Dear Member,

This is the final WKIT for 2011 and while I know you’ll miss our updates, don’t despair we’ll be back in Feb!

I am very pleased to announce the 2012 VWL Executive as:

Convenor: Patricia Athanasiadis

Assistant Convenor: Claire Carrucan

Secretary: Beth Hilton-Thorp

Treasurer: Jacqueline Browning

General Members: Jackie Gillies, Michelle Florenini and Alexia Staker.

I congratulate the incoming Executive and am honoured to have been elected Convenor of VWL for 2012. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the VWL Executive over the past two years and I thank Kate Ashmor for her leadership in 2011.

My interest in VWL stems from my commitment to promoting the interests of women lawyers. As Convenor I will continue to provide members with the opportunity to engage with their Executive, ensuring VWL remains a dynamic platform for the representation of women lawyers.

In 2011 VWL’s focus was on ‘Reaching Out’ to VWL members all over Victoria. From a networking event in Geelong to a CPD session in Warrnambool and the creation of a social media presence via the VWL Facebook page, VWL delivered on its promise to ‘reach out’. On that note, I am very excited to announce that in 2012, VWL’s theme is ‘Mentoring’.

The importance of networking and mentoring is well known and in a recent study by the NSW Law Society called The Advancement of Women in the Profession Report and Recommendations, It was found that the main barriers to progression in legal careers for women were:

• the unavailability of flexible working arrangements; and

• difficulties returning to work after an absence such as maternity leave.

And that:

• networking and mentoring were highlighted as key factors in achieving success in the legal profession.

Due to the significance that mentoring and networking play in progressing careers in the law, in 2012 VWL’s focus will be on giving members more opportunities to network with other women in their practice areas, engage with speakers through more informal events, and learn soft skills to progress their careers within the law. And we’re already getting started, on 22 February 2012 VWL, in conjunction with the Institute of Chartered Accountants and Women in Finance Victoria are presenting our second annual joint event called “Converting Contacts to Contracts”. This interactive event will demonstrate a networking formula to maximise business meetings and relationships and all you to tap into invisible networks to ensure that you are in a great position to convert contacts into contracts. With spots strictly limited register early so you don’t miss out. See details of this event below.

VWL is also very pleased to announce that the Honourable Michael Kirby will be the guest speaker at the 2012 Dame Roma Mitchell Luncheon, and will address the topic of Equal Marriage Rights for all Australians. The Dame Roma Mitchell Memorial Luncheon remains a highlight of the VWL and LIV calendar. So don’t forget to register!

If you would like to be more involved in VWL or would like to make a suggestion on how VWL can be more effective, please send us an email, we are always keen to have your feedback.

I wish you a very safe and happy festive season and look forward to meeting you in the new year!

Sincerely,

Patricia Athanasiadis

2012 Convenor