Inclusion and Diversity at the NSW Bar - #5

17/06/2019

Diversity

On 13 June 2019, the Women Barristers Forum and the Diversity and Equality Committee hosted a CPD in the Bar Association Common Room: "In Conversation With Our Clients: Fresh Perspectives on Equitable Briefing". The Hon Justice Jacqueline Gleeson, as chair, was joined by Kylie Gray (Westpac Deputy General Counsel – Regulatory Investigations & Dispute Resolution), Gywn Jones (Roads and Maritime Services Senior Legal Counsel – Environment Planning Property) and Jane Needham SC.

After a sobering account of the statistics by Gleeson J, the panel discussed what the picture looks like from the client's perspective, then moved on to how clients, solicitors and counsel can work together to improve the diversity of briefing, for the benefit of all involved. Some of the innovative and practical solutions suggested included potential sponsorship for junior barristers by corporates, encouraging clients to delve into their own statistics and understand the quality of their equality of briefing by looking at the distribution of speaking and non-speaking roles, and developing in-house CPD programmes delivered by barristers.

The seminar was well attended with the audience including members of the judiciary, general counsel of high profile corporates government agencies and law firm partners as well as members of the Bar. The WBF and the DEC are looking forward to working with clients and law firms to further develop these exciting initiatives.