the Emergent Woman year, is aimed at providing young lawyers, Lawyer Award which is open to female graduates and law students with: practitioners who have been admitted > a trusted confidant who can for 5 years or less; the Regional Woman encourage them to achieve their goals; Lawyer Award which is open to any > insight into the profession and its lawyer outside of Brisbane and Gold
11 (1) agm (2) Nunga Miminar Cheque August 2010 (3) The winners at Quiz night - the Brains Trust
SOUTH AUSTRALIA REPORT Amy Challans SA Representative
This year has been an extremely Alternate Careers in the Law’ seminar our membership this event looks like busy year for the Women Lawyers’ On the 27 April 2010 WLASA hosted becoming a regular networking feature Association of SA Inc (WLASA) with its annual ‘Alternate Careers in the on our events calendar. the introduction of new member Law’ seminar at the University of functions, the establishment of the Adelaide. Aimed at enhancing the Quiz Night ‘Friends of WLASA’, the appointment career development of law students, By far and away the most attended event of three honorary life memberships the seminar exposed students to a for 2010 was WLASA’s inaugural quiz and the appointment of new office range of different career options once night held on the 23 July 2010. Hosted by bearers including a new President, Vice they graduate. This year’s seminar a professional quiz master the function President and Treasurer. Most notably featured a range of key note speakers was attended by approximately 180 (and importantly!) in 2010 WLASA was who talked about the advantages and people including WLA members and approached for the first time by the disadvantages of their chosen career ‘Friends of WLA’. The quiz night raised South Australian State Attorney-General paths and their motivations for studying a sizable amount of money for our 2010 to discuss the work of the Association, law. Importantly the speakers provided charity NUNGA MIMINAR. judicial appointments and to raise students an insight into ‘how they got to Following the event WLA’s President issues of concern to our members. where they are today’ and emphasised Shelley O’Connell visited the team at This was a big coup for the Association that working as a lawyer in one of the NUNGA MIMNAR and presented them and WLASA warmly welcomes and top tier firms is not necessarily the with a healthy cheque as a result of the acknowledges the consultative approach only option for law graduates. This proceeds raised. adopted by the newly appointed seminar has become an annual event Attorney General. in the Adelaide Law Students’ Society Annual General Meeting calendar and is now attended by law On the 30 September 2010 WLA held Networking, Fundraising and students from all three of SA’s law its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Career Development schools. WLASA looks forward to appointed Shelley O’Connell as its new UNIFEM International Women’s hosting the seminar again next year. President, Christina Von Muenster as its Day Breakfast new Vice President and Ilona Schultz as The first event of the year began in Movie Night its new Treasurer. At the AGM WLASA March with WLASA hosting a table On the 13 May 2010 WLASA held its also farewelled Karla McCulloch who at the annual UNIFEM International second movie night with a screening retired from the Committee after 13 Women’s Day Breakfast organised by of Russell Crowe and Cate Blancett’s years as Treasurer. WLASA also thanked The Hon Senator Penny Wong. This latest film Robin Hood. The film proved Kerry Clark and Melissa Ballantyne (who year’s event proved very popular with a popular choice with approximately did not stand for re election as President a high demand for places by members seventy members and ‘Friends of and Vice President) for their contribution and the creation of a waiting list. The WLA’ attending. The aim of the movie to WLASA. Both Kerry and Melissa have breakfast featured key note speaker night was to act as a fundraiser for served with distinction as President and ABC reporter Sally Sara and was NUNGA MIMINAR (our chosen charity Vice President of the Association over attended by approximately 1900 women for 2010) with representatives of the the past four years and have contributed to support various projects run by charity attending to speak and mingle greatly to the Association. UNIFEM and (of course!) to celebrate with guests. Due to positive feedback international women’s day. and a strong interest in movies by
12 Themis › Issue 12 2010
SOUTH AUSTRALIA REPORT TASMANIA REPORT Mary Anne Ryan Tas representative
TWL recently held a cocktail party to We are also making use of the historic welcome the new Tasmanian Anti- occasion to bestow our first honorary Discrimination Commissioner Ms membership of Tasmanian Women Robin Banks. This was a great success Lawyers and again we look forward to and we are pleased to welcome many making that announcement. new faces. TWL wishes Robyn every Tasmania has holding yet another success and hope she enjoys her return enquiry into the benefits and perceived to Tasmania. drawbacks of a Human Rights Charter TWL has created a Tasmanian and TWL is working on their submission Women Lawyers Award, which will be with respect to that enquiry at present. presented at our inaugural TWL dinner, to be held on 5 November 2010. Fiona McLeod SC has accepted our invitation to be guest speaker at the dinner. All of us are working hard on this event and are very much looking forward to it. We will be very pleased to announce the successful nomination in the next edition Themis of the TWL Award.
13 western australia Report Elspeth Hensler President WLWA
Seminars Networking Lunches Victoria) and a pilot project allowing for Since the last edition of Themis in March Each month members are welcome to emergency care arrangements (modelled 2010, WLWA has continued to arrange attend lunch (no pre-booking required) on that run in NSW) continues. seminars and workshops for our members. at a designated restaurant in the heart of The seminars and workshops address the CBD. The lunch continues to attract Judicial App ointments issues of health and wellbeing, as well as women from diverse areas of practice In March 2010 we reported in Themis issues of direct relevance to legal practice. and levels of experience. This regular that Janine Pritchard had been Since March 2010, WLWA’s programme function has proved to be particularly appointed to the District Court, taking up has included the following. useful for women who are in small to a position with the State Administrative > In May 2010, Mel Stewart of The medium practices or who are the only Tribunal. Since then Her Honour has Counselling Clinic and David Pelusey or one of a small number of women with been appointed to the Supreme Court of Mt Lawley Nutrition and Family their employer. It is also proving useful to of Western Australia. Her Honour Health shared a wealth of experience women lawyers who move to Perth from continues to support women in the legal in physical and mental wellness for interstate and overseas by giving them profession and was one of the speakers busy legal professionals. an informal opportunity to become part at the advocacy series mentioned above. > In June 2010, Patricia Cahill SC of Perth’s network of women lawyers. Jennifer Hawkins, who spoke at the and Jennifer Hawkins, then of the seminar about responding to complaints State Administrative Tribunal of WA, Working with the Law Society referred to above has been appointed spoke at a seminar concerning best The Law Society of Western Australia to the Magistrates Court. Her Honour’s practice in responding to professional has commenced working on measures experience includes working as a complaints with tips on how to stop a to reduce the amount of bullying that solicitor of the Crown Law Department; bad situation getting worse. occurs in the legal profession. Through a legal Registrar of the former Workers’ > On 7 September 2010, WLWA held a joint society of the Law Society and Compensation Board; a partner of a social function with the Women@ WLWA, WLWA is working with the Law various law firms, and as a fulltime Morgan Stanley. Vanessa Torres, Vice Society to identify when bullying occurs member of the State Administrative President, Business Development and in Western Australia’s legal profession, Tribunal. She has also chaired the Projects, BHP Billiton Nickel West, the potential consequences for Princess Margaret Hospital Research gave a short presentation which was psychological distress and depression, Ethics Committee and been a member of very well received. The event was very and measures that might realistically the Psychologists Registration Board. popular and there are plans to make be put in place to reduce the amount this a more regular event. of bullying that is occurring, and the WLWA warmly congratulates both women. > Continuing a popular series, in severity of its consequences. September 2010 WLWA ran a series As reported in the March 2010 of 4 seminars on advocacy, covering edition of Themis, the Executives of the ethical issues, trial preparation, Law Society Council and WLWA are appearing in Tribunals and appearing working together on issues of under- in Court. This is a series that we run representation of women in the senior every two years (or so). levels of the amalgam, coming to the Bar and the experience of women in As in previous years, WLWA also achieving or trying to achieve either of sponsored members to attend the AWL these. Work on flexible work protocols conference in Brisbane in August 2010. and checklists (modelled on those from
14 Themis › Issue 13 2010 western australia Report
act Report Margaret Hunter President WLA ACT
The activities of Women Lawyers recommendations. au/. We are facing some challenges with Association of the ACT Inc (WLA ACT WLA ACT attends the meetings updating this site. Inc) have included the following: of the ACT Law Society Council each The Committee is working on month as an observer. completing paperwork required by the Major CLE/mentoring ATO for recognition as a charitable breakfasts & other training Scholarships/sponsorships institution that is income tax exempt 26 February 2010 WLA ACT has presented a $250 cash (following the WLA lead in this area). WLA ACT in conjunction with the ACT award to each of the highest academic The WLA ACT 2010 AGM is Young Lawyers Committee hosted a ranked female LLB graduates from 2009 anticipated for the end of October at luncheon titled ‘How to unite a legal in the awards ceremonies at each the Commonwealth Club - the yet to be profession without prejudice’. Guest of the Australian National University audited asset base at 30 June 2010 speakers were: Noor Blumer, Chair and University of Canberra (Rosheehan was $5,904.85. EOL Committees of the Law Council of O’Meagher and Tegan Farrelly shared Ms Leonie Kennedy resigned as Australia & ACT Law Society; and Athol the prize). President effective Thursday 8 July Opas, President ACT Law Society. WLA ACT sponsored attendance – the Committee thanked her for her of one ACT female law student, Sarah dedication to WLA ACT Inc over the Working with the ACT Jewell, at the 2010 National Indigenous years. Leonie continues as a Committee Law Society Law Conference, and associated Member. I have accepted appointment Last year WLA ACT assisted the ACT Conference dinner, during October 2010 as President, and Sara Wedgwood Law Society Equalising Opportunities at the Australian National University in has accepted appointment as Deputy in the Law Sub Committee to draft Canberra. Sarah is preparing a report President, until, and in order to deliver, a member survey. The survey was for inclusion in Themis – we will try the Association’s AGM. posted to members with their renewal to get a draft to AWL in time for the of Practicing Certificate in March/Apr October 2010 Themis. 2009. Response rate was ~30%. Results have been collated (and compared Community work & contrasted with results of a similar March I attended the University of survey of NSW Law Society members). Canberra Prizes Award Ceremony. WLA ACT has also assisted the ACT April 2010 Attorney-General Simon Law Society Equalising Opportunities in Corbell announced Ms Lorraine the Law Sub Committee to investigate Walker’s appointment to the ACT and draft a paper titled ‘ACT Court Magistrates Court. The Society wrote Facilities – Participating when you are to Ms Walker congratulating her on her deaf or hard of hearing’. The paper appointment. provides information to practitioners and the public on the extent to which Other ACT Courts provide services to assist We continue to promote events, those who are deaf or hard of hearing. publications and information of interest The ACT Law Society is currently to WLA ACT members and others on reviewing the paper and associated our internet site: http://www.wlact.org.
15 The Australian Women Lawyers (AWL) is primarily concerned with issues relating to the practice and advancement of women in the legal profession.
AWL BOARD MEMBERS President Mary Anne Ryan Tasmanian Women Lawyers Vice President Rebecca Lee Women Lawyers Association of Western Australia Secretary sara Wedgwood Women Lawyers Association of Australian Capital Territory Treasurer Kim Knights Women Barristers Association (Victoria) Board Member Lee-May Saw Women Lawyers Association of New South Wales Board Member susan Oliver Women Lawyers Association of Northern Territory Board Member susan McNeil Women Lawyers Association of Queensland Board Member Amy Challans Women Lawyers Association of South Australia Co-opted Member Christine Melis victorian Women Lawyers Association
AWL acknowledges and thanks the contribution of WLAQ to the production of this edition of Themis
For more information on Australian Women Lawyers, please see our website at www.australianwomenlawyers.com.au 16