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Women Lawyers Association of Queensland Inc.

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Women Lawyers Association of Queensland Inc.

Welcome to the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland page. We share our upcoming events and invite members to be part of relevant Groups.

WLAQ has been representing, advocating for, and bringing women lawyers together in Queensland since 1978. Our membership is diverse and includes women from across the legal field including those in private practice, at the Bar, in the judiciary, in community legal service work, in government and in-house roles, and self-employed solicitors as well as academics and students. WLAQ strives to encoura

ge and support women in the legal profession by supporting, mentoring and guiding women, by facilitating networking between woman and across professions, and by lobbying for the rights and interests of women in the profession and generally. We also strive to recognise outstanding women in the legal profession through our various awards and events. WLAQ is also part of a national network of associations committed to promoting women in the legal profession headed by Australian Women Lawyers.

07/09/2026

Who is the woman lawyer whose leadership has made a lasting difference?

The Leneen Forde AC WLAQ Woman Lawyer of the Year Award celebrates an exceptional woman who has demonstrated professional excellence, integrity and leadership throughout her career.

The award recognises a woman who has not only excelled in her own career, but has also advanced the position of women in the legal profession and contributed meaningfully to the broader community.

The response to the criteria must address:

• Professional excellence and integrity — how the nominee has demonstrated professional excellence and integrity to become a leader in her field.

• Advancing women in law — how the nominee has advanced the position of women in the legal profession, or more broadly, through her work or activities.

• Overcoming barriers — what the nominee sees as an impediment to the progression of women in the legal profession and what could be done to overcome it.

We want to hear about the women who are challenging barriers, opening doors for others and helping shape a more inclusive future for women in law.

🏆 Nominate an outstanding woman lawyer whose leadership, achievements and contribution deserve to be celebrated.

Nominations are now open and close at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

📄 View the full awards criteria:https://www.wlaq.com.au/_files/ugd/fd937a_873c32bfec014782aecdaed05faf98a5.pdf

📝 Submit your nomination: https://www.wlaq.com.au/annual-awards

✨ The WLAQ 48th Annual Awards Dinner will be held on Saturday, 7 November 2026, at Waters Edge, Portside Wharf.

06/09/2026

Following our 2026–2027 Planning Day on Sunday, 30 August at Holmes Chambers, WLAQ is excited to share our strategic direction for the year ahead.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Informed Women. Empowered Choices. A Stronger Profession.

This year, our focus is simple: giving women lawyers the practical knowledge, information and opportunities they need to understand their options and make informed decisions about their careers, finances, workplaces and lives.

Our four strategic pillars for 2026–2027 are:

⚖️ Know Your Career — understanding the many pathways available within and beyond the profession.
💰 Know Your Money — building financial literacy, independence and confidence.
💼 Know Your Rights & Power at Work — knowing your rights, understanding your value and navigating the workplace with confidence.
💜 Know Your Body — continuing important conversations around women’s health, fertility and the life decisions that intersect with our careers.

The detailed Strategic Plan can be found here: https://www.wlaq.com.au/post/strategic-plan-2026-2027

Alongside our event program, we will also be revitalising the Beryl Donkin Memorial Scholarship and redesigning our Ladder Mentoring Program to create even stronger opportunities for women across the profession.

A huge thank you to our Committee for the energy, ideas and commitment brought to Sunday’s planning day, and to Holmes Chambers for hosting us.

We are looking forward to turning this plan into action.

Know your options. Own your decisions. Shape the profession.

03/09/2026

Thinking about becoming a Judge’s Associate — but not sure where to start?

Come along to WLAQ’s Meet the Associate event on Thursday, 15 October 2026 at the Banco Court and hear directly from members of the judiciary and current or former Associates about what the role actually involves, how the application process works, and what makes a strong candidate.

We’ll be covering Associateships across different jurisdictions, including the Federal Court, before wrapping up with networking and canapés.

A great opportunity to ask questions, get practical tips and learn more about one of the profession’s most valuable early-career experiences.

📅Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
🕐Time: 5.15 pm arrival | 5.30 pm panel discussion
📍Location: Banco Court, The Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law, 1/415 George St, Brisbane City (in-person only)
🎟️Ticket: $15 - attendees do not have to be members of WLAQ to attend this event

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.wlaq.com.au/event-details/meet-the-associates-event

For any queries, please contact [email protected]

31/08/2026

NOMINATE NOW |Each year at WLAQ's annual dinner, WLAQ celebrates the outstanding women lawyers who have made a significant contribution to Queensland’s legal profession.

The awards are open to any woman holding a law degree who is actively involved in the legal profession or a law-related field in Queensland. Past recipients for each award category can be found on our website.

Nominations are now open until 4:00 PM on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Nominations can be submitted at: https://www.wlaq.com.au/annual-awards?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFpdllmOFRyQ05LZGRrZkttc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnNGJuhLfrvIipCJVEo3IsRM2HK1I3TnmAzehu_f5idFyFDYVTrIBUnmg2w9_aem_tfK5GCX6TgMdVFabLjzeEw

The WLAQ’s 48th Annual Awards Dinner will be held on Saturday the 7 November 2026 at Waters Edge, Portside Wharf.

28/08/2026

BREAKFAST CLUB | Our first Breakfast Club of the financial year was a huge success, with an incredible turnout and a wonderful mix of familiar faces and new connections. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a strong start!

If you missed this one, don’t worry. Next Breakfast Club is on 1 October 2026.

Come along, connect and start your day with the WLAQ.

You can register for the next Breakfast Club here: https://www.wlaq.com.au/event-details/brisbane-september-breakfast-club-2

24/08/2026

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST| In November 2019 the WLAQ Criminal Lawyers Sub-Committee was established. The sub-committee’s objectives include increasing collegiality amongst female criminal lawyers and advocating and raising awareness about issues impacting female criminal lawyers. Activities undertaken by the sub-committee may include hosting events, holding meetings, preparing submissions in response to requests from Government agencies, and requesting the publication and promotion by WLAQ of certain articles.

Historically, members of the sub-committee have included women from both the criminal defence branch of our profession and also those employed by prosecutorial agencies.

We’re looking for two WLAQ members to join the sub-committee. The WLAQ welcomes and encourages all expressions of interest. To apply, applicants must be admitted to practice, practice (or have practiced substantially) in criminal law, and hold a current WLAQ membership.

Please send your expression of interest to [email protected] no later than 7 September 2026. Your email should include a brief professional bio, information about why you’re interested in joining the sub-committee, and how you believe you can further the objectives and activities of the sub-committee (see ss 1.1 and 2.8 of the sub-committee by-laws -https://www.wlaq.com.au/_files/ugd/fd937a_b2d2ce4f20e7435d9afe82738bebf1a2.pdf ).

20/08/2026

Brisbane | August Breakfast Club

Join WLAQ for our August Breakfast Club — a great opportunity to connect, catch up and hear directly from the people behind the association.

This month, we’re putting the spotlight on our WLAQ Committee! Come along for an informal and engaging morning where you can meet the committee, learn more about WLAQ, hear what’s happening across the organisation, and share your ideas and perspectives.

🗓 Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026
🕘 Time: 7:30am
📍 Location: Gather Bistro, 80 Ann Street, Brisbane (in-person only)
🎫 Ticket: Free (attendees to purchase their own coffee/breakfast)
👉 Register here: https://www.wlaq.com.au/event-details/brisbane-august-breakfast-club-2

Whether you’re a long-time member, new to WLAQ, or simply curious to find out more, we’d love to see you there.

13/08/2026

2026 WLAQ Annual Awards Dinner – Tickets On Sale Now

The Annual Awards Dinner is an opportunity to come together to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements, leadership and contributions of women across Queensland’s legal profession.

🎟️ Tickets on sale: 9:00am, Friday 14 August 2026
Member $200, Non-Member $220, Regional/Student $180 and Table $2,000

🔗 Event details and tickets: https://www.wlaq.com.au/event-details/brisbane-2026-wlaq-annual-awards-dinner-2

We look forward to welcoming members and guests to this important occasion.

30/07/2026

The Women Lawyers Association of Queensland Inc (WLAQ) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday 30 July 2026 where the 2026-2027 WLAQ committee was elected. WLAQ would like to express thanks to Maurice Blackburn for generously hosting the AGM.

Following the election, the new WLAQ Committee for 2026-2027 has been confirmed. The elected members are:

Executive Committee:
• Kerala Drew – President
• Jillian Barrett – Vice-President & Australian Women Lawyers Representative
• Kimia Zarei – Vice-President
• Emma Davis – Secretary
• Sarah Al-Askari – Treasurer

Management Committee:
• Natalie Keys – Assistant Secretary
• Christina Barker – Assistant Treasurer
• Valeria Leo – Events & Socials
• Liliana Swanson – Events & Socials
• Charlotte Smith – Criminal Law Sub-Committee Chair
• Francesca Bartlett – Special Projects
• Elizabeth Kelso – Special Projects
• Hannah James – Memberships
• Jessica Shuttleworth – North Regional Chair
• Kristen Mitchell-Scott – Advisors & Ambassadors
• Sarah Ford – Immediate Past President
• Thea Sorensen – Student Representative

WLAQ President, Kerala Drew, welcomed the appointment of the 2026–2027 Committee, saying: "I am incredibly honoured to lead WLAQ alongside such an accomplished and passionate group of women. Our committee brings together practitioners from across the profession, each contributing unique skills, experiences and perspectives. I look forward to working together over the coming year to continue championing women in the law, fostering meaningful connections, and delivering initiatives that support women at every stage of their legal careers. The underpinning theme we have chosen for 2026 – 2027 is ‘Knowledge is Power’.

We believe that when women are equipped with knowledge, mentorship and opportunity, they are empowered to lead, advocate with confidence and shape the future of our profession. Throughout the year, we will continue to create opportunities for learning, meaningful dialogue and professional growth, ensuring our members have the tools and support they need to thrive."

21/07/2026

IPSWICH | Join the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland for an evening of networking, connection, and festive fun!

Whether you're a solicitor, barrister, or part of the local legal community, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet colleagues, build new connections, and celebrate the season—July style! 🎁❄️

📅 Date: Friday, 31 July 2026
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Venue: The Stony Creek Brewing Company (The Old Pampyard), 88 Limestone Street, Ipswich

RSVP to Amanda at Power Legal
📞 07 3281 6644
📧 [email protected]

We look forward to celebrating with you! 🎅🥂

Address

George Street
Brisbane City, QLD
4000

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.wlaq.com.au/

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