Women Barristers Association
The Women Barristers' Association was formed in 1993, although there have been women barristers at the Victorian Bar since Joan Rosanove signed the Roll of Counsel in 1923.
The inaugural convenor of the Association was Judge Rachelle Lewitan. The current patron is Chief Justice Marilyn Warren AC. A list of Committee members is shown here.
The Association's aims are to:
- Provide a professional and social network for women barristers
- Promote awareness, discussion and resolution of issues which particularly affect women
- Identify, highlight and eradicate discrimination against women in law and in the legal system
- Advance equality for women across the legal profession generally
As a result of the Association's advocacy, the Victorian Bar Council commissioned the report, Equality of Opportunity for Women at the Victorian Bar which resulted in the creation of the Women Barristers' Directory. The Bar also adopted an equal opportunity briefing policy in April 2004 - copy available for download below.
Equal Opportunity Briefing
Women at the Bar - then and now sets out highlights of the experiences and achievements of some of Victoria's most prominent women barristers.
‘Raising the Bar' is a documentary covering the history of Victorian women barristers. This documentary and a slideshow of the first 25 Victorian women barristers are available on the page for Our History.
Membership Application for WBA is available below or contact the Committee by email.
Click here for news and publications from the Women Barristers' Association
WBA Application form
Useful links