Introducing NSW Regional Women Lawyers webinar series
For women lawyers practising in rural, regional, and remote (RRR) areas of New South Wales, the landscape can be challenging – from limited professional development opportunities to distinct client needs, and keeping up with demand.
Recent research from the University of New England revealed that less than 10% of solicitors in Australia are practising in RRR areas despite 28% of the Australian population living in these locations, so there’s a real need to nurture lawyers in these areas.
In light of this, NSW Regional Women Lawyers (NRWL) was founded by a group of passionate regional women lawyers, including Catherine Henry, to ensure that women lawyers in RRR NSW have access to the professional opportunities and resources on-par with their city-based colleagues.
NRWL’s mission is to provide women in RRR areas with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive.
With representatives across the Central West, Far West, Mid North Coast, Illawarra, Hunter, Central Coast, Western Sydney, and beyond, NRWL is building a network that champions equitable access to justice and professional growth.
As part of this mission, NRWL has launched a comprehensive webinar series, designed to address the realities of practising law in RRR areas.
December 2024 webinar: Career Progression and Support
The next webinar, taking place on Thursday, 12 December, from 1:00 – 2:00 PM AEDT, focuses on:
- How to approach difficult conversations about career advancement
- Tips for asking for a pay rise with confidence
- Building effective and supportive mentoring relationships.
This session features Rebecca Hegarty, Head of Corporate & Commercial at Bartier Perry, in conversation with Jennifer Spear, Senior Associate Solicitor at Duffy Elliott Lawyers.
Tickets are available now at: https://nrwl.org.au/events/
The webinar held in November – An A-Z of Establishing Your Own Firm – is now available as a recording. Led by Suzie Delbridge, Director at Delbridge Forensic Accounting, and Charlotte Egan, Principal at Booth Brown Legal, this session provided invaluable insights into financial considerations, business structures, and due diligence.
Looking Ahead to 2025
NRWL is excited to announce an inspiring lineup of webinars for 2025, featuring thought-provoking discussions and expert insights:
Supporting regional women barristers: Equitable briefing in RRR areas with Lizzie McLaughlin, former member of the Newcastle private bar and current Public Defender, in conversation with Kate Eastman AM SC, Chair of the Law Council of Australia’s Equal Opportunity Committee.
Equal access to justice: Addressing challenges in country towns with Gabrielle Chan, author and journalist, in conversation with Judy Harrison, Co-Convenor of the National Regional, Rural, Remote and Very Remote Community Legal Network.
Broadening your practice: Expanding from wills and estates to elder law with Sue Field, Adjunct Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University and Director of the Australian Centre for Elder Law, in conversation with Natalie Darcy, Senior Solicitor and Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates.
Acting for victims of historical abuse: with Karen Stott, Principal of ADR and Mediation Services, in conversation with Margot Stubbs, former magistrate and barrister, now leading the institutional abuse practice at Catherine Henry Lawyers.
Family law practice in remote areas: Strategies for success with Barbara Rose Townsend, Family Law Solicitor at Broken Hill Legal Aid, interviewed by Michelle Meares, Barrister and Principal at Meares Law.
Conducting mediations in the country: with Karen Stott, Principal of ADR and Mediation Services, in conversation with Linda Crawford, Senior Associate and Health Lawyer at Catherine Henry Lawyers.
Professional development for RRR lawyers
Practising law in RRR areas often means overcoming professional isolation and unique challenges, such as limited access to specialist training and resources. NRWL’s webinars provide a vital space for women lawyers to:
- Learn from experts who understand the RRR context
- Gain practical insights to grow their careers and practices
- Connect with a network of like-minded professionals navigating similar challenges.
Tickets for each webinar are affordable and CPD-accredited. To register for the upcoming session or explore past recordings, visit: NSW Regional Women Lawyers Webinar Series.
Catherine Henry Lawyers is proud to support NRWL and its efforts to uplift women in the legal profession. Together, we’re working to ensure that women lawyers in RRR NSW have the tools, resources, and connections they need to succeed.
Join us for this transformative webinar series, and let’s build a future where every woman lawyer in RRR areas can thrive – register here.