Portfolio Teams
Social Justice and Advocacy
Events and initiatives targeting social justice issue and, raising awareness of careers within government agencies and in criminal law. Aims to provide greater networking and mentoring opportunities with organisations such as Legal Aid and the ODPP.
Membership and Operations
Assisting with the delivery of DWL’s Cultural Event, maintaining data and precedents within DWL’s database, managing DWL’s communications with members and volunteers.
Cultural Event Showcase
DWL’s annual flagship event which celebrates how the cultures and traditions of Diverse Women within the legal profession can enrich our lives through speeches and a variety of artistic forms including music, dance, spoken word and poetry.
Commercial Law
Events and initiatives to promote commercial law careers, in particular clerkship and graduate positions at commercial firms. Initiatives include workshops for preparing job applications, honing interview skills and developing a personal brand.
Competitions
Creates inclusive opportunities for Diverse Women to build advocacy skills, confidence, and access to pathways within the legal profession.
Design and Communications
Preparing marketing materials and social media content, managing DWL’s social media platforms in consultation with event teams, and undertaking certain projects such as the DWL podcast.
Hear from our team
“Young lawyers should not have to compromise their values for stereotypes of what lawyers should be, what hours they should work or how much of their life they should sacrifice to be considered good enough. I join DWL to show that difference in perspective, worldview, background and aspirations is critical in the growth of the legal profession"
— Rema Hamdan
"There is no quantifiable or measurable value that can be placed on women in the legal profession having a network to turn to, to voice their concerns, having support from women who have walked in their shoes, or simply having someone to talk to who understands what it means to be a diverse woman in the law. I joined DWL because when I started my legal career 10 years ago, the support offered in the industry did not focus on or acknowledge diversity. I want to provide the support that I didn’t receive when I first joined the profession"
— Sonia Chandra
“I strongly believe that for this industry to continue to grow, develop and progress, it requires diversity of people, backgrounds, thought and perspective. I think that there is a particularly important role for DWL to play in the younger demographic and that it is vital for diverse female high school and university students to be provided with increased access to resources and networks in the industry, and exposure to potential career opportunities. I am keen to break down misconceptions about the legal industry, establish early networks for students, cultivate interest in a seemingly exclusive legal field and empower the voices of Diverse Women in the law”
— Jessica Ortner
“Being raised by immigrant parents and in an immigrant community, I was taught the value of hard work and perseverance - both attributes that have served me well as a lawyer! This Harmony Day, I reflect on my strengths and unique perspectives that I bring to the table, and how important it is for diverse communities to trust that their interests will be properly represented and protected by the profession. Through my DWL involvement, I look forward to fostering networks for advice, guidance and mentorship for diverse women in the profession”
— Mrith Shanker