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‘I don’t think there’s ever been a better time to be young and female in a law firm’
The #MeToo movement has spawned meaningful conversations about needed changes to the workplace environment, and – for young lawyers coming through the ranks – it’s a great time to make a positive contribution, particularly in the area of workplace relations, says one practitioner.
Jerome Doraisamy
Speaking to Lawyers Weekly, Herbert Smith Freehills senior associate Emma Vautin – who won the Workplace Relations Lawyer of the Year at last year’s 30 Under 30 Awards – said that while her practice area is a challenging space to work in, there are many opportunities for emerging practitioners to make their mark and help drive substantive change in professional environments.
“As a proud millennial, I think that young lawyers have a really positive contribution to make to this conversation and can be leaders in this area. From a workplace culture perspective, I don’t think there has ever been a better time to be young and female in a law firm.”
With so many workplace relations issues dominating the headlines, Ms Vautin continued, there is “enormous opportunity” for the next generation to gain experience in this space, she said.
“Law firms are just one part of the puzzle – government agencies, unions, employer associations and in-house teams are all playing an active and important role in the workplace relations space.”
The #MeToo movement is still having a major impact, she outlined, predicting that historic sexual harassment claims will continue to emerge.
“The imminent release of the results of the National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins will ensure that the issue remains front of mind not only for lawyers but for the wider community,” she mused.
“Underpayments and ‘wage theft’ will also continue to dominate the workplace relations space and the headlines. And, I wish I could say that major legislative reform was on the cards, but it seems that status quo will prevail for the time being.”
When asked what will make a good workplace relations lawyer moving forward, Ms Vautin said that a “strong sense of commerciality” will be essential.
“The laws in this area can be complex, so a good workplace relations lawyer should support their clients to navigate the law without losing sight of their strategic objectives. And, the ability to keep calm under pressure is valuable too, as emotions often run high in employment and industrial matters,” she said.
It is these skills, she said, that helped propel her to win her 30u30 category last year (which she won while she was still with Clayton Utz).
“Winning the 30u30 award in 2019 was the culmination of a hard but rewarding year of practice with an incredible team of colleagues and clients. I encourage other young lawyers to nominate for the awards, as they offer a rare opportunity to receive industry recognition and celebrate the achievements of your peers,” she concluded.
To nominate yourself or colleague for the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards 2020, click here.
Jerome Doraisamy
Jerome Doraisamy is the editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He has worked at Momentum Media as a journalist on Lawyers Weekly since February 2018, and has served as editor since March 2022. In June 2024, he also assumed the editorship of HR Leader. Jerome is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in NSW, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
You can email Jerome at:
