Diversity and
Inclusion Committee
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee comprises members of the Law Society who represent a wide cross-section of the profession.
The role of the Committee is to promote diversity, equality and inclusion in the legal profession, in particular by progressing initiatives to ensure the equality of opportunity for all members of the profession, regardless of race, ethnicity, heritage, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or innate variations in sex characteristics.
Learn more about committees
Current committee members
How to join a committee
Cultural Diversity Guidance
The Law Society of NSW recognises that creating an environment where every person, regardless of their background, has opportunities and support to reach their professional potential can result in better outcomes for the community at large, and better business outcomes for the profession.
Click here for a copy of the Cultural Diversity Guidance.
Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination: Introductory Guidance and Strategies for the Legal Profession
This Guidance introduces key concepts and practical steps to eliminate racism in the workplace as a step towards achieving substantive equality for people of all backgrounds across the legal profession.
Click here for a copy of the guidance.
Creating a Disability Inclusive Workplace
The Law Society of New South Wales recognises the importance of fostering a safe, equitable and accessible workplace for persons with disability, for the legal profession and the community at large. Employers who adopt diversity and inclusion best practice give all persons the opportunity to realise their potential, which can bring about positive business outcomes for law firms and other employer organisations alike
Click here for a copy of the Creating a Disability Inclusive Workplace.
Workplace Guide and Model Discrimination and Harassment Policies
The Law Society has developed a Workplace Guide and Model Discrimination and Harassment Policies for law firms and organisations that employ legal practitioners in NSW.
The guide is part of the Law Society’s work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and contains practical tools that can assist legal practices in NSW to identify and eliminate discriminatory recruitment and employment practices.
It includes helpful insights to enable law firms and other organisations to engage in best practice to promote a truly diverse and fair workplace.
Launched in May 2021, the guide is currently under review and pending updates to reflect the latest legislative changes.
Click here for a copy of the Workplace Guide and Model Discrimination and Harassment Policies.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession: The Business Case
The Law Society has developed the first comprehensive business case for diversity and inclusion for law firms and organisations that employ legal practitioners in NSW.
The business case provides a rationale for why diversity and inclusion are important and identifies specific areas in which having a diverse and inclusive culture can improve the performance of a law firm or organisation. It also provides practical tips for law firms and organisations to consider when adopting a strategy for enhancing diversity and inclusion.
Click here for a copy of Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession: The Business Case.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equality, Respect and Inclusion
The Law Society of NSW has adopted the Law Council’s Diversity and Equality Charter.
The Australian legal profession is committed to promoting diversity, equality, respect and inclusion consistent with the principles of justice, integrity, equity and the pursuit of excellence upon which the profession is founded.
We recognise that diversity benefits the legal profession and the community as a whole.
Accordingly, the Australian legal profession and its members:
- treat all people with respect and dignity regardless of sex, sexuality, disability, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or other arbitrary feature
- create and foster equality through a supportive and understanding environment for all individuals to realise their maximum potential regardless of difference
- promote and support a strong and fair legal profession comprising, accommodating, encouraging and respecting a diverse range of individuals and views
Equitable remuneration in the legal profession
The Law Society has published a ten-point plan to assist law firms to address gender pay gaps evident in the profession.
2024 Committee
Ms Jade Tyrrell (Chair), Miss Iona Luke (Deputy Chair), A. Albury, E. Allen, G. Burke, A. Chebbo, D. Cheung, J. Dawes, Z. Edries, V. Giang, R. Grant, M. Gurlica, K. Hanigan, J. Horsburgh, S. Ibrahim, J. Jayasuriya, R. Karim, B. Koh, S. Lee, A. Lyras, R. MacSweeney, S. Mtango, A. Pale, K. Pender, V. Roles, J. Skelton, T. Spirovski, C. Stebbing, N. Stewart, G. Wijeratne, C. Wu, E Yazdani.
How to join a committee
Law Society Committees have powers, authorities and tasks delegated by the Council. Consisting of dedicated volunteers, each committee focuses on a particular area of law, pooling together specialist skills and experience in order to scrutinise legislation, court decisions and other government policies.
There are three broad categories of committees:
- Regulatory committees – perform statutory duties under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW)
- Liaison committees – linked to other professions or organisations
- Policy committees
By drawing on the insights of committees, the Law Society can meet its statutory duties and act as a major player in law reform and policy debates.