From the Editor

Challenging traditional work structures

MICHAEL ESPOSITO, EDITOR

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, held on 8 March, is “Choose to Challenge”.

It is a call for all of us to challenge structures and behaviours that entrench and perpetuate inequality.

In a sense, this edition of the Bulletin is challenging traditional labour paradigms in an effort to build more inclusive workplaces.

We’ve deliberately chosen not to focus solely on the experience of women, although we have included powerful articles from women, including Women Lawyers Association President Kym Lawrence and Women Lawyers Committee Chair Marissa Mackie, about making legal workplaces safer and fairer. Rather, this edition places an emphasis on the important role that men have to play in fostering respectful workplaces.

Sarah Behenna’s “men who fl ex” feature is a great example of this. Sarah speaks to several successful male lawyers who have made the decision, with the blessing of their fi rm, to work fl exibly in order to take on more family responsibilities.

Stories like this are important in normalising men working fl exibly. We know that in general, women still do the bulk of the home and parenting duties, and part of the reason is, historically, it has been somewhat frowned upon for employees, particularly men, to stray too far from their offi ce during work hours.

The impact of COVID-19 on workplaces has highlighted this outdated view of productivity.

This edition also features Justice Sam Doyle and Ian Robertson QC, two men in the top echelon of the legal profession, who draw on their vast experience to postulate why gender inequality still exists and suggest ways to address it. B

Justice Sophie David appointed to Supreme Court

Justice Sophie David was recently appointed to the Supreme Court, commencing her new role on 28 January.

Justice David spent fi ve years on the District Court bench , and prior to that acted as Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse.

Her Honour has also worked at the Legal Services Commission, as a Prosecutor in the Offi ce of the Director of Public Prosecutions, as Counsel Assisting the Coroner, and as prosecuting Counsel in Commonwealth matters, including fraud and drug importation trials.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said Judge David’s legal background was exemplary.

“Sophie David has forged a remarkable career within the justice sector, I have every confi dence she will make an excellent addition to the Supreme Court,” Ms Chapman said.

Law Society President congratulated Justice David on her appointment.

“She will no doubt exhibit the knowledge, integrity, and work ethic that she has displayed on the District Court bench,” Ms Sandford said. B

IN THIS ISSUE

NEW NORMAL?

The case for fl exible work

GIVING VOICE

New legal service for people with disability

COMMITTED TO JUSTICE

Refl ections from The Hon Robyn Layton