About AWLA

The Auckland Women Lawyers' Association is a truly representative organisation of women lawyers supported by a broad membership including barristers and solicitors, women judges, as well as corporate counsel.

AWLA was formed over twenty years ago. Since then it has provided a valuable forum for women lawyers in the Auckland area to make and strengthen contacts. AWLA also acts as a vehicle for addressing issues affecting both its membership and the status of New Zealand women in general.

Our members have been involved in a wide spectrum of activities ranging from regular social dinners and drinks evenings to preparing submissions to Parliament in relation to legislation such as paid parental leave and the Relationships Property Bill. AWLA provides a bi-monthly newsletter to our members to keep them informed of events and current issues. In addition it has sponsored a number of scholarships for women law students and practitioners.

Recently AWLA set up a mentoring scheme whereby more experienced women in the profession offer guidance and career support to more junior women in the same or similar area of practice. We currently have about 70 women linked up in our mentoring programme and we have been delighted with the keenness of response we have had to the scheme from our membership.

Past events have included a three-day symposium in 1996 attended by several hundred women lawyers from throughout New Zealand, as well as speakers of national and international note. AWLA has also briefed counsel to act as amicus curiae in proceedings having significance for women such as the 1997 case of Ruka v Department of Social Welfare.

AWLA is highly regarded by the legal profession and enjoys a good level of support from the Auckland District and New Zealand Law Societies.

If you have any queries at all about our organisation please do not hesitate to contact one of our current Executive members.

Contact the Secretary with any enquiries

JOIN AWLA
Download an AWLA membership form (pdf format).

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