Click the category name to see description.
The development of the next generation of lawyers is fundamental to the growth of the legal
profession – and academics have a major responsibility in cultivating this talent.
This award recognises the academic and/or researcher who is most effectively sh aping the legal industry and, through their work, instils a passion for the law, professional excellence and expertise.
A barrister at the top of their game uses razor-sharp analysis to sway the court.
This award recognises outstanding performance by a female barrister over FY21-22.
Company secretaries are essential to Australian organisations.
This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual company secretary, including corporate and public sector lawyers, during FY21-22.
A firm’s fortunes are intrinsically linked to its dealmakers.
This award recognises outstanding performance by a female lawyer within a private practice law firm who has acted on one or more transactions over FY21-22.
The mark of an effective leader is a thriving business. This award recognises those who lead from the front.
General counsel play an important management role within companies and government departments, acting as both legal and commercial advisers to business leaders.
This award recognises superior in-house performance and leadership.
An essential pillar to any legal firm or in-house team, the human resources function not only connects the organisation with new or prospective employees, but it is also fundamental to creating and cultivating the culture of the business.
This award recognises lawyers of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage who have demonstrated excellence in their industry and supported Indigenous communities.
In-house lawyers are at the coalface of a company’s day-to-day operations, influencing both legal and business decisions.
This award recognises outstanding performance by a female lawyer working in-house, including both corporate and public sector lawyers.
This award recognises the female legal professional who has most effectively developed and capitalised on innovation opportunities within the legal industry. All types of innovation will be considered, whether related to service excellence, product, systems and business development, technology, workplace management and enterprise or any other style of innovation.
In the toughest graduate jobs market in history, law students are performing beyond expectations to guarantee their entry into the legal profession.
This award recognises the academic, community and legal achievements of undergraduates.
The multidisciplinary function of legal operations is on the rise in the Australian market, providing companies with an opportunity to optimise legal service delivery.
This award recognises a female legal operations professional who has successfully implemented change within their chosen organisation.
The outstanding results produced by legal teams are only possible due to the efforts of support staff.
This award recognises a female whose role forms part of a private practice firm and in-house support team.
Marketing, communications, and PR executives are central to the promotion and positioning of any firm, helping connect with media, potential and current clients as well as stakeholders to inform, influence and engage.
The mentorship of emerging talent has a long history in the law and offers the opportunity for experienced operators to impart their experience and knowledge to their peers.
To be considered for this award, applicants will need to showcase how their specific involvement in programs and initiatives over FY21-22 has benefitted female lawyers and led to the development and retention of talent in the profession.
Lawyers working within the not-for-profit or community legal centre sector play an important role in providing access to justice to those without means.
This award recognises female lawyers who have worked primarily within the not-for-profit, legal aid or community legal centre sector within FY21-22.
Successful partners are not only profitable, but they also foster a positive work culture within their practice group.
This award recognises outstanding performance by a female partner within a BigLaw private practice firm.
Successful partners are not only profitable, but they also foster a positive work culture within their practice group.
The legal profession has long supported the wider community through pro bono/community legal centre work, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring all members of society have access to legal representation.
This award recognises a female lawyer who has demonstrated a commitment to the community over FY21-22 via at least one significant pro bono initiative or community legal centre.
The first few years of legal practice are critical to the future success of a lawyer. Those who demonstrate potential can fast-track their rise through the ranks.
This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual working in a BigLaw firm.
The first few years of legal practice are critical to the future success of a lawyer. Those who demonstrate potential can fast-track their rise through the ranks.
This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual working in-house, including corporate and public sector lawyers.
The first few years of legal practice are critical to the future success of a lawyer. Those who demonstrate potential can fast-track their rise through the ranks.
This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual in an SME law firm.
Making partner is the holy grail for most senior associates, but only strong performers will be offered the coveted position.
Making partner is the holy grail for most senior associates, but only strong performers will be offered the coveted position.
This award recognises outstanding performance by a female lawyer at senior associate level within an SME private practice law firm.
Operating your own practice demands not only vast legal expertise but also requires capabilities across marketing, sales, business systems and processes, plus client-retention strategies.
Successful special counsel are set apart by their exceptional achievements.
This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual at special counsel level.
This award recognises a female lawyer within the Australian legal profession who has shown a long- term passion and aptitude for improving the industry. This professional is able to clearly articulate the desired direction of the industry and draw upon best practice from other relevant industries and markets to champion growth and development of the sector.
Attention must be paid to health and wellbeing in the workplace.
This award recognises a female legal professional in Australia who has actively advocated health and wellness initiatives, events and/or activities within their workplace and/or the legal community as a whole.
Retention and recruitment policies, the provision of flexible work arrangements, and distinct policies implemented to lift the number of females into senior positions are all essential qualities for maintaining diversity within law firms.
This award recognises the boutique law firm that is fostering a diverse culture that encourages the retention of its female legal professionals.
Retention and recruitment policies, the provision of flexible work arrangements, and distinct policies implemented to lift the number of females into senior positions are all essential qualities for maintaining diversity within law firms.
This award recognises the law firm that is fostering a diverse culture that encourages the retention of its female legal professionals.
Innovative businesses, at a time of intense disruption and evolution, are capitalising on the ever- growing opportunities in the legal industry and securing their success as long-term players.
This award recognises the most innovative business operating w ithin Australia’s legal profession.
Thank you for your interest in Women in Law Awards 2022.
Please find the attached category descriptions.
For any additional information, or any questions, please contact [email protected] or alternatively call 0448 021 996.
We look forward to seeing your submission.
Best wishes,
Women in Law Awards Team