���������¼�

Legal industry leaders called for greater equity and inclusion at an event led by ���������¼� Sydney celebrating a century of women lawyers in NSW.

NSW Minister for Finance and ���������¼� alumna Courtney Houssos hosted a special event bringing together around 90 legal leaders, recognising the past, present and future contributions of women in law.

Among the guests at NSW Parliament was fellow ���������¼� alumna Gabrielle Upton, the first woman appointed as NSW Attorney General, along with the current Attorney General Michael Daley and the NSW Governor Margaret Beazley. They joined other senior parliamentarians and judges, as well as leaders in law, in reflecting on the progress made and the work still required to achieve genuine gender equality across the profession.

���������¼� Sydney co-hosted the event, in partnership with the University of Sydney, UTS, Macquarie University and Western Sydney University.

The event showcased current research into the experiences of women lawyers and examined issues such as gender bias, pay equity, career progression and the impact of emerging technologies.

Professor Mimi Zou, head of ���������¼�’s School of Private and Commercial Law and the event’s organiser, said the milestone was a moment to reflect and to continue to drive reform in the sector.

“This isn't just about celebrating how far we’ve come - it's about accelerating the pace of change to achieve true equality for women in law.”

A legacy of leadership and a future of reform

In 1924, Marie Beuzeville Byles became the first woman admitted as a solicitor in NSW. The centenary of women lawyers in the state was a significant milestone, celebrating a century of progress while also serving as a call to action to confront the ongoing challenges women face in the legal profession.

NSW Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos told the crowd that the centenary invited both celebration and contemplation.

“The legal profession has been enriched by the intellect, leadership and advocacy of generations of women who have shaped not only the justice system, but our broader society,” she said.

“As lawyers and legal educators, you play a vital role in carrying this legacy forward - ensuring the next century is defined by greater equity, opportunity and inclusion across the profession.”

The Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley highlighted the persistent disparities faced by women lawyers.

“Law is an exciting profession for all practitioners, but I do continue to hear of additional challenges for women, and we must not be blind to them,” Governor Beazley said.

“Sexual harassment, bullying, access to prestigious cases and projects, the treatment from clients, promotion opportunities and support for work-life balance. It’s important as female practitioners to have and to maintain visibility.”

Defining the next century of women in law

According to a recent National Profile of Solicitors, . In NSW, the growth rate of female solicitors has consistently outpaced that of male solicitors . However, women are still underrepresented in senior roles and face persistent gender pay gaps. 

At the event, Prof. Zou outlined a range of cutting-edge research by colleagues from the five attending law schools on the state of gender equality in the sector.

The analysis also looked at barriers to achieving gender equality across diverse areas of law, including employment and anti-discrimination, family, superannuation, trusts, tax, health, IP and AI governance.

The research highlighted complex challenges, where legal frameworks fail to capture the experiences by individuals from diverse backgrounds. Prof. Zou emphasised the need for systemic change in the legal profession to enable evidence-based, effective solutions.

“While we honour trailblazers like Marie Beuzeville Byles, who broke barriers a century ago, our focus is firmly on the future,” Prof. Zou said.

“We are proud to bring together the brightest minds across NSW law schools, the legal profession and legislators to continue this legacy by creating the systemic shifts that will define the next century of women in law.”

The NSW Attorney General Michael Daley addressed the event and said the legal profession must remain committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace for women.

“Despite the progress we’ve made, women in law continue to face barriers: some visible, others deeply embedded in culture and structure,” he said.

“From representation in senior roles to equitable briefing practices, from workplace flexibility to leadership pathways, the challenges are real and ongoing.

“The law doesn’t just reflect society, it shapes it. Laws define rights, set standards and signal what we value. Whether it is anti-discrimination laws, workplace protections or reforms to family law and tax law, the legal system plays a central role in advancing gender equality across every sector of society.”