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Law students give ‘real hope’ for future of profession
The responses from law students and new lawyers to issues across the profession, including the latest “men in law awards” notice, may be an indication of a more inclusive and diverse future to come.
Naomi Neilson
The distasteful “men in law awards” joke posted in the Owen Dixon Chambers – the largest in Victoria – has made waves across the profession, from some of the major legal and woman lawyer associations through to law students and future leaders.
“If such behaviour goes unchecked, what message are we sending to the next generation of lawyers? No one, regardless of their position within the profession, should be above the law,” Ms Biscotto said.
Dr Kcasey McLoughlin, researcher and senior lecturer with Newcastle Law School, said she has often shared powerful quotes from women lawyers with her students – including one from Justice Mary Gaudron in 1997 about women lawyer associations.
Dr McLoughlin said as someone with the “great privilege” of teaching law students, “I am given real hope about their capacity to reimagine their profession in terms of gender dynamics, but also in terms of inclusivity when it comes to race, class and ability”.
“Students really seem attuned to these issues and seem to take, as their first step, that it matters that the profession is an inclusive place.”
While a big part of the future diversity and inclusion may come from more women entering the profession, Ms Biscotto said it is also in the number of women taking on leadership roles.
The ALSA’s 2022–23 committee and conference subcommittee is currently made up of 21 women out of 27 members, Ms Biscotto shared, and out of Australia’s 38 law student societies, 31 are led by women.
With 81.5 per cent of women law students serving in these positions, Ms Biscotto said it is a “testament that women are not only entering the legal profession in greater numbers but are also taking on leadership roles and shaping the future of the profession”.
“Continuing to advocate for, celebrate and stand up for women in law ensures that these emerging leaders are not met with the same barriers faced by those before them,” Ms Biscotto said.
“It paves the way for a more inclusive, equitable and just profession that truly embodies its foundational principles.”
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
