The Women Lawyers Association of Queensland (WLAQ) marked its 35th anniversary with a gala dinner celebrating the achievements of some of the State’s most talented female lawyers.
Around 200 guests attended the event at Brisbane City Hall on 19 October.
The four legal practitioners awarded on the night included UQ Law alumna Ms Corin Morcom from Allens who received the ‘Emergent lawyer of the year award’ sponsored by The University of Queensland Law School.
President of the WLAQ and UQ Law alumna Ms Natalia Wuth said the awards are a way to recognise and communicate the important and diverse contributions that women make to the legal profession.
“Tonight is an opportunity for us to celebrate, to reflect and to recommit,” Ms Wuth said.
“Since our association was formed in 1978 we can take pride in the significant progress of women generally, and of women in the law, both in Queensland and in Australia.”
“But we must pause to reflect because in 2013 there is still an enormous gap between the potential of women in the law and our current reality; by working together we can make a difference.”
“Advancing the interests of women in the law is not just about our rights as individuals to flourish in our chosen career.”
“Removing the systemic and cultural barriers to the success of women in the law is going to deliver a stronger better legal profession to ensure that the interests of justice are better served, and will contribute to a strengthened Australian society.”
Ms Morcom, Pro Bono Coordinator with Allens, was presented with her award by UQ Law Professor Heather Douglas.
“It is wonderful to be able to congratulate a former student who is making such a significant contribution to the community,” Professor Douglas said.
The 2013 award recipients were:
- Dr Rachael Field (QUT Law School) - Woman lawyer of the year
- Corin Morcom (Allens) - Emergent lawyer of the year
- Michelle James (Maurice Blackburn) - Queensland Law Society Agnes McWhinney award
- Nerida Wilson (Barrister, Cairns) - Regional woman lawyer of the year
Click here to read the awards welcome address by Ms Natalia Wuth, President, Women Lawyers Association of Queensland.
