New Zealand Law Society - Women in Law 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.
The current convener of the Association is Branch Council Member Emma Miles. She can be contacted on 027 366 2529 or at emma@emmamiles.nz. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact either Emma or a member in your area.
Alternatively, the public Facebook page conveniently provides the details of all events and the closed Facebook group is a useful forum to share information.
The Law Society provides practical support for people affected by any type of workplace issue. As well as the National Friends Panel there are members on each of the local committees of the Women in Law Association who are on hand to provide support if you are facing workplace issues.
A group of specialised lawyers are also able to be contacted for sensitive workplace issues such as any form of workplace harassment.