Australian Women Lawyers (AWL) is holding their 5th National Conference, sponsored by Foley’s List, in Adelaide from the 3 to 5 October.

AWL 2014 brings together female practitioners, leaders and senior professionals from across the Australian legal sector to form new relationships, discuss ideas and learn from industry leaders. A signature event on the calendar of the Australian legal profession – the Conference will see managing partners, senior counsel, barristers, academics, in house counsel, public sector practitioners and female judicial officers in one place at one time.

The Organising Committee have chosen a fitting location; given South Australia was the first State to give women the right to vote, the first State to enable women to stand for parliament and the first State to appoint a female Justice to the Supreme Court.

AWL 2014 features an exciting programme that includes an awe-inspiring line up of keynote speakers, topical plenaries, educational sessions and plenty of opportunities to network with peers. Sessions include a keynote from Christine Nixon, the former chief commissioner of Victoria Police,  who will discuss her experience with organisational change and succeeding in a male dominated workforce.

Fiona McLeod SC will address the topic of NARS Report - The Business Benefits of Diversity and there are a number of panel discussions addressing topics such as Gender Bias & the Law, Social Media and Innovative Practices.

Not just about work…

The Conference would not be complete without a number social events that are a must in the delegate calendar. A pre-conference wine tour has been planned on 3 October to take delegates through the Adelaide Hills - including stops at Udder Delights, Bird in Hand, Barrister’s Block and a delightful lunch at the Lane Vineyard.

VIEW ALL

The Welcome Reception will take place on the same day during twilight on the Riverbank Promenade overlooking the Torrens River; and the ‘not to be missed’ AWL National Gala Dinner presented by Duncan Basheer Hannon will take place at the newly developed Adelaide Oval on Saturday 4 October. Highlights of the dinner include MC Andrew ‘Cosi’ Costello and special guest speaker Rabia Siddique - who will have all engaged and inspired by her story; and there will also be the announcement of the prestigious Gordon and Jackson AWL Award winner.

Registration to attend AWL 2014 is open. Please visit www.aomevents.com/AWL2014 for further details on the Conference and how to register.

Amy Challans (pictured) is the president of Australian Women Lawyers.