Women in Public Law
Issues covered include: women in law, public law, government, leadership, career progression, employment issues
Description
Enhance your career and be inspired by these notable women in law. This conference brings together some of the most accomplished and innovative women in public law who will explain how to build the public sector career you want while achieving your professional goals on your terms. Identify the pathways that you need to choose, as a government lawyer in these challenging times. Explore how to contribute to a strong organisational culture, resist corruption, overcome harassment and bias in the workplace.
Attend and earn 6 CPD units including:
1 unit in Ethics & Professional Responsibility
2 units in Practice Management & Business Skills
2.5 units in Professional Skills
Chair: Kim Lackenby, Judicial Registrar, Federal Court of Australia and Conference Registrar, Administrative Appeals Tribunal
THE ETHICAL FRAMEWORK, CONDUCT AND INTEGRITY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
9.00am to 10.00am: Resisting Corruption in Public Office: It Must be More than ‘Lipstick on a Pig’
Corruption is a significant challenge in contemporary society. It undermines good government, distorts public policy, harms all sectors of the community, undermines the fair allocation of resources, promotes inequities, and hurts the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society. Resisting corruption in public office relies on good governance practices; promoting integrity and accountability and instituting appropriate detection and enforcement mechanisms.
Examine ‘corruption resilience’ in the public sector with a particular focus on:
- Public sector ethics
- Whistle-blowing and internal integrity policies
- Case studies in misfeasance in public office
Presented by Dr Allison Ballard, Employment & Workplace Relations Lawyer and Legal Academic
DEALING WITH BULLYING, HARASSMENT AND BIAS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
10.00am to 10.45am: Workplace Sexual Harassment and Bullying: What Public Sector Managers (& Employees) Need to Know
- The legal definition of sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace (including out of hours conduct)
- Consequences: the legal ramifications of claims
- Prevention: what the law requires
- Incident management: best practice investigation and reporting
Presented by Gabrielle Sullivan, Director, Employment Law & Investigations Group, Bradley Allen Love Lawyers Canberra
10.45am to 11.00am Morning Tea
11.00am to 11.45am: Introducing a Code of Conduct as a Response to #MeToo: Key Lessons from Screen Australia
How the national film and TV financing body developed and introduced the Code of Conduct to assist the prevention of sexual harassment to the Australian film industry and the key lessons and takeaways for the public sector, your practice and your career.
- Understanding and managing legal risk in relation to the implementation of the Code
- Finding pathways to address and resolve harassment and discrimination
- Developing strategies to influence and effectively negotiate with stakeholders
- Practical tools and tips for the public sector in leading cultural change
Presented by Jane Supit, Australian Government Solicitor
11.45am to 12.45pm: Dealing with ‘Subtle’ Gender Bias at Work
- Signs of ‘subtle’ gender bias
- Countering gender bias and misconduct in the legal profession
- Tips for dealing with colleagues, clients or opposing counsel with dated, difficult perceptions and biases
Presented by Dr Suzanne Akila, Director, International Advisings and Treaties Section, International Law Practice Group, Legal Division Winner of Woman Lawyer of the Year – Government 2018, Women Lawyers Association ACT
12.45pm to 1.30pm Lunch
EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE: MAKING "IT" WORK FOR YOU
1.30pm to 2.20pm: Creating Momentum: How to Reach Forward, Find Your Pace, and Thrive as a Female Government Lawyer
- Overcoming subconscious excuses we make for not reaching forward
- Navigating the unique landscape of the public service and the challenges faced by legal practitioners
- Defining success and what it means for you
- Top tips to creating momentum, finding your pace and getting ahead
Presented by Najiyah Khan, Senior Government Lawyer, Department of Education
2.20pm to 3.10pm: The Government Sector: What it can Offer You
- A real alternative to private practice
- Opportunities to shape and support law-making
- Legal vs legal policy advice: What is the difference and why does it matter?
- The importance of mentoring in the public sector
Presented by Kelly Hoffmeister, Senior Executive Lawyer, Industrial Relations Legal Division, Attorney-General’s Department
3.10pm to 3.25pm Afternoon Tea
3.25pm to 4.15pm: Cultivating an Inclusive and Supportive Workplace in the Public Sector
- The need for diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Creating career pathways to support women in leadership
- How to promote awareness and support for gender equality in the workplace
Presented by Rorisang Moyo, Legal Officer, Trade and Investment Law Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Winner of the Woman Lawyer of the Year – Culturally and Linguistically Diverse or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, 2018 Women Lawyer Award Winners
Group Discounts
Venue
Hyatt Hotel Canberra
Level 1, 120 Commonwealth Avenue
Yarralumla
Canberra 2600
ACT
Australia
Venue Information
The nearest train station is Canberra Train Station, Kingston ACT. Valet parking for 60 vehicles is available at the Hyatt Hotel at a rate from $35 per day. 200 off-street car spaces surrounding Hyatt Hotel Canberra will be subject to payment and availabilities, the daily fee will be approx. $13.70 per day, Monday to Friday from 8:30am until 5:30pm. Parking is not included in the registration fee.