23 November
So They Can’s Partnerships Manager, Emily Whitehouse will be welcoming guests and sharing insights from East Africa, where So They Can’s Keeping Girls In School Project is not only championing girls’ education, equality and human rights, but also playing a crucial role in addressing the climate crisis.
Despite increasing efforts by Australian companies to promote gender equality, women continue to be underrepresented at all stages of the career ladder in Australia.
The gender pay gap for the 2021–2022 financial year stood at 22.8 per cent, highlighting the stark reality that while women constitute 42 per cent of the workforce, only a quarter hold executive positions, and a mere 10 per cent serve as CEOs in large profit companies.
Join us as we discuss the gender pay gap, the barriers hindering the progress of women into leadership roles, and the detrimental impact on their financial security during retirement. Shockingly, women retire with an average of 47 per cent less superannuation than men, which places them at a significantly higher risk of living in poverty post-retirement.
Our speakers will provide valuable insights into how law firms can actively contribute to closing the gender pay gap and ensuring the financial wellbeing of women. We will also share practical tips and strategies for women in the legal profession to empower themselves for financial success at every stage of life.
Hear direct from Carrie
During this session, we will examine the obstacles and prospects confronting women in the legal profession. Our panellists will discuss strategies and solutions for establishing an industry that fosters genuine equity and dismantles barriers.
Key discussion points:
Hear direct from Joanna
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of corporate social responsibility and organisational safety however, certain topics within this space can be quite polarising.
Privilege is one such topic. The uncomfortable nature of this topic can deter us from engaging in meaningful discussions about it, and as a result, there is limited understanding, incredible confusion, and an abundance of controversy around the term and what it means— let alone what (good) we can do with it.
The truth of the matter is that we all have privilege, but this doesn’t mean we haven’t had to work hard. The two are not mutually exclusive.
As a migrant woman of colour from the LGBTIQA+ community, Sheetal can attest to the complexity of privilege and systems of oppression. Having seen and lived through the confused understanding (and misunderstandings) around intersectionality, privilege and oppression, she has dedicated the bulk of her career to leveraging whatever privilege and platforms have been available to her to create safe spaces to have compassionate conversations around these otherwise uncomfortable topics.
In this session, Sheetal will talk about how we can leverage the privilege we have to create social change in a way that leans into our strengths and aligns with our personal values. We may not have a choice over the privileges we’ve been afforded in life, but we do have an opportunity to understand how those privileges affect our lives and the lives of those we live, work, play and heal with every day.
This session is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace environment that places a high priority on the health and wellbeing of women.
Throughout the session, we will highlight the importance of offering support to colleagues who may be facing hidden health and wellbeing challenges. Our aim is to cultivate a culture of awareness and confidence, encouraging individuals to openly discuss these issues. We will explore progressive policies designed to address these challenges and create a nurturing environment for all.
Participants will gain valuable insights into supporting their peers who are dealing with hidden health challenges, such as menopause, neurodiversity, and endometriosis. Additionally, we will discuss strategies for assisting individuals who are facing wellbeing issues, including mental health concerns and domestic violence.
By the end of the session, you will develop a deeper understanding of these issues and their direct impact on women’s work life. For those in leadership positions or running their own firms, we will also explore progressive policies that can accommodate diverse needs. Aditionally, you will learn the importance of implementing succession planning strategies to ensure business continuity.
Content warning
In this session, we will cover a variety of topics, some of which you may find triggering. These topics include; familial violence, mental health, death or dying, pregnancy or childbirth, miscarriages, or abortion.
Hear direct from Pania
Lawyers work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds all the time. As such, it is vital to recognise the nuances of each culture to offer a more enriching experience to clients.
In this session, we will explore how lawyers can equip themselves with the skills to understand cultural nuances so they can win their clients’ trust.
Key takeaways
Hear direct from Olamide
Almost all in-house legal teams in Australia understand and appreciate the need to utilise
legal technological platforms in their daily practices. Here, we will reflect on how working life
has shifted for corporate legal, what has been learned from such change, how we should be
thinking about the role of in-house counsel moving forward, and how best to position law
departments within a business in a time of ongoing turbulence and volatility.
Our panellists will discuss:
Legal startups are transforming the legal industry, and women are increasingly at the forefront of these innovations. In this session, we will explore the experiences and successes of women in legal startups and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities they face.
Key discussion points:
Be inspired by the successes of women who are breaking down barriers and driving innovation in the legal industry. This session is designed for anyone interested in the intersection of legal innovation and gender diversity.
Balancing the demands of a legal career with the responsibilities of raising a family can be challenging for many – but having a family and being a lawyer don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
In this session, we will explore effective strategies and tools for lawyers to navigate their careers while also prioritising their family responsibilities.
Key discussion points:
You will leave this session with knowledge of the strategies, policies, and mindset needed to navigate a legal career while balancing family responsibilities.
Join us as we delve into the challenges faced by young women in the legal profession.
In this session, discover strategies for success, tailored mentorship programs, networking, and self-advocacy. Be inspired by vibrant young leaders and rising stars as they candidly share their personal triumphs, navigating the industry’s obstacles.
We will explore the power of networking and collaboration, discussing how young women in the industry can build strong professional connections and create opportunities for themselves.
This panel will highlight the importance of self-advocacy and confidence-building for young women. From negotiating salaries to asserting their expertise, we will explore strategies to overcome imposter syndrome.
Whether you’re a law student or a young woman in industry seeking guidance, this session provides practical tools, support networks, and a sense of community.
Let’s empower the next generation of young women lawyers and pave the way for their professional growth and success.
