Bringing value to the practice of law and celebrating International Women's Day

Whilst there are a number of priorities a President seeks to achieve each year, there is one overarching aim. To visit members, listen and action. To find out what is working well for them, what keeps them up at night and how we can assist in bringing value to the practice of law.

The past week has been energising with a return of many face-to-face meetings and a re-commencement of our regional visits. Last Thursday, the Law Society’s CEO and I had the great pleasure of attending the Far South Coast & Monaro Regional Law Society’s annual CPD day in my hometown, Cooma, and we also attended the Inner West Regional Law Society CPD & AGM on the weekend. Later this month we will be heading to Griffith for the Riverina Regional Law Society CPD & AGM. This past week, as part of our ongoing engagement with members, we began a series of round table events at 170 Phillip Street, starting with representatives from the large law firms.

Amidst the events celebrating International Women’s Day 2022 and our own reflections on the advancement of women in our legal profession, it was wonderful to attend a Gala Dinner at the Sydney Sheraton marking the 70^th anniversary of Women Lawyers Association NSW. The aims of WLANSW have not changed since its inaugural meeting 70 years ago on 6 March 1952 and they “remain focused on providing a common meeting ground for women lawyers and to foster the growth of collegiality among women lawyers, and continue to advocate for law reform and the advancement of women in the legal profession and community, more generally.”

The Law Society is proud of its ongoing support of WLANSW’s work advocating for law reform and the advancement of women in the legal profession and community. I again extend my congratulations to Rachel Besley, winner of the Law Society sponsored WLANSW Corporate Counsel of the Year Award. Change Champion of the Year winner, Carly Stebbing, gave a powerful call to action. If you missed it, you can catch it here.

This year’s International Women’s Day challenges all of us in the legal profession to imagine a world free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination - a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive and reflects the communities that we serve. I am excited to be attending our International Women’s Day Breakfast this Wednesday 16 March and I am looking forward to hearing from our powerful line up of panellists:  Nyadol Nyuon, Katrina Rathie and Mariam Veiszadeh.  We still have seats available and you can register here. Together we can ensure our profession is one where difference is valued and celebrated.

Joanne van der Plaat, President, Law Society of NSW