Victorian Women Lawyers and Women Barristers' Association visit Deakin Warrnambool
On the 22 June 2011, Deakin Law students attended the inaugural Victorian Women Lawyers and Women Barristers' Association CPD/CLE seminar, held at Deakin Warrnambool. The event provided the opportunity for lawyers practicing throughout Western Victoria, and law students, to engage with contemporary legal issues and to hear tips and advice from esteemed women lawyers and barristers. The session was presented by the convener of Victorian Women Lawyers, Kate Ashmore.
The first speaker for the evening was barrister Anna Robertson, who spoke on Ethics, and Conflicts of Interest. Anna has spent ten years at the bar; having read with Anthony Kelly SC. Anna has a wealth of experience in commercial and administrative law and on top of an extensive list of career achievements, she is currently briefed to act on behalf of the CFA in the Supreme Court class action arising out of the 2009 Kilmore bushfires.
Anna discussed legal ethics and issues regarding advice to clients and conflicts of interest. Anna spoke of the solicitor's duty to know the fine line between persuading clients with reasoned arguments, and the risk of persuasion through undue pressure. Anna stressed the importance for solicitors to always confirm advice in writing, and emphasized the wisdom of a signed acknowledgement of advice.
Suzanne Kirton, barrister and convener of the Women Barristers' Association, spoke on the subject of alternative dispute resolution, and offered valuable tips for mediation and negotiation, whilst providing a number of colorful and informative personal anecdotes from her own experiences. Suzanne presented listeners with a number of tips for approaching mediations, many of which she said, such as the importance of mentally preparing the client for the mediation, are often forgotten or overlooked, in the mediation process.
The sessions were followed by dinner at Proudfoots, where we were able to speak to these inspiring women one an individual basis. All of the women we spoke to were more than happy to offer advice on our law studies and our progression into our legal careers. Overall, the evening was a very informative and valuable experience, and I would recommend taking the opportunity to attend any such events to all fellow law students.
For more information: The Victorian Women Lawyers Association aims to represent the interests of Victorian female legal practitioners and advocates justice for women, and has just reached 700 members. In its 4 years of existence, the VWL has mentored 300 law students, one fifth of whom are, or have been, Deakin students. For more information on upcoming events and how you can become involved, join the VWL Facebook page.
Report by Ashlea Patterson
(L-R) Suzanne Kirton ( Women Barristers' Association),
Kate Ashmo (Victorian Women Lawyers Association),
barrister Alex Golding and barrister Anna Robertson
