EDITOR’S LETTER / 2.2
PROMOTING MORE WOMEN IN LAW
COPY & FEATURES EDITOR Kathryn Crossley CONTRIBUTORS Samantha Woodhill, Karen Gately PRODUCTION EDITORS Roslyn Meredith, Moira Daniels, Carolin Wun
ART & PRODUCTION
Kathryn Crossley
The statistics about women in the legal profession are as well known as they are alarming. Women make up 63% of Australian law graduates but only 19% of partners in our law firms, and an even smaller percentage of law firm managing partners. It’s not a new phenomenon, or even something unique to the legal profession. As of January this year, women hold just 19.4% of directorships on ASX 200 boards. When discussing the challenges of advancing the status of women in the law, it can be tempting to look for a silver bullet. The reality is that tackling such a multifaceted issue facing such a large and diverse segment of the profession is going to require a range of responses. This special ‘Women in Law’ issue of Australasian Lawyer aims to shine a light on some of the many initiatives lawyers and firms have adopted to achieve better career outcomes for female lawyers. Our ‘Women to Watch’ list (page 18) profiles 50 women lawyers who are making their mark on the Australasian legal scene. The task at hand is far from simple, but the firms that can crack the code are destined to reap the benefits. I hope you will find plenty to motivate and inspire you in this issue of Australasian Lawyer.
Kathryn Crossley, editor, Australasian Lawyer
DESIGN MANAGER Daniel Williams DESIGNER Kat Vargas PHOTOGRAPHY Tanja Milbourne (www.tmphoto.co)
SALES & MARKETING SALES MANAGER Paul Ferris MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Lisa Narroway TRAFFIC COORDINATOR Lou Gonzales
CORPORATE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mike Shipley CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER George Walmsley MANAGING DIRECTOR Justin Kennedy CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER Colin Chan HR MANAGER Julia Bookallil Editorial enquiries Kathryn Crossley tel: +61 2 8437 4702 kathryn.crossley@keymedia.com.au Advertising enquiries Paul Ferris tel: +61 2 8437 4703 paul.ferris@keymedia.com.au Subscriptions subscriptions@keymedia.com.au Key Media keymedia.com.au Key Media Pty Ltd, regional head office, Level 10, 1–9 Chandos St, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia tel: +61 2 8437 4700 fax: +61 2 9439 4599 Offices in Sydney, Auckland, Denver, Toronto, Manila australasianlawyer.com.au Copyright is reserved throughout. No part of this publication can be reproduced in whole or part without the express permission of the editor. Contributions are invited, but copies of work should be kept, as Australasian Lawyer magazine can accept no responsibility for loss
Correction: In ‘Brisbane city report’ (AL 2.1), a picture of Andrew Forbes (Lander & Rogers) was incorrectly published as an image of Chris Ward (Cooper Grace Ward). Australasian Lawyer apologises to Chris and Andrew for the error.
Chris Ward Cooper Grace Ward
Andrew Forbes Lander & Rogers
CONNECT Contact the editor:
kathryn.crossley@keymedia.com.au
2 | APRIL 2015
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