ABOUT THE WELLINGTON WOMEN LAWYERS' ASSOCIATION

The Wellington Women Lawyers' Association was formed in 1983. It is an incorporated society. Its stated objects are:

> To work for equal opportunity and the advancement of women in the study and practice of law

> To work for the reform of the law and its administration, and for the advancement of social policy, in order to promote and protect the interests of women

> To promote the use of women's skills in law

> To facilitate social contact amongst members

> To work for and promote the establishment of associations with similar objects throughout New Zealand

> To affiliate with and maintain connections with national and international associations with similar objects.

To see a full copy of the Rules of the Association, click here.

What do we do?

The way that this translates in practical terms is as follows:

Our membership stands at around 200 and contains practising lawyers, lawyers working in the public service including as policy analysts, judges, corporate and in-house lawyers and law students. 

We aim to organise monthly activities for members including dinners and seminars.  

We produce an action-packed bi-monthly newsletter to inform and delight. 

When political issues arise of interest or concern to our members or to women more generally, we make submissions (for example on Bills before Parliament), write letters etc.

We operate a mentoring programme which links more experienced women lawyers with less experienced lawyers as well as law students. We plan to review this scheme in the coming year.

We maintain contact with the women's consultative group which is part of the New Zealand Law Society, the women in law committee which is part of the Wellington District Law Society, and other women lawyers' groups throughout the country.  

We liaise with women faculty members and women students at Victoria University.  We also currently offer two scholarships to women law students, although this will be reviewed this year.

We speak to graduating professionals classes. 

We have available to members two senior lawyers who offer one free hour of legal advice concerning employment issues including sexual harassment.