It was a crisp and chilly night outside, but on 26 July at Orakei Bay the atmosphere could not have been warmer as over 100 women lawyers (and the odd man) celebrated 40 years of the Auckland Women Lawyers’ Association.
The theme was “Garden Party” so out came the colourful florals and strappy sandals which lit up the room even more.
Members, past and present were treated to live music from Zest along with delicious food and drinks. The energy and enthusiasm for the law profession was evident throughout the evening as many successful lawyers at the peak of their careers rubbed shoulders with students and new lawyers starting out.
This inclusiveness summed up the objectives of AWLA and reinforced the reasons why those first brave women gathered at Old Government House 40 years ago and formed AWLA. They wanted their voices, their ideas, their needs and issues to be heard and their complaints resolved.
Forty years on there have been plenty of wins evidenced by the number of women at the top of the profession, both in the private and public sectors. The journey to that point was reflected on during the highlight of the evening – the panel discussion of past presidents led by current President Karlene O’Halloran. The panel featured Helen Melrose, a founding member, and Rachel Reed KC, Lady Deborah Chambers KC, Phillippa Muir, and recent past president Laura Carter.
AWLA was formed to lobby for much-needed change in the profession such as paid parental leave, more opportunities for women to become partners, and to ensure women in law were seen and heard by government and in legislative reforms.
However, the panel also acknowledged the other side of being part of AWLA. The friendships, support and genuine aroha they have experienced. Dealing with the loneliness of being admitted and starting a first law job but having no support network devoted to women in law was mentioned several times as the biggest advantage of joining AWLA.
Today this collegiality and friendship remains alongside the important work of lobbying for women in law and raising money for the important scholarships fund each year.
On that note, the silent auctions on the night provided a much-needed boost to the fund, raising $2,225.00
The AWLA subcommittee of Karlene O’Halloran, Carrie Wooller, Meggan Staines, Olivia Manaton and Summer Merwood did a tremendous job of organising the event while carrying on their busy and successful law careers.
We would like to thank our generous sponsors – CoLegal, OneLaw, The Law Association and my Family Wizard and thank also the generous donors who supplied auction items and flowers for the event – Karen Walker, Meadowlark, the Royal NZ Ballet, About Face and Britomart Florist.
Thanks go out to everyone who attended. We are all busy women, but this event demonstrated that it’s good to take time out, relax and reward ourselves for our achievements so far, and the work yet to be done.
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