Women in Law Event hosted by QUT Law Society

Last night I gave an address at the QUT Law Society Women in Law event in my capacity as Vice-President of WLAQ.  It was held at Old Government House and over 50 students attended.

The QUT Law Society did a fantastic job as hosts and the event was inspiring.  The Chief Justice gave an address and spoke of the significant milestones that women lawyers have made in Queensland's history.

Following this, I gave the address below and spent some time with my fellow MinterEllison colleagues talking to the students about transitioning from student to lawyer.

Congratulations to QUT Law Society on hosting such a wonderful event.

 

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the QUT Law Society in hosting tonight's event, along with our Chief Justice who has provided another inspirational speech, which I am sure you will all reflect on in years to come.

I am here tonight in my capacity as one of the Vice-President's of the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland, and to provide you with background knowledge about our organisation and our plans for you and the future for women in Queensland's legal profession. 

WLAQ was founded in 1978 by Leneen Forde AC and ten female lawyers including current President of the Land Court, Carmel MacDonald, Una Prentice, The Honourable Justice Margaret McMurdo President of the Court of Appeal and Noela L'Estrange former CEO of Queensland Law Society.

Past Presidents include Deputy Chief Magistrate Leanne O'Shea, Judge Sally Purdon-Sully, Magistrate Kay Ryan and Justice Jenny Hogan.  Her Honour, Justice Mullins served as Treasurer for 7 years.

We are an organisation created by the leading women lawyers in Queensland, and  continued to be run by women who are as equally as passionate about ensuring that the interests of women in the legal profession are protected.  It is at this time that I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to the Chief Justice for her address delivered at the 100th anniversary of the admission of Agnes McWhinney. 

The address contained a comprehensive overview of the history of women in Queensland's legal profession, commencing with Agnes' admission on 7 December 1915, and progressing to what the Chief Justice described as a particularly important first which occurred in 2015, one that was a very significant milestone for women, and a position she had doubted a woman would ever hold.  This milestone was the appointment of Sue Brown QC as the first female Vice-President of the Bar Association of Queensland.  This being WLAQ's first opportunity to publically acknowledge the Chief Justice following this address, on behalf of WLAQ I would like to acknowledge another significant milestone of 2015, that being the Chief Justice's appointment as Queensland's first woman Chief Justice.  I know I speak on behalf of all present tonight when I say thank you, not only for your contribution to women in the profession, but to the profession as a whole.

I would also like to echo your comments, that we can dare to dream of a woman President of the Bar Association, with the Law Society having achieved this milestone some 30 years prior with the election of Elizabeth Nosworthy. 

Some would ask, why in 2016 do we need an organisation such as WLAQ?  I do not propose to recite statistics, but want to emphasis the significant disparity between the ratio of female to male law graduates to the ratio of female to male QCs, Special Counsel and Partners.  The profession is loosing key women lawyers post 5 to 8 years admission, and adjustments to what used to be considered general practice for a lawyer, must be made.

At our last AGM we had 434 members, of which 147 were students.  WLAQ recognises the importance of ensuring our student membership is well represented and maintains an open relationship with all of the Universities so that we can work collaboratively in addressing issues that you face as you transition from student to lawyer.

Last year we released our 2015-2018 Strategic Plan, a first for WLAQ and an initiative I am proud to be apart of.  In this, we made a firm commitment to provide networking, educational and mentoring opportunities for our members.  I am pleased to report that we have made progress with this objective and our 2015/2016 Mentoring Program saw a significant increase in the number of mentee applications, that is applications by female law students requesting mentorship.  As students, this is where you will see the most benefits of being a member of WLAQ.

It is important that as you progress in your career you remain open to discussing your ideas and issues with those more senior than you.  It is through these conversations that we can recognise any systemic issues that may be presenting as barriers to your progression and assist you in finding solutions.  I acknowledge the reports of the unbalanced proportion of available positions to the number of law graduates.  However, when we look at your career progression, it is important that impediments to you staying in the legal profession are known so that, when we look at the other end of the spectrum, that is your movement into leadership positions, WLAQ as an organisation, can continue to do what it can to facilitate disruption and work towards equality.  It is now that I call upon the male law students in the room to commit to being a champion of change and look up to role models such as Dominic McGann.

Moving forward, I would encourage you to support each other as you graduate, when you are admitted, and as you progress through the ranks in your career.  It is important that we work together and have a support network amongst our peers.  WLAQ events are frequently attended by past Presidents and the executive, who often retell stories of their recent catch ups.   It is now that you will create friendships that are the foundation of your career relationships.

With that, I would like to extend an invitation to you all to attend the Una Prentice Awards, which are being held on 19 April 2016 at the College of Law.  The Awards celebrate the top female law student of each University, made possible thanks to the generous bequest of Una Prentice, the first female law graduate.

Thank you again to Harriette and the QUT Law Society for asking WLAQ to attend tonight and I wish you all the best with your career.

WLAQ Inter-Professional Evening 2016

It was absolutely amazing to host the 2016 WLAQ Inter-Professional evening last night.  This year, we invited Dr Kirstin Ferguson as our guest speaker.

Below is a recap of my introduction for Kirstin given in my capacity as Vice-President.

Andre Cois Photography 

Following on from Amelia's welcome, thank you all for attending tonight.

When I was looking for some inspiration on what I wanted my message to be for tonight's introduction, I came across an article in Women's Agenda today confirming that a portion of the cost of our work handbag may be tax deductible.  I completely digressed from the task and found myself on the Burberry website contemplating a rather expensive purchase.

I didn't go through with the purchase because my attention was diverted, correctly, back to the issue at hand.  Why are we, in 2016 still having to contemplate different arrangements for men and women.  There has never been any questions or debate raised over a men's ability to claim for his briefcase.  This is an issue I struggle with.  The ideas of feminism, along with the negative connotations post 1903 era of Emily Plunkett's radical feminism seem to have progressed, but our action in actually effecting change and achieving parity has not.

So much so it was reported this week in the PwC Women in Work Index that Australia has dropped from 17th to 20th (out of 33) in terms of female economic empowerment.  Of note, New Zealand is 4th and UK jumped from 21 to 16.  It is not that Australia is no longer taking action, it's just that the rest of the world is taking even moreaction.

This time last year, we were hosting our first Inter-Professional event with the newly appointed Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman.  I spoke about how women no longer accepted "good enough", and with the taste of success, it was incumbent upon us all to selflessly work together, because we must continue to build on the success of the dedicated women before us.

I am pleased to say that progress for women in the legal profession in Queensland, particularly at the Bar, has not regressed, with the latest Supreme Court Annual Report confirming an increase in appearances by women in the Court of Appeal, criminal matters and civil matters. 

While my next comment may be interpreted as biased, I have no hesitation in stating that WLAQ continues to achieve success in advocating for women in the legal profession under the leadership of our current President.

It is through our deliberate action that we host tonight's event and allow our members an opportunity to network with other mid to senior professional businesswomen in Brisbane, to discuss the issues facing our everyday work life, enjoy a well earned wine, and to hear from a now former member of the legal profession, who, if I may be so bold to say, is absolutely killing it in the Boardroom.

Kirstin Ferguson is a lady who has a seat at the table and her career alone is an example of action that can be taken to achieve parity.  I first came across Kirstin through Twitter as we were both tweeting about union. 

I had an online stalk, and when reading through her resume, my immediate reaction was I need to meet this woman.  Currently on the Board for the ABC, the Queensland Theatre Company, previously Chairwoman of Thiess, and the first female director of Reds Rugby Union.  I wanted in on her inner circle, or in line with the latest buzz word – her squad!

With a PhD to go along side her degrees in Law and Arts (both of which she obtained with Honours), it is no surprise that Kirstin was named in the Australian Financial Review's 100 Women of Influence in 2014.

I am very much looking forward to hearing from Kirstin, and ask that you please make her welcome.

WLAQ hosts The Honourable Shannon Fentiman MP

Since being appointed Secretary of Women Lawyers Association of Queensland in July 2014, I have been fortunate enough to attend and host a number of events.  The most recent event was the inaugural WLAQ Inter-Professional Networking Evening, where we hosted over 110 WLAQ members and their guests.

I was working with a fabulous sub-committee of Tamlyn Mills and Bridget Handley and the support we received from a number of Queensland businesses was amazing.  My good girlfriend Laura Chong, of The 400co dressed us all in the Mater Chicks in Pink dress, The Collection by M provided personalised chocolates and we all drank Ballandean Estate wine while eating food catered by Sage Catering.  And the venue, Wesley House kindly organised by The College of Law Queensland.  Pictures from the night can be found on the WLAQ Facebook Page.

Andre Cois Photography

The theme of our night was "make it happen", which was the 2015 International Women's Day theme.

The highlight of my night was being able to speak in front of my peers and close friends and to introduce our keynote speaker, The Honourable Shannon Fentiman MP.  A copy of my speech for the night is below.

I stand by what I say.  Collaboration is what it will take to address issues of gender diversity in the legal profession.

Let's make it happen.

Introduction by Cassandra Heilbronn for Minister Fentiman MP

Good Evening.

Internationally, March is dedicated to the celebration of events relating to women in history and contemporary society.  As Tamlyn highlighted, 2015 is the year of making it happen and where effective action for advancing and recognising women is encouraged.

Gone are the days where women focussed celebrations were held for political favour.  In its place, recognition of issues professional and corporate women face as they work towards challenging the status quo by not adhering to traditional, and well worn, rules and expectations of women in the workplace. 

Women no long simply accept "good enough".  We have tasted success, and with ambition we build and capitalise on the foundations laid by our predecessors.  Through our recently endorsed Strategic Plan, WLAQ has committed to providing an avenue, and to be a catalyst, for change for women in the legal profession.  Tonight, we are doing just that as we are joined by our peers from other professions as we enjoy a glass of wine and share stories.  Collaboration.   That is how we will achieve equality and diversity in the legal profession.

We have an advantage over our founding members.  Men are alive to the issues impeding the progression of women and accept that change is required.  I personally believe this change will come through the next generation of leaders, through my generation.  My male peers accept me as an equal, they frankly admit to having professional role models such as The Honourable Justice McMurdo AC and are familiar with females taking on the historically traditional role of provider, or "breadwinner".  Subconscious bias has not been inherited. 

It is incumbent upon us all to selflessly work together, because we must continue to build on the success of the dedicated women before us and make it happen.

In recognition of a woman who recently made it happen, we have invited The Honourable Shannon Fentiman MP, Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Child Safety and Multicultural Affairs to be our keynote speaker for this evening and share her thoughts on "making it happen" for professional and corporate women.

Minister Fentiman holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) from QUT and recently completed her Master of Laws at Melbourne University.  She was admitted as a legal practitioner in 2007.

Prior to her election to the Queensland Parliament as the member for Waterford, she worked as a solicitor at Hall Payne Lawyers and has considerable experience in employment law, having previously worked as an industrial advocate for the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.  She also worked as a Judge's Associate in the Supreme Court of Queensland to her Honour Justice Atkinson.

We thank Minister Fentiman for making time to attend during the Parliamentary dinner break and speak to us tonight.

Please welcome, Minister Fentiman.

What to wear - the perfect lawyer look

Gone are the days where female lawyers wear ugly brown suits (I admit - yes I have owned an ugly brown suit).  With the increase in designers and shift in acceptable work wear, we have an endless choice of what to actually wear in the office!

Appearance is everything.  But your pay packet may also determine what you can and can't wear.  As a previous Partner told me - you can tell the higher skirt brackets - better quality clothes.  I laughed when she said this, but as my pay has increased, so has my clothes budget and where I buy my clothes from!

I use Pinterest a lot for inspiration on what to wear to work.  I even have a board dedicated to all things lawyering.

I am loving the classic look at the moment (see pic above).

Here are a few tips to young career girls starting out.  Whether you are a paralegal, graduate or a first year, these tips will help you create a closet that is timeless, yet fashionable!

1. Splurge and buy that 1 great suit.  This suit should be reserved for Court days or important meetings.  I have never bought an off the rack suit that fitted me perfectly, but I have made friends with a great dressmaker in Brisbane (PQ Fashions) who alter all of my suits for me.  They even make suits, but I am yet to venture down that path.  I bought a gorgeous skirt suit from Portmans over 6 years ago, and I still wear it today.  It is a black, pencil skirt with a traditional collar jacket.  I get it dry cleaned to ensure it is well looked after.
2. Shoes - oh how I love shoes!  Have at least 2 pairs of heels to start off - black and nude/cream (try places like Famous Footwear and London Rebel to start off) and pay to have the tips replaced straight away.  I go to Mister Minit who replaces my tips if they come off in the 6 months since he put them on.  Wear flats to and from work - especially if you are walking from public transport - to look after your heels.  Don't wear casual wedges to work - unless its casual Friday.  Wedges have made a comeback in recent years (I don't wear them at all), but I have seen some really nice low wedges suitable for work. 
3. Staple items - black pants, skirt (a nice grey colour is great), singlets for under your blouses (black, white and nude), at least 1 good button down, long sleeve shirt and belts (they are always in with work wear).
4. If you are showing leg - wear a pantyhose.  It is basic deportment.  I wear a nude pantyhose every day that I am wearing a skirt or dress.  I feel "naked" without one.
5. Have a smart casual outfit for "casual Fridays".  Jeans with a cute top and sandals or ballet flats work best.  If I am heading out for Friday night drinks, I might bring a pair of heels to work, or wear a cute dress with cropped jacket.  Hit up Valley Girl and Temt as a starter.  Look around at all of their items and you will be surprised at what you will actually find.  I am addicted to Sheike at the moment and buy heaps of dresses from there that I wear on casual Fridays.
6. Don't be afraid to go to Big W and K-Mart and actually look around at their basic items.  You will find cheaper shoes, singlets (see point 2) and basic work tops that look fantastic and not cheap.  I once bought a dress from K-Mart for $46 as a second year and a Senior Associate asked me how I could afford Victoria Beckham.  I was like what are you talking about!?  She showed me some of VBs latest range, and turns out the dress I bought was similar to hers.  Score!
7. Accessorise properly.  Head down to Lovisa, Diva or (splurge) Mimco where you can get lovely earrings. Fake pearls, cubics and pretty studs are a plenty.  One day I will be able to buy all of the real diamonds and pearls I want (wishful thinking!). 
8. Handbag time!  When I was at Uni, Oroton was making its mark in the corporate world.  All I wanted was an Oroton bag and purse.  I remember when I bought my first Oroton and was oh so excited.  But there was no way during my early years that I could I could fork out $600 for an Oroton bag as a first year, and I didn't have a boyfriend at the time who gave me an Oroton purse for Christmas (But I was lucky this Christmas!). I looked around at places like Strandbags for designers like Condura.  These days there are heaps of bag places, like Colette, which have great work bags under $50.  Again, keep the colours neutral - black, nude/cream.  I love teaming my black bag with a funky silk scarf for that added bounce!
9. Make-up completes the package.  What is acceptable on a Saturday night in the Valley is not acceptable at work on a Monday morning.  Invest in make-up brushes (start out at Cosmetics Plus) to give you that polished look.  Basic make-up items include foundation, light blush, mascara and a nude gloss/lipstick.  By all means wear eye shadow and liner - I do most days.  If I know I haven't got any meetings on, I try and have an "eye break" - no eye shadow or liner - I love the "natural" makeup look and just touch up my gloss a bit more.

Remember, these tips are to start you off.  The most important thing is to make sure you look respectable and presentable.  As a blonde, female, young(ish) lawyer, I need to make sure I dress right so I am not judged.  I plan my outfit the night before depending on my calendar and usually because I am packing it in my gym bag.  Saves so much time the next morning and I'm not waking up the house by ironing early!

I hope you have a fantastic 2014 and I look forward to helping you with your careers and development.

Career Girl Spotlight - Laura Chong The 400 Co

For anyone who reads my tweets and this blog you will know I am a massive advocate for work/life balance and having extracurricular activities. 

These activities could be your children, your love of expensive wine, sport and fitness (like me), or fashion like Laura Chong (pictured below). Laura is the first career girl, in a series to come, that I am going to spotlight. 

Laura is a lawyer (like some of the best of us are!) but is also an entrepreneur. Laura is a fashion designer and has started her own clothing label The 400 Co (www.the400co.com.au). These clothes are aimed at corporate women and are oh so comfortable. I've been privileged enough to model for Laura at a recent women's networking event and they deserve to be seen by the world. 

Here is an exclusive look into Laura's life and how she makes it happen. 

Laura Chong - Lawyer, Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur 

What is your "day" career

Construction Litigator at Holding Redlich. 

How many hours a day do you generally spend at your "day" career

On average, 9 to 11 hours. 

Throughout the early stages of your career, how did you wind down and de-stress

Like many young lawyers, cocktail hour was a great time to wind down with friends. But exercise is a greater motivator and a chance to de-stress!

You've now started your own fashion line and released your latest designs, what prompted you to do this

After my first year in the law full time, I realised that I needed something more; a way to express myself creatively. Aside for wanting something different to wear to work than all the high street labels that everyone else in the city owned, I wanted a way to contrast my busy, high pressure law practice with something that was a little fun and creative. 

I read an article one day that said this was a way to achieving work life balance and even though it has turned into a form of work, I feel like it gives me the drive I need in my day job and in the business side of The 400 Co. 

How much leg work did you have to put into starting the line

I had about 3 months of planning from surfing the web for manufacturers to launching the live website. There wasn't really any moment where I was planning as such, I hit the ground running and made the big decisions when they popped up. I think this is a major problem for small businesses is doing too much planning. My biggest tip is don't sit on your idea for too long, do your research, but go ahead and do it. Otherwise you will get bored of it or it will never truly take off. 

Does the line provide you with that extra release for your "day" career

Definitely.  There are some things that law offers me that The 400 Co does not, and vice versa. They both perfectly balance me out at this point. The 400 Co is the creative release that I need when I come home from a busy day at the office and need to switch off my mind and relax. 

What are your hopes for the future for the line 

I would like to see The 400 Co gain a grater presence in Australia and I am planning to do this by extending our networks. 

This part of our other strategy to give back - we have grown so quickly and with our exposure we have been approached by a number of charities that we are working with to achieve mutual ends and awareness within the community on important issues that corporate professionals are in a good position to make positive changes towards. 

Wow. That is fantastic. So taking all of that on board, do you believe it is important to have a work life balance 

Definitely. Though this is concept that is easier said than done. What achieves balance for one person will not necessarily work for another. My advice to young professionals is try a few different tactics and branch out. It is not so much about reducing your hours at work but more about finding the time to do things that make you happy. 

Do you hope to inspire others to branch out and be diverse in their career, or do you think it's important to inspire girls to do their best and take the path they want to succeed

I think we all have different goals in life. It is not so much about being diverse, working women need to find the time to sit down and think "what am I working towards?"  There is no point slaving away if you don't have a target in mind. You should have both long term and short term goals that are achievable and that you can work towards. Without goals, life is very uninspiring!!

Who is that one career girl who inspires you/is your role model 

My role model is very close to home. Janelle Kerrisk, my Partner at Holding Redlich, is a true inspiration. She is the type of woman that gets out there and does it. She makes you believe that anything is possible if you want it, work towards it and know you deserve it. 

Every career girl has that one quote they live by. What is yours?

The global success brand Nike says it best - JUST DO IT!

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Thanks so much for your time Laura. I can't wait to see what your next line brings.