Women's Groups 2013 - Women Lawyers of Western Australia (Inc) (WLWA)
Women Lawyers of Western Australia (Inc) (WLWA)
Purpose of the group
WLWA promotes the interests of women in the legal profession and community generally. The group provides opportunities for members to network and expand their contacts and interests by holding several social functions each year, as well as presenting regular seminars on a range of interesting and educational topics.
Time period
WLWA was established in 1982 and still exists.
Key achievements
WLWA has actively lobbied for and achieved several changes in the legal profession to benefit women lawyers and enable better access to higher positions in the law profession. These include the introduction of flexible work practices, sexual harassment being included as a breach of professional conduct rules, consultations with the State Government and Chief Justice on appointments of judges and senior counsel and introducing a model briefing policy to promote equal opportunities in briefing practices.
WLWA offers an informal mentoring program where members are given an opportunity to discuss a particular work-related problem (other than legal advice) with a more experienced member assigned by the mentoring coordinator.
WLWA regularly presents educational seminars by high-profile speakers, as well as social functions that provide informal networking opportunities between women lawyers from different backgrounds and experience.
Key people and positions in the group
- First president Vivien Payne.
- First vice-president—and now Patron Emeritus—Her Honour Toni Kennedy.
- Chief Justice Diana Bryant, first secretary.
- Anne Payne, first treasurer.
- First committee members Christine Wheeler, Rhonda Griffiths, Beccy Vidler and Kim Rooney.
Sources
- Website: www.wlwa.asn.au.
- Information provided by Elspeth Hensler.
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