What perspective about justice or leadership have you gained as a woman in the law that you wish more people understood?
“I have had the privilege of presiding over criminal jury trials for 21 years now. Every jury trial requires a minimum of 21 participants plus witnesses. There cannot be a trial without a judge, an accused, counsel, a jury, the court and security staff, and a jury officer.
Twenty-one years ago, the majority of these participants were men. Back then, some judges referred to the trial participants as ‘gentlemen’, even when there were women in the court room. Happily, this term is rarely employed now. The gender and cultural mix of the participants in a jury trial reflect the gender and cultural makeup of our diverse community so it would be just plain silly to refer to ‘gentlemen’ when 50 per cent or more of the participants are women.
Every judge of this court has sworn to do right to all manner of people according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill will. As Chief Judge, I feel confident that the gender and cultural mix of our judges, and of those who assist us to abide by our oaths in court, enhances the ability of each of us to discharge our important obligation to all manner of people impartially and according to law. And, as a woman, I rejoice in the fact that the District Court has reached this point of gender balance and common sense.”
Chief Judge Julie Wager
District Court of Western Australia
What does success for women in the law look like in 10 years’ time?
“Given the number of women studying law and entering the legal profession, achieving gender parity in senior leadership positions, re-defining career progression and working arrangements to stem the flow of the mid-career exodus of women lawyers and to support those that wish to return to work, and leveraging technology to work for us and not against us (!), so that a life-long career in the law is sustainable, fun and rewarding.”
Elizabeth Tylich
Chairperson and Partner, Jackson McDonald
What advice would you give to young women navigating identity, confidence and ambition in the law?
“Identity, especially early in your career in law, deserves care. I’ve come to believe that one of the most important things you can offer yourself in these early years is self-compassion. Your identity is still forming – through what you value, the boundaries you learn to keep, and the perspectives you carry from your own life into the law. There will be moments when you feel fully yourself, and others when you feel pressure to edit or contain parts of who you are. Try not to meet those moments with harshness. Stay kind to yourself and remain authentic in how you work and relate to others. Over time, confidence grows from that self-trust, and ambition begins to reflect what is truly yours. You do not need to become someone else to succeed. Who you are is already part of your strength.”
Nancy Zhao
Legal Counsel, Perth Mint and 2025 WA Emerging Lawyer of the Year
What does it mean to you to be the first woman appointed as Solicitor-General of Western Australia?
“You can’t be what you can’t see. It is important to me, especially as the mum of a young daughter, that girls and young women know that no job is off limits to them. According to Meryl Streep, to be the first female anything takes grit and grace. I’m not sure about grace, but I like to think my appointment reflects grit on my part and a strong commitment to public service.”
Jean Shaw SC
Solicitor-General of Western Australia
When have you felt most visible, or invisible, in your career?
“Early in my career as a litigator, I felt visible. Court is clear. You speak and your work is judged on its merits. Moving in house, particularly into the resources portfolio, the work was quieter. Legal advice often prevents problems, so when risks are managed well nothing happens, and that can feel invisible. In a setting where women were less common in senior operational roles, I also found myself waiting until I was certain before speaking. Over time, as I grew more comfortable contributing, colleagues began involving me earlier and seeking advice before decisions were made. That was when I felt visible. It shaped how I lead. I encourage junior women lawyers to contribute sooner. Real progress will be when belonging is assumed, not earned.”
Stephenie Vahala
General Counsel and President of the Association of Corporate Counsel (WA Division)
How can workplaces move from written policies to a genuine culture of inclusion?
“Many workplaces claim a ‘commitment’ to inclusion, yet it often falls on individuals to push for space. I’m naturally extroverted, which has (mostly) benefited me in this profession, but a genuine culture of inclusion shouldn’t rely on someone being visible or loud, especially when many women and junior lawyers are taught to be deferential. A genuine culture of inclusion is built through everyday actions, not headlines. When those in senior positions actively advocate for others in rooms they’re not in, people feel valued and seen. That kind of sponsorship creates belonging and shows there’s a future being intentionally made for them.”
Claudia Monterosso
Lawyer, Norton Rose Fulbright and winner of the
2025 Golden Gavel Competition
How do you define success in a legal career – beyond titles or milestones?
“For me, success in a legal career is about impact, integrity and making a meaningful difference. It’s about being trusted to provide calm, commercially sensible and pragmatic advice, and using your voice to influence outcomes that are fair, thoughtful and balanced. Success also means contributing positively to the organisation and people you work with, the culture you help shape, and the people you lead, mentor and advocate for. Ultimately, true success is remaining authentic to who you are, while helping others see a path that feels achievable.”
Katherine Whitehead
General Counsel & Company Secretary, Perth Crown Resorts and
2025 WA In-house Counsel of the Year
What surprised you most about yourself when you became a judge?
“First, the sobering sense of responsibility that comes with recognising the real consequences on individuals, families, and society in determining the outcome of the proceedings I preside over. This serves as a humbling and constant reminder of the judicial oath I have sworn. Related to this has been the realisation that the privilege of the independence of this role means that I have the ability to evaluate, apply and develop the law. Finally, it has been the understanding that my role is not just to apply my legal knowledge. It is equally important that I ensure that all participants in the courtroom process are treated with courtesy and respect.”
Judge Tania Jeyamohan
District Court of Western Australia
What gives you optimism about the future of women in law?
“As the Dean at UWA Law School, I have the privilege of interacting with strong, capable and confident women preparing to enter the legal profession every day. Wherever their careers take them, they possess both the legal skills and the passion to have an impact. The future is in good hands.”
Sharon Mascher
Dean, UWA Law School
What change in the profession has mattered most to you, and what change do you still want to see?
“As a lawyer at Legal Aid WA for over 20 years, I have had the privilege of working to improve legal outcomes for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. One of the changes in the way we deliver legal services that has mattered to me most is the move towards trauma informed practice. Understanding the lived experiences of our clients, particularly women escaping violence is transforming the way we deliver justice. Going forward I am committed to being part of a justice system that continues this journey, with a focus on improving access to legal services for women in regional and remote Western Australia.”
Helen De Brito
Director, Legal Aid WA
What do you see as the most important change in the profession during your career that has empowered more women to become leaders?
“I have been practising law for approximately 18 years, and in that time I have observed a fundamental shift in the legal profession where certain behaviours that were deemed acceptable are no longer being tolerated. Women lawyers are no longer willing to remain silent on issues that they were uncomfortable to speak about before. Issues such as gender pay disparity and sexual harassment in the workplace are now being discussed and the tides are changing. The empowerment for women lawyers is that they now have the confidence to act and feel supported by the legal profession as there is a commitment to act within the profession. Empowerment comes from being given the right support and opportunities in the workplace, and this is why there are more women lawyers who are leaders in the legal profession.”
Angie Gimisis
Partner, Hall & Wilcox and Law Society Senior Vice President
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about resilience in the law?
“My most valuable lesson is to, where possible, volunteer your pro bono legal skills in an advocacy, law reform or other justice project, either through the Law Society or other organisations, beyond your day-to-day legal practice. The reason I’ve found this useful for building resilience is these experiences often provide opportunities to develop new skills, mix with lawyers and others from outside your own workplace, as well as add interest and greater meaning to being a lawyer. These experiences typically build resilience as you grow your confidence, empathy and understanding beyond what you derive from your everyday work.”
Catherine Fletcher
Former Information Commissioner of Western Australia
From your pro bono work, what barriers have you encountered to women accessing justice or legal support in WA?
“Equality before the law is a fundamental concept of our legal system. Sadly, women face many barriers to accessing justice and legal support. These barriers are a form of gender bias. They may also be exacerbated where the woman is Aboriginal, neurodiverse, CALD, disabled, or experiences other disadvantage or trauma. Where is a woman’s safe space when seeking relief from family violence and coercive control? Where is a woman’s access to relief from sexually transmitted debt, particularly where information about the debt and any related company directorships, guarantees and mortgages has been deliberately withheld? How does a woman juggle commitments to paid work, children and other dependants (and the unpaid work left to her) with trying to find the information, time, energy and finances needed to obtain access to justice and support? These are old barriers – and they remain barriers.”
Elspeth Hensler
Barrister, Law Access Chair, and Legal Aid WA Commissioner
What’s one assumption about women in law you would like to see disappear?
“The assumption that progress for women in law is inevitable. It’s easy to assume the profession will keep improving on its own, but real change has always come from deliberate effort to challenge norms, open doors and call-out bad behaviour. Fairness, opportunity and respect need active stewardship. Not just for women, but for everyone in the legal community for whom collegiality is not a birthright. The profession has come a long way, but its future depends on whether we’re all willing to continue putting in the work.”
Kate Wellington
Law Society CEO
What gave you the confidence to keep progressing in the legal profession?
“For me, it’s not a question of confidence. I’ve kept progressing because I believe that our profession is important to a just society; that what I do matters, and that it is important to contribute. As I’ve progressed, I’ve learnt that even when things seem impossibly difficult (and we all come across difficult situations from time to time) it is worth persevering – there will also be good days! I’ve also discovered that our profession is full of people who encourage, help and support each other. Those are the things that keep me going and progressing.”
Prue Griffin
Principal Registrar, Supreme Court of Western Australia
If you could achieve one thing during your Presidency of Women Lawyers of Western Australia to empower women in the legal profession, what would it be?
“If I could achieve one thing during my presidency, it would be to create a genuinely sustainable pathway for women to thrive at every stage of legal practice. Too many talented women leave, stall or diminish their ambitions because the structures around them were not built with them in mind. I want WLWA to champion practical, visible change such as flexible career models and transparent pathways to leadership and the Bar. Empowerment is not a slogan; it is structural support. If we can shift systems, not just inspire individuals, we will change the profession for good.”
Julia Wedlock
Barrister at Albert Wolff Chambers and President of Women Lawyers of Western Australia
What one change would you most like to see in the legal profession to help all lawyers feel like they belong?
“The legal profession needs a fundamental shift away from resistance to change and must be willing to challenge outdated traditions and expectations that serve no meaningful purpose. This is especially true in a world that is rapidly evolving and changing.
The fact that things were done in a specific way in the past is not a good enough reason to continue them in the future. War stories belong in the past and should serve as a compass for progress and change. It’s time to shift from rigid tradition to thoughtful innovation, focusing on purpose, value, and sustainable practices.”
Julie Moore
Barrister at Francis Burt Chambers and President of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (WA Branch)
What challenges do you hope young women entering the profession today will not have to face as they progress?
“I hope young women entering the profession today can see, meet with, work with, litigate with and against, and appear before a broad range of people from different backgrounds, genders and experiences in our profession. Diversity, including but not limited to gender diversity, makes our profession stronger. I hope that structural inequities diminish as the next generation progresses – to enable all young lawyers the opportunity to balance being a good and dedicated lawyer, with any desire they may have to raise a family, care for their elders, and protect their mental and physical health.”
Rachael Young SC
Barrister at Shoreline Chambers
