Our Women@WR In Law Initiatives
The firm recognises that the professional development and successful advancement of women is essential for driving high performance, fostering collaboration, advancing our culture and achieving the strategic objectives of the firm.
As a result, the Women@WR Committee was formed to further enhance a positive, inclusive, and empowering environment for women across the firm. Our aim is to provide women at William Roberts with access to targeted mentoring and guidance on succeeding and thriving in the legal profession, along with providing meaningful opportunities to connect and grow.
The Committee runs a range of initiatives designed to support and elevate women in law, including:
- An external Women’s Leadership Guest Speaker Series
- An internal mentorship program for law clerks, junior lawyers and support staff
- Access to external memberships and leadership programs
Women’s Leadership Guest Speaker Series
2026
This year William Roberts had the pleasure of hosting the Hon. Justice Jacqueline Gleeson of the High Court of Australia, whose reflections focused on women in commercial law exploring the important question of How far have we come and where to from here?
2025
Continuing the tradition in 2025, William Roberts welcomed Mary Walker OAM for this year’s International Women’s Day event. Ms Walker spoke on the evolution of the legal profession through her lens as a barrister and negotiator, tying her insights into this year’s theme: “March Forward: It’s Time to Turn Promises Into Progress.”
2024
To celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2024, the Committee hosted the Hon. Justice Elizabeth Peden of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Justice Peden generously shared reflections from her distinguished 30+ year career, with a focus on her work in contract, commercial and evidence law.
Internal Mentorship Program
The Women@WR come from a wide range of personal, professional, and cultural backgrounds. With this diversity comes a rich variety of perspectives.
To support one another through those challenges, the Committee established an internal mentorship program, where senior women in the firm serve as mentors to junior lawyers, clerks, and support staff. Monthly meetings are tailored to the needs of each group, creating a safe and constructive space for women to share experiences, seek guidance, and celebrate their individual journeys.
Legal Membership and Post-Graduate Women-in-Leadership Programs / External Associations
Recognising the value of external networks, the Committee also supports women in connecting with broader professional associations. This includes promoting participation in groups such as:
- Victorian Women Lawyers
- Women Lawyers Association
- Association for Women in Insurance
Women@WR Commitee members: Muska Namdar (chair), Ashley Chidiac, Yasaswani Paudwal, Karla Brenner, KoKona Tomazos, Nancy Zhang, Danielle Hagan, Sophie Price and Elizabeth Ma.
In addition, the Committee are currently planning their 2026–2027 agenda to expand access to external leadership programs, aimed at strengthening leadership capability and career development for women at William Roberts.
