Dear Members & Colleagues,

The newly elected committee met recently and planning is progressing for our 2012 events and projects.

As many of you know this week we celebrate International Women's Day (IWD). As part of the celebrations of IWD I was invited by The Hon Pru Goward MP Minister for Women with other key women's portfolio stakeholders including representatives from the National Council of Women and Chief Executive Women to discuss the key priority areas for women. Of particular note was the key policy objective of the NSW Government to increase the number of women in leadership and on well remunerated and high profile government boards. The Minister and her Office will be focussing on breaking down barriers of entry to such boards. The Minister mentioned as part of the discussions that she is pleased that women on the Bench are so well represented. I mentioned that there was still a way to go in terms of the Bar and senior positions in private practice.

'Save the date' for our biennial signature event “Celebrating Women in the Judiciary” to be held at the University, Union and Schools Club 18th July. Please refer to our event schedule for details on our events which will be updated as details are confirmed.

Initiatives that will be launched this year include our 'Parents in Law' Program, Career Intentions Survey, working with the Law Society of NSW following on from 'Thought Leadership', submissions and involvement in relation to the Consolidation of Commonwealth Anti-Discrimination Legislation Project click here to read our submission and development of the National Human Rights Action Plan, engagement with COAG Select Council on Women's Issues, and 'Women Appointed to Senior Positions'. I encourage you to book early for the Australian Women Lawyers 4th National Conference to be held in Canberra 10-12 August 2012; details are noted below.

I look forward to bringing you further updates shortly.

Kind regards,

Rebecca Barry
President

07 March 2012

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

International Women's Day 8 March 2012

A global hub for sharing International Women's Day news, events and resources

International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday.

Why: Suffragettes campaigned for women's right to vote. The word 'Suffragette' is derived from the word "suffrage" meaning the right to vote. International Women's Day honours the work of the Suffragettes, celebrates women's success, and reminds of inequities still to be redressed. The first International Women's Day event was run in 1911. For further information, please visit http://www.internationalwomensday.com/

The Mahla Pearlman Oration

Thursday 29th March 2012, 5pm at the Dixson Room, State Library of NSW

EPLA (NSW) Inc is proud to announce it will host on behalf of her family, many friends and colleagues the inaugural Mahla Pearlman Oration an event which honours the career, contribution and memory of one of New South Wales' most distinguished servants. The Oration will be delivered annually by an eminent person concerned with environment and planning law. We are delighted that the inaugural Oration will be delivered by Emeritus Professor Ben Boer of the Faculty of Law, University of Sydney.

Refreshments will be served after the address. To assist with catering please let us know if you are coming by 22ndMarch, 2012 to the EPLA Secretary, Michele Kearns, kearns@mpchambers.net.au or 8227 9600.

Women on Boards have released the Traffic Light Index. This is the first significant public review of ASX companies since the revised Principle 3 of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles & Recommendations came into effect in January 2011. Companies are required to report their measurable gender diversity objectives in their first annual reporting period after this date. It showed that more than half of the ASX200 has not complied with the revised ASX corporate governance guidelines on diversity. To read more and download the public data go to: http://www.womenonboards.org.au/pubs/traffic-light/

The CLA Regional Law Conference, Sydney 19-22 April 2012

The Changing Role of the Legal Profession:Emerging Democracies & Globalisation
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour

This conference is the second CLA regional meeting and the theme of the Conference reflects our rapidly changing world and the ongoing challenges for lawyers in the 21st Century. Current trends in Human Rights Law; Corporate & Commercial Law; The Legal & Judicial profession and other contemporary legal topics will be included in the business programme although particular emphasis will be placed upon issues of importance within Australia and the wider Pacific region. The sessions will offer practical training and expertise which will provide and further develop the legal skills of those attending. A unique programme of social and networking events has also been designed to ensure that all those who attend the

conference will have an opportunity to meet colleagues from different jurisdictions, exchange experiences and build friendships that will continue long after the closing ceremony. In addition, a range of exhibitors will provide further information and services of interest to today'�s legal professionals.

CLICK HERE to register today!

Australian Women Lawyers 4th National Conference

Fri, 10 August 2012 - Sun, 12 August 2012
University House, Australian National University, ACT

All lawyers need to connect with like-minded people where they can be inspired, challenged and encouraged in their professional and personal lives. No matter what area of law you are involved with you will take away valuable insights. Catch up with old friends and meet new ones at the only national event specifically designed for women lawyers in a public world.

The Hon. Diana Bryant, Chief Justice, Family Court of Australia is opening the event. The Hon. Robert French AC, Chief Justice, High Court of Australia is giving an address and The Hon. Justice Virginia Bell, High Court of Australia is also presenting. Penny Williams, the Global Ambassador for Women and Girls and many other leaders are presenting and will be on hand to answer your questions and help you in your journey.

Click here for program details and registration

THE ANGLO-AUSTRALASIAN LAWYERS SOCIETY INVITES YOU TO:

AALS Dinner on Wednesday 14 March at the Union University and Schools Club, 25 Bent St, Sydney
Guest Speaker: Alderman David Wootton, the Lord Mayor of The City of London.

Alderman Wootton is also an Ambassador of the City of London, Chairman of the Court of Aldermen & of the Court of Common Council, and Chief Magistrate of the City.

In addition he is a London-based Senior Partner of Allen & Overy, a Committee member of the City of London Law Society and Chairman of The City of London branch of the Institute of Directors. His address "The role of the Lord Mayor of The City of London in current times" will also include an explanation of the role of London's newest court, The Rolls Building, which has been designed to hold high value international cases regardless of jurisdiction. There are several cases being heard in the Court at the moment which could also be of interest. Click here for the registration form.

$125 pp Non-members : $140 pp Table of 8 : $1000 Enquiries: Christina Bunbury aalsociety@optusnet.com.au 9420 8717

The Australian Government - Rio Tinto NTRB Scholarships

We are pleased to announce that Rio Tinto and The Australian Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) are again offering two scholarships to lawyers currently working, or interested in working at Native Title Representative Bodies (NTRBs) or Native Title Service Providers (NTSPs). Successful candidates will undertake a one year Mast of Laws (LLM) in Mineral Law and Policy at the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) at the University of Dundee and must commit to work within an NTRB or NTSP for a minimum period of two years upon their return.

Applications are open on-line until Friday 16th March 2012. Click here for the flyer

Further information can be found at: http://www.auroraproject.com.au/AGRTscholarships

For further information on the LLM in Mineral Law and Policy Program please visit:
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/cepmlp_llm.htm?cepmlp_mlp

The program commences in September 2012.

Workplace Diversity in Australia Where the bloody hell are we? 24-25 May 2012, The Sebel Surry Hills, Sydney

Click here to Download Brochure or view and register online

Please note WLANSW Members are eligible for up to 15% discount (this cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer).

Australia has an increasingly highly diverse population, and this diversity should be reflected across the Australian workforce across all industries, at all levels. Whilst there have been significant improvements in representation and available opportunities, there is still considerable scope for improvement. Many organisations have yet to ensure that their workplace is inclusive and supportive of all employees, regardless of their gender, culture, age, sexuality, disability, ethnicity or faith. This is despite the considerable business benefits of diversity, such as increased innovation, access to a larger talent pool and improved morale.

To ensure that the goal of a truly representative workforce is met, an active diversity strategy must be present in all aspects of the workplace; training and recruitment, organizational culture, flexible work practice, leadership and management and development opportunities. Difficult issues, such as unconscious bias and stereotyping, must be openly addressed and challenged to build a positive and inclusive organisational culture.

At this one-day forum, delegates will hear case studies from experienced professionals about their efforts to promote workplace diversity. Delegates will learn about:

• Building diversity requirements into the recruitment process
• Addressing age discrimination: would you hire someone over forty five?
• Creating an inclusive and harmonious organisational culture
• Making the business case for diversity and flexibility

Please feel free to pass this email onto colleagues and ensure they are on our email list for future updates and invitations.

Problems viewing this e-newsletter? Click here to view it online