Last week, we celebrated the official launch of the ABL Women's Network (AWN) in our Melbourne and Sydney offices.
The official launch of the AWN was an opportunity to hear from network co-chairs and key partners about the main drivers and objectives of this exciting new firm initiative, which will help facilitate career progression, solidarity, awareness, collaboration and mentorship among women at Arnold Bloch Leibler.
Partner Christine Fleer spoke about her experience during her career at ABL, including the formal and informal mentoring and sponsorship relationships she has enjoyed from men and women within and outside the firm. She acknowledged a new generation of women lawyers at ABL had highlighted the need to formalise these types of networks and support mechanisms, which will be a strong focus of the AWN.
Partner Genevieve Sexton brought the rationale for the network to life by relating some of her own experiences in juggling work and family responsibilities, and the different expectations placed on professional mothers from fathers.
AWN Co-Chair Bridget Pardy spoke about the significance of the network for current and upcoming generations in the legal profession and outlined upcoming initiatives, which will include organising both internal and external events and activities, exploring appropriate sponsorship opportunities and building relationships with relevant organisations.
The very well-attended launch was catered by female-founded businesses: Platter Girl, Grazing Fox and Two Birds Brewing.
