Legal ID
“Embracing diversity, upholding equity”
Promoting Conversations
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Promoting Conversations *
"The judiciary must be reflective of society as a whole, not just one part of it."
Elizabeth Evatt, first Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia
Gender Diversity in Law
"Recognition of cultural difference is essential to justice. Without it, the legal system becomes an instrument of exclusion, rather than inclusion."
Marcia Langton, Indigenous academic and legal advocate
"Diversity in our legal system is critical for fairness and equity. Without acknowledging cultural differences, we risk perpetuating injustice."
Gillian Triggs, former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission
Experiences
Cultural Diversity in Law
Statistics
Elissa Trafford
Elissa Trafford has been the Senior Inclusion and Wellbeing Manager at Allens for over two years. While there, she has directed diversity and wellbeing strategies and initiatives to help foster an inclusive, supportive and collaborative culture where people are empowered to achieve their full potential in a culturally hospitable environment. Tune in to hear her insights on how Allens has consistently strived to implement these ideals, and why she believes it is so important.
Tessie Chang
Tessie Chang graduated from Monash Law School in 2019, and has worked as a lawyer at Allens for almost five years. She is an associate in their Projects (Energy and Infrastructure) Practice. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role in pioneering diversity and inclusivity initiatives at Allens as a member of its Cultural Awareness Network’s National Steering Committee. Hear Tessie’s personal insights into how cultural diversity can be an asset for law firms, as well as her advice to young law students on how to navigate the intersection and roadblocks between their professional goals and cultural identities.
Jerome Martin
Starting from a humble family in the Phillipines, Jerome grew up with a background very different from his peers. Now a Partner at Clayton Utz, one of Australia’s most prominent law firms, he is recognised and awarded as being among the best Real Estate Specialists in Australia, regularly acting on some of the country’s largest Real Estate transactions. Follow Jerome’s story as he shares the challenges he faced as a person of colour in the legal industry, how his cultural identity has contributed to his professional development, and the importance of raising awareness about cultural diversity in our increasingly globalised world.