Maurice Blackburn

Celebrating Indigenous women’s achievements in the law

Women's Business in the law was the focus of a special breakfast celebrating the contribution of Indigenous women to law and justice at the Melbourne Town Hall today.

The sold-out breakfast for 180 people was hosted by Victorian Women Lawyers in conjunction with Tarwirri, the Indigenous Law Students and Lawyers Association of Victoria, and sponsored by national plaintiff law firm Maurice Blackburn.

Indigenous women work for their communities in Corrections, Koori Courts, Koori Justice, the Victorian Bar, Victoria Police and in law firms and agencies across the state.

This breakfast celebrated all Indigenous women's achievements and contributions to education and the law.

Guest speakers recognised for their contribution to the law were Children's Koori Court Elder Pam Pedersen, Deputy Chief Magistrate Jelena Popovic and Barrister Munya Andrews.

Centre for Human Rights Law Deputy Director Melissa Castan moderated the event.

"Diversity in the legal profession is extremely important," VWL Convenor Astrid Haban-Beer said.

"Indigenous women are among those who are underrepresented in the legal profession, however, it is good to see that there are many women out there who are currently studying law degrees and trying to get work experience.

"The problem that many women face when trying to enter the legal profession is a lack of opportunity.

"In an already competitive market, Indigenous women are missing out on graduate jobs.

"It is important that members of the legal profession work together to create opportunities for the advancement of all women in the law, but particularly for those whose road into it has been challenging.

"This breakfast provides an opportunity for the whole legal profession to support Indigenous women, and recognise that contributions to law and justice occur in many varied and positive ways."

"Tarwirri is proud to be associated with this significant event, which pays tribute to the hard work of our women in the areas of law and justice in Victoria," Tarwirri President Holly Charles Ireland said.

"We are also pleased to be working with new partners on this event; Maurice Blackburn, Victorian Women Lawyers.

"Tarwirri is delighted with the response we have received from the wider legal profession and the Aboriginal community in their support of this sell-out event.

"It is timely that these women are recognised for their contributions, given that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are often the backbones of strong communities."

"Maurice Blackburn is supporting Tarwirri through its Women's Law Section," WLS Co-convenor Janet Van der Kolk said.

"Our founder, Maurice Blackburn, and his wife, Doris, fought for and promoted the rights of Indigenous groups.

"Doris Blackburn was an original office bearer when the Aborigines Advancement League started and she also helped establish the Federal Council for Aboriginal Advancement, taking on the role as its president in 1959.

"Today, we are proud to progress the opportunities and careers of Indigenous women in the law.

"We have opened the doors, offering dedicated Indigenous Seasonal Clerkships giving students the opportunity to show case their talents and open the door to placement within the firm as Trainee Lawyers. We encourage other law firms to follow this example.

"Maurice Blackburn recognises the importance of education, and the need to ensure Indigenous students and lawyers have opportunities in the very competitive legal field."