About the Association

WBOP WILA is a committee set up under the WBOP branch of the NZLS in 2014. Named the Women in Law Association, it seeks to promote collegiality between female lawyers through formal and informal networking, regular social events, and provides CPD education.

Previous event speakers include: Justice Grice, Judge Wills, Judge Otene, Chief Coroner Deborah Marshall, Mary Scholtens QC, Professor Margaret Wilson, Kathryn Beck, Louise Upston (former Minister for Women and Taupo Electorate MP).

Membership is not limited to those holding a practicing certificate. The name change from ‘Women Lawyers’ to ‘Women in Law’ in 2014 was to allow the inclusion of women in the wider professions where collegiality, support, and education may be appropriate. This includes Judges, Court employees, NZ Police, CYFS employees, Social Workers, Mental Health Practitioners etc.

The Association is based in Hamilton but currently has committee members in Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, and Whakatane.

There is no charge to join the Association. Occasionally there is a small charge to attend an event.