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Since 1919, we have actively supported women in their fight for rights, in accessing the law and in their legal careers. In fact the first female partner of the firm, Mary Holdsworth, was appointed in 1953 and went on to become the firm's Senior Partner from 1963 to 1970. Today, more than half of our lawyers are women, as are more than 40% of our firm's principals.
In 1995, we established a Women's Law Section (WLS). Over the last 12 years, the WLS has served as a body to:
- promote access by women to the judicial system
- provide support to women in Maurice Blackburn and the legal profession, and
- offer financial and other support to various women's groups.
The WLS has a presence in the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane offices of Maurice Blackburn.
Some of the initiatives implemented by the WLS include:
- giving clients the option of choosing a woman as their lawyer, particularly those who have suffered discrimination, harassment or who have been given the wrong medical treatment
- acting in pro bono cases in relation to issues involving women's rights
- supporting various women focused events and forums - in the past we have supported International Women's Day, Emily's List events and the Royal Women's Hospital (we donated money for a new cot in intensive care for premature babies)
- hosting an annual breakfast for members of the WLS and their guests
- organising informal mentoring, and
- hosting a number of internal functions during the year to support women in the workplace.
If you would prefer to be represented by a woman in your legal matter, please ask to talk to a member of the Women's Law Section when you make your first appointment.
