Launched at the Sheraton on the Park, Sydney, over Friday and Saturday, the overarching theme of the conference was ‘Celebrating Excellence’, which aimed to show the degree of excellence women are achieving in the Australian legal profession.

The topic of human rights was addressed in the conference plenary sessions, the program also covering property and finance, litigation and corporate governance.

Keynote speaker for the occasion was the Honourable Mary Gaudron QC, an AWL patron and first female appointee to the High Court of Australia. Other speakers included Chief Justice Diana Bryant, Chief Justice Marilyn Warren and president of the Queensland Court of Appeal, Justice Margaret McMurdo.

“[AWL] is essentially concerned with issues relating to the practice and advancement of women in the legal profession,” said AWL president, Caroline Kirton.

“It also works to eliminate both direct and indirect discrimination against women in the legal system and the administration of justice, so that the legal system is more responsive to women’s needs.”

The major sponsor for the event was Allens Arthur Robinson, while contributions were also made by Colin Biggers & Paisley, Mallesons Stephen Jaques and Victorian Women Lawyers.