Asian Australian Lawyers Association Latest News

AALA National Sponsor Webinar - College of Law: Careers in International Commercial Law

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:17:11 GMT

AALA welcomes you to join the College of Law Webinar on 21 October at 5.00pm AEDT: Careers in International Commercial Law: Arbitration, M&A, Cross-Border Transactions, Trade and Investment.

International law covers many global issues, such as commerce and trade, environmental management, human rights, and conflict resolution. International law practitioners work on a vast range of tasks, from brokering bilateral trade deals to helping to resolve disputes via arbitration or mediation.

This free webinar offers a chance to hear from the industry experts from Malaysia, the UK and the US on how to develop your skills to enhance your career opportunities in international law.

This webinar should interest many students and practitioners - not just those interested in pursuing careers overseas. The world is becoming a smaller place. Many local practitioners act for (or against) overseas clients or are involved in matters with an international connection.

Attend and learn:

How experienced practitioners came to practice in international commercial law
What does a day in your work life looks like
Advice for lawyers looking to move into cross-border M&A and trade, or international arbitration
The skills you need to practice international commercial law
How to network and raise your profile

Presented by

Moderator: Wenee Yap, Legal Journalist, The College of Law (Sydney, Australia)
Raphael Tay, Commercial Law Partner and Teaching Fellow, The College of Law (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Martin Polaine, Barrister and Teaching Fellow, The College of Law (London, UK)
Prof. Don Lewis, Teaching Fellow, The College of Law (San Francisco, USA)

Time Oct 21, 2021 05:00 PM in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney

Link: please register at this link to attend the event.

AALA SA Branch End of Year Mentoring Event

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 02:48:26 GMT

AALA South Australian Branch is hosting the End of Year Mentoring Event on October 28! It is an excellent opportunity for mentors and mentees to reflect on and share stories about their experiences in the mentoring program.

This year we are glad to have Chris Kwong, Executive Advisor from Australian Red Cross as our guest speaker. A sincere thank you to Laity Morrow for sponsoring the event.

We cannot achieve diversity by replacing white men with white women - Article in Women’s Agenda

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 01:12:13 GMT

"We cannot achieve diversity by replacing white men with white women"

Women’s Agenda has recently published the linked article featuring Molina Asthana, AALA Vice-President, and lawyer Tu Le, on the topic:"We cannot achieve diversity by replacing white men with white women".

Recognition of the Advancement of AALA Members

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 04:17:24 GMT

As a new financial year has dawned, AALA wants to take the opportunity to congratulate all members who have been successful in the recent round of promotions. You have done fantastic jobs in advancing cultural diversity within the legal profession, and AALA is delighted to witness your impressive progress over the years. Sincerely wish you continued success in your career.

AALA National Summit SA After Party

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 05:37:32 GMT

For the SA Branch’s first National Cultural Diversity Summit this year, we hosted a panel of guest speakers to provide insight on their own experiences as legal professionals in line with our event theme “Being more than a lawyer”. Our Diversity Panel consisted of:

1. Ahura Kalali, barrister at Barry Jennings Chambers (as chair);

2. SA District Court Judge Rauf Soulio;

3. Thuan Nguyen – solicitor at the Legal Services Commission; and

4. Kate Bickford – partner at HWL Ebsworth.

Amidst tough COVID restrictions across the country, the National Summit After Party here in SA was a welcomed event. With a turnout of 50 guests in attendance, the breadth of experience and diversity of practice areas added a nice touch to what had been a showstopper of a National Summit throughout the course of the day.

The panel discussion segment of the evening touched on some important but rarely discussed topics of the legal profession, such as work/life balance, finding passion in one’s career, key career drivers, and words of wisdom from our panelists that they wish they’d given their young selves knowing what they know now.

In AALA SA Branch tradition, the panel discussion was followed by lots of delicious food and even better drinks.

We are so lucky to have the support of so many amazing businesses here in SA. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing sponsors, who have made this event possible:

1. Cimicky Wines – for providing beautiful Barossa Valley wines for serving throughout the evening as well as incredible door prizes;

2. 1/3 by NNQ – for generously opening up their beautiful restaurant to our guests and for their incredible hospitality throughout the evening;

3. Two Accent Gins – for providing us with their fine gins as door prizes; and

4. Panel members – for taking time out of their precious Saturday evening to share their words of wisdom to those in attendance.

We hope our members and guests who attended the SA Branch’s National Summit After Party left with full tummies, meaningful connections with other members of the profession and a deeper understanding and curiosity on what it means to be more than a lawyer.

Breaking the bamboo ceiling: Young Asian Australian women share their tips for success

Sat, 11 Sep 2021 04:49:51 GMT

Breaking the bamboo ceiling: Young Asian Australian women share their tips for success

by Ashleigh Barraclough, ABC News, posted 11.09.21

While Asian Australians continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions, some young women have managed to break through the "bamboo ceiling".

The ABC spoke to four finalists in the 2021 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians Awards — a nanotechnology engineer, a ballet dancer, a human rights lawyer and a telco executive — about the challenges they have faced in their careers.

The awards are an initiative of the Asian-Australian Leadership Summit, and the ABC is a media partner.

AALA Media Release - Appointment of the Honourable Hament Dhanji SC as a judge of the Supreme Court of NSW

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 08:44:25 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) welcomes and applauds the appointment of the Honourable Hament Dhanji SC as a judge of the Supreme Court of NSW and would like to extend its heartiest congratulations to him. This is a significant appointment as he is the first Australian of Indian descent to be appointed to the NSW Supreme Court and one of only a few Australians with Asian heritage to be appointed as a judge of an Australian superior court.

AALA is the first incorporated association in Australia to focus on the growing number of Asian Australian lawyers in the profession, as well as other lawyers with an interest in Asia. AALA's mission is to advance cultural diversity in the legal profession and beyond and connect lawyers with an interest in Asia. The importance of increased cultural diversity in the legal profession cannot be underestimated. Where the makeup of our judiciary is reflective of our Australian demographic, the litigant is likely to have greater faith in the dispensation of justice.

AALA has been vocal in our advocacy for more diversity in judicial appointments and this appointment lends credence to our work. Though much still needs to change, this appointment will hopefully be the catalyst for many more diverse and meritorious appointments, and for a larger change in the makeup of our legal profession to reflect and represent the citizens we serve.

To read Media Release of Hon. Mark Speakman, Attorney General of NSW, 8 Sept., 2021

NATIONAL SUMMIT SA AFTER PARTY! 18 Septmeber, 2021 5.30pm - 10.30pm

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 04:20:40 GMT

When: 18 Sep 2021
5:30 PM - 10:30 PM (UTC+09:30)
Location
1/3 By NNQ, 1 King William Street, Adelaide, SA 5000

Register here!

$35 for AALA members – $35.00
This is a discounted price for AALA members. Full price is $60 per person.
$60 full price for non-AALA members – $60.00
Full price for non-AALA members, so you might as well join or renew membership to get the discounted pricing of $35!

National Summit SA After Party! Saturday 18 September 2021

The AALA SA Branch is pumped to invite you to the National Summit After Party!

We are taking it to the next level and having a 3 course dinner at 1/3 By NNQ followed by our own Diversity Panel event on the topic of "Being More Than a Lawyer" where we will be hearing from:

SA District Court Judge Rauf Soulio
Kate Bickford - Partner at HWL Ebsworth
Chris Kwong - Executive Adviser at Australian Red Cross

The panel will be chaired by Ahura Kalali, Barrister at Barry Jennings Chambers.

The details of the event are:

1/3 By NNQ, 1 King William Street, Adelaide, SA, 5000
Saturday 18 September 2021 at 5.30pm to 10.30pm
3 course dinner
Drinks on consumption and pay as you go
Discounted price of $35 for AALA members
Full price of $60 for non-AALA members (so you might as well join AALA or renew your membership now by clicking here)
There will be a door prize for AALA members
Dress code is smart casual.

Thank you to our generous sponsors Cimicky Wines and Two Accents Gin!

Spots are strictly limited so please RSVP quick! This event is open to everyone so please share with your friends and colleagues!

Please email sa@aala.org.au if you have any dietary requirements.

This will be a great opportunity to catch up with friends and make new friends over delicious food and drinks in a fun and relaxed environment. You know we organise awesome events, so we'll see you there!

AALA announces 2021 National Cultural Diversity Summit

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 04:49:33 GMT

2021 National Cultural Diversity Online Summit

Cultural Diversity and the Legal Profession: Towards a More Inclusive Future

Date: Saturday 18 September 2021

Time: The Summit begins at midday (AEST), with a series of sessions throughout the afternoon, to conclude around 4:00 PM.

Registration: Registration is essential and is free for all people in Australia and across the world. To receive your personalised CVENT registration, you must register. Registration will open soon.

Summit Agenda: coming soon.

The Summit key note speakers include:

The Hon. Diana Bryant AO;

His Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Rabinder Singh;

Cheryl Chan, Director, Remotely Legal;

Remy Hii, Journalist and Actor (Neighbours and Crazy Rich Asians);

Cross-cultural consultant, Tasneem Chopra OAM;

Award- winning comedian Sami Shah; and,

Hari Sivanesan will play you some sublime music. Hari has played for the BBC and with George Harrison from The Beatles.

Hosting: The Summit will be hosted online by CVENT. The CVENT platform will provide registrants a seamless Summit experience, providing registrants the opportunity to actively participate in the Summit’s discussions. The CVENT platform creates a dynamic and immersive experience, allowing registrants to connect with our Sponsors and Partners and network with fellow registrants.

Our impressive Summit sponsors and partners will be announced soon! AALA is excited to bring to our guests this year's exciting line up of speakers, thought-leaders and sponsors. This is the second National Cultural Diversity Summit and we aim to deliver yet another engaging, challenging and fun experience!

Who is the Summit for?

AALA is throwing its doors wide open to the entire community and is giving all people, including students, policy-makers and practitioners, a chance to watch and participate in this conversation. The annual Summits are ideal for those who actively work in the legal industry in roles of management, human resourcing and reform and equally for those people who work in the wider community to promote and advocate for intersectional diversity and equal access to justice. The AALA National Summit is an ideal opportunity to expand your networks and ability to forge change.

AALA statement about developments in Afghanistan

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 11:57:59 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) is deeply concerned by the developments in Afghanistan that are severely impacting its people, particularly the basic human rights of its women and children.

We extend support to our sisters and brothers from the Afghan Australian community in these difficult times. We share your grief and stand in solidarity in praying for the safety and well-being of your loved ones back home.

AALA joins with the International Association of Judges, the International Association of Women Judges, the Australian Association of Women Judges and the Australian Judicial Officers Association, in calling for urgent, meaningful and sustained support for all of the judiciary and members of the legal profession in Afghanistan, and particularly for women judges and lawyers.

We also support the call by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre for Australia to implement an immediate emergency humanitarian intake plan for refugees from Afghanistan.

AALA urges its members to support these efforts and contribute generously to the humanitarian organisations presently offering support to Afghanistan and its people.

AALA VIC Internship Program with the County Court of Victoria

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 11:00:00 GMT

The AALA is pleased to announce that their Honours Judge Tran, Judge Burchell and Judicial Registrar Muller of the County Court of Victoria are offering two one week (unpaid) internships to members of the AALA.

Judge Tran and Judge Burchell are former commercial barristers of Asian background who were appointed as Judicial Registrars of the Commercial Division (in what is believed to be the first job share of a judicial officer position in Victoria), and later Judges of the County Court of Victoria. Judicial Registrar Muller is a Judicial Registrar of the Commercial Division of the County Court. Their Honours are passionate about increasing cultural diversity in the legal profession and see providing opportunities and mentoring to lawyers and law students as a means to achieving this end.

Judge Tran was appointed to the bench in October 2020, having been a Judicial Registrar of the Commercial Division of the County Court since 2015. During this time, her Honour has overseen the expansion of judicial mediation in the Commercial Division, assisted with the creation of a pro bono protocol with the Victorian Bar, helped to reform case management procedures, and supported the implementation of electronic court files. Prior to her Honour’s appointment, her Honour practised as a barrister since 2002 in a range of areas including insurance law, superannuation law, property law and insolvency.

Judge Burchell was appointed to the bench in June 2021, having also been a Judicial Registrar in the Court's Commercial Division since 2015. Her Honour holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Economics from Murdoch University. Judge Burchell signed the Bar Roll in 2004 and has extensive experience in commercial law, judicial review and administrative law. In 2014, Judge Burchell represented the Hazelwood mine operators at the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry. In the same year, her Honour was also the recipient of the Lawyers Weekly Women in the Law Junior Counsel Award, which recognises the outstanding contributions to the legal profession of female barristers within their first 10 years of practice at the Bar.

Judicial Registrar Muller is an experienced trial advocate, having acted for both plaintiffs and defendants in class actions, directors' and trustees' liability claims, professional liability disputes, insurance law (including total and permanent disability claims), insolvency, fiduciary and fraud-related actions, banking and finance disputes, corporate control disputes (including shareholder oppression), employment and industrial law, and general commercial disputes.

This internship provides a unique opportunity to applicants to shadow the Judges and Judicial Registrar of the County Court, and their associates, in trials, interlocutory hearings and mediations, as well as observing them in chambers and registry work. Interns will gain exposure to the Court’s rules, processes and procedures and will gain the opportunity to observe some of the best advocates in Victoria.

The internships are available from mid-late September 2021. Arrangements for the internships are flexible and may take place over one week, or one day per week over 5 weeks on mutually convenient dates.

This invaluable opportunity is open to AALA student members or recent law graduates who are members of the AALA. For law students, it would be most beneficial to students who are in the third year and above of the undergraduate LLB or second year and above of the JD or Graduate Entry LLB and have completed the Civil Procedure unit. An interest in civil litigation or alternative dispute resolution would be preferred, but is not essential.

If you are interested, please send your CV and cover letter to vic@aala.org.au. Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 10 August 2021.

AALA appoints Inaugural International Patron Lord Justice Rabinder Singh

Sat, 24 Jul 2021 05:17:56 GMT

We are pleased to announce to members that The Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Rabinder Singh has accepted a 3-year term position as AALA’s inaugural International Patron.

Sir Rabinder Singh brings to this role a wealth of judicial experiences, and unequivocal support to promote the diversity value enshrined in our organisation.

He currently sits as a Lord Justice of Appeal in the Court of Appeal of England and Wales, the President of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal and a member of the Privy Council appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

He was born in 1964 in Delhi to a Sikh family who came to the UK and settled in a working-class area of Bristol. He graduated with a double first at Cambridge University and obtained an LLM at UC Berkeley. He co-founded Matrix Chambers and was appointed silk in 2002.

Sir Rabinder Singh reached one of the highest ranks achieved by a non-white judge in Britain, and was thought to be the youngest judge to sit in the High Court.

He was our guest speaker at AALA’s First National Cultural Diversity Summit where his address reflected on the UK Judicial Appointments Commission, its inclusion of non-legal members and how its process acknowledges diverse backgrounds so the judiciary reflects the society from which it is drawn and enjoys the confidence of society.

His publications cover areas of human rights, privacy and foreign relations.

As counsel, his cases covered issues in military conflict, victim and refugees, and issues on liberty. His work includes anti-racism issues.

He loves Greek poetry and can read Ancient Greek. He is the first Sikh to be made a High Court judge, and wears a turban rather than a wig while presiding. His coat of arms bears the motto “Nec Timore Nec Favore”.

AALA welcomes Sir Rabinder Singh’s presence in our organisation. We envisage a transformative impact and future contribution to our cultural diversity narrative in the fullness of time.

Media contact: Kingsley Liu, AALA National President, president@aala.org.au

ASIAN AUSTRALIAN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

PROMOTING CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN THE LAW

AALA congratulates Sharon Burchell and Pardeep Tiwana on their appointment as Judges of the County Court of Victoria

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 08:08:07 GMT

AALA congratulates Sharon Burchell and Pardeep Tiwana on their appointment as Judges of the County Court of Victoria

Ms Burchell’s appointment as a County Court judge follows a career as a barrister, including experience at the Victorian Bar, Western Australian Bar and in the Federal and High Courts of Australia. Ms Burchell graduated LL B (Hons) B Econ from Murdoch University in Western Australia, served Articles at Blake Dawson Waldron in Perth and was first admitted to practice in Western Australia. She remained with the firm as an employee solicitor, first in Perth, then in Melbourne for some 6 months. She served as a Judicial Associate for some 2 ½ years – first with Justice Habersberger of the Victorian Supreme Court; then with Justice Kenny of the Federal Court. She read with Samantha Marks (now Her Honour Judge Marks of the County Court). She was at the Bar for 11 years, and served on the Committee of the Women Barristers Association and on the Bar Pro Bono and Human Rights Committees. Since 2015, Ms Burchell has been a judicial registrar in the commercial division of the County Court.

Mr Tiwana was previously a law clerk and solicitor at Paul Vale Criminal Lawyers and a criminal barrister at 4 Fountain Court Chambers/Citadel Chambers in the United Kingdom. He was admitted to the England and Wales Bar in 1994 and signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2009. Mr Tiwana holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Wolverhampton.

Marcus Dempsey and Anna Robertson were also appointed as County Court judges, and David Ryan to the Coroners Court.

On their appointment, Attorney General Jaclyn Symes stated: “Our four new judges and coroner are experts in their fields and will bring significant knowledge to cases before the Coroners Court and County Court. I congratulate them on their new roles.”

For the Victorian Government announcement go to

The Judicial College of Victoria welcomed and congratulated appointees.

See also SBS Hindi article on Mr Tiwana's appointment.

AALA notes that His Honour Judge Arushan Pillay who was born in South Africa and is Tamil Indian background was appointed to the County Court in 2019.

The William Ah Ket Scholarship 2021 Launches!

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT

THE WILLIAM AH KET SCHOLARSHIP 2021 LAUNCHES!

On Wednesday 2 June 2021, the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) together with principal sponsor Maddocks and supporting partner, the University of Melbourne, officially launched the William Ah Ket Scholarship for 2021.

The Scholarship is named in honour of William Ah Ket, who is believed to be the first Asian-Australian barrister who practised at the Victorian Bar in the early 20th century and counted as one of Australia’s earliest human rights lawyers, blazing a trail for others to follow in his wake, challenging discriminatory laws and fostering international relations.

Initially planned as an in-person event at the Melbourne Law School, the changing coronavirus pandemic restrictions in Victoria saw the celebration of the launch proceed by way of an online event held via Zoom. The launch was attended by over 100 AALA members and supporters across Australia and was a resounding success!

Our keynote speaker, Her Honour Chief Justice Anne Ferguson of the Supreme Court of Victoria delivered an address on the important legacy of William Ah Ket and what contemporary lawyers can learn from the attributes that he modelled, including not just technical ability, but also, resilience, perseverance and working for change.

Our attendees also had the pleasure to hear from Professor Sarah Biddulph, Professor of Law at Melbourne Law School, Director of its Asian Law Centre and Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor International (China) at the University of Melbourne about the University’s efforts to collect information about William Ah Ket and to help tell his story.

Through this journey and the generosity of those who have come forward to share information about William Ah Ket, including members of the Ah Ket family, the Hon. Michael Black, the former Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia, Julian McMahon SC, interesting facts about William Ah Ket and traces of his legacy have been discovered.

We encourage all to visit the AALA website and visit the public gallery in Owen Dixon Chambers West, where a William Ah Ket display has been installed and where his portrait will be unveiled later this year to learn more about William Ah Ket.

The AALA and the William Ah Ket Scholarship Committee are incredibly grateful and express their thanks to Her Honour Chief Justice Anne Ferguson and Professor Biddulph for their wonderfully engaging speeches. We are hopeful persons at a junior stage of their legal career in Australia were inspired to not only get involved and submit a paper for the scholarship, but ultimately to strive to use their knowledge and skills to make a difference and improve our civil society, just as Mr Ah Ket did at the start of the 20th Century.

The AALA and the William Ah Ket Scholarship Committee gives thanks to all those that attended, with special thanks to our National Patron and member of the judging panel of this year’s Scholarship, the Hon. Diana Bryant AO QC, Australian Human Rights Commissioner Chin Tan, Vivienne Nguyen, Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Matthew Howard, President of the Australian Bar Association for their attendance.

The AALA would also like to thank Maddocks for their generous sponsorship of the Scholarship and their longstanding commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession and the University of Melbourne and staff of the Melbourne Law School for their efforts in supporting the Scholarship and their research and promotion of William Ah Ket’s legacy.

Well done to the organisers from:

Asian Australian Lawyers Association – William Lye OAM QC, Reynah Tang AM, Molina Asthana, Kingsley Liu, Kelvin Ng, Daniel D Nguyen, Jenny Si, Kerry Truong and Chuan Jun Yeap.

Maddocks – Jason Silverii

The Supreme Court of Victoria – Associate Sophie Meixner and Communications and Engagement Director Sarah Dolan

The University of Melbourne – Associate Professor Andrew Godwin, Dorothy Ngo and Emily Holt

For more information about the William Ah Ket Scholarship 2021 and how to apply, please click here or email us at scholarship@aala.org.au

AALA announces appointment of NSW Patron - Ms Katrina Rathie

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 22:04:24 GMT

AALA ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NSW PATRON – MS KATRINA RATHIE

The AALA is pleased to announce Ms Katrina Rathie as our new NSW Patron.

Ms Rathie is an Australian with a Chinese cultural background, her family originating from Guangzhou Province in Southern China. Katrina brings to this role distinguished service to the Australian legal profession, extensive cross-border leadership and cultural skills honed through an esteemed 36-year career spanning Australia, Asia and the USA. She was admitted to practice in NSW in 1985, the High Court in 1986 and appointed as an Attorney & Counsellor of the New York Bar in 1988.

Katrina is a pre-eminent lawyer, well-known business leader and non-executive director who is proud to be a role model and champion for Asian Australians. She was named the overall winner in the prestigious Board & Management category in the 2019 AFR 100 Women of Influence list, recognised for her outstanding contributions to leadership in the law, advancement of gender and cultural diversity across Australia and Asia.

Katrina was Partner in Charge, Sydney at top tier global elite law firm King & Wood Mallesons from 2014 – March 2021, where she was the first Asian Australian to lead the Sydney office. She was involved in the implementation of the historic combination between China’s King & Wood and Australia’s Mallesons Stephen Jaques in 2012 and for almost a decade worked closely with her colleagues across 12 cities in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo to help build an international Asian powerhouse law firm with more than 2,700 lawyers in 29 locations across the world.

Katrina was the first Australian with a Chinese cultural background to be employed by Stephen Jaques in 1985 and the first Asian Australian equity partner appointed at Mallesons Stephen Jaques in 1994, a role she held for 26 years. She recently retired as the most senior female partner at the firm after a distinguished career where she practised as a solicitor in the fields of advertising, marketing, media, intellectual property and Australian Consumer Law litigation winning many high-profile cases for her blue chip ASX listed and Fortune 500 clients. In June 2021, Katrina’s significant contribution to the legal profession was recognised in the Commonwealth House of Representatives, Parliament House and recorded in Hansard.

Katrina was named NSW Woman Private Practice Lawyer of the Year by the Women Lawyers’ Association of NSW (2017), Intellectual Property Partner of the Year by Lawyers Weekly (2019) and is ranked as a leading lawyer by Chambers Asia Pacific 2021 in seven categories. She has been named in the IP Hall of Fame and IP Stars 2021 recognising her renowned expertise in brands, trademarks and copyright law.

Katrina is passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging: she has been a trailblazer who has led the way by shattering the glass and bamboo ceilings. As a former member of the Law Society of NSW’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Managing Partner’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, she worked with the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Race Discrimination Commissioners and was involved in arranging for several of Australia’s leading law firms to sign a Cultural Diversity Pledge

in 2017 to measure the level of cultural diversity in law firms and embed policies to track and advance cultural diversity in the profession. Katrina has been an active member of AALA since it was founded and is pleased to continue as a member of the Data and Policy Sub-Committee.

Katrina has spoken extensively about the desirability of greater gender and cultural diversity in the professions, business and ASX boards; and the need to curb racism in our communities. Katrina is one of the judges of the 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian Australia Awards, the winners of which will be announced at the Asian Australian Leadership Summit in September 2021.

She has a long history in philanthropy helping found the multi-award winning KWM in the Community Program, which comprises pro-bono, workplace giving and volunteering. She is a Non-Executive Director of Starlight Children's Foundation Australia and NSW Rugby Union/Waratah’s Rugby. She is Chair of the Cranbrook Foundation and Vice President of Cranbrook School where she has championed the importance of a well-rounded education. She is an Alumni Leader of UNSW Business School, serves on UNSW’s Law Advisory Council, the Culture Strategy Committee of Sydney University and the Advisory Board of Media Diversity Australia, which has a mission to champion cultural diversity in Australian journalism and news media.

Katrina is a Member of Chief Executive Women and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She holds a Commerce (Accounting & Financial Management)/Law degree from UNSW Sydney. She is the mother of three boys – her eldest, Jack Rathie has followed in her footsteps, studied law at UNSW Sydney and is a Solicitor/Innovation Manager at King & Wood Mallesons.

Katrina is excited to be named as NSW Patron of AALA and looks forward to continuing to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in business, boards and throughout the legal profession. Her wisdom and lived experience will be valued by AALA members.

AALA is delighted to have her join us as NSW Patron.

Download this Press Release here.

AALA announces appointment of its Victorian Patron

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 03:00:00 GMT

The AALA is very pleased to announce that Professor the Hon. Gareth Evans AC QC is our new Victorian Patron. Professor Evans brings to this role not only esteemed service to the Australian legal profession and Asia‐Australia international relations, but passionate commitment to the cause of greater Asian‐Australian representation in leadership positions in both the public and private sectors.

Professor Evans is Distinguished Honorary Professor at the Australian National University, where he was Chancellor from 2010 to 2019, and President Emeritus of the International Crisis Group, the Brussels‐based independent global conflict prevention and resolution organisation which he led as President and CEO from 2000 to 2009.

During his 21 yearsin Australian politics, from 1978 to 1999, he was a Cabinet Minister in the Hawke and Keating Labor Governments in the posts of Attorney General, Minister for Resources and Energy, Minister for Transport and Communications and Foreign Minister, and both Leader of the Government in the Senate and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives.

He has written or edited thirteen books and published around 150 journal articles, chapters, and reports, and many more opinion articles, on foreign relations, human rights and legal and constitutional reform; has honorary doctorates from Melbourne, Sydney, Carleton and Queen’s Universities; and has lectured at many universities around the world.

He has co‐chaired two major International Commissions, on Intervention and State Sovereignty, and Nuclear Non‐Proliferation and Disarmament, and has been a member of a number of others. He currently chairs the International Advisory Board of the New‐York based Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, the Asia Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non‐Proliferation and Disarmament (APLN) and the Advisory Board of the ANU Centre for Asian‐Australian Leadership.

Gareth Evans was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2012 for his "eminent service to international relations, particularly in the Asia‐Pacific region, as an adviser to governments on global policy matters, to conflict prevention and resolution, and to arms control and disarmament", and in the same year was elected an honorary Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences of Australia (FASSA). In 2016 he was awarded by the Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop Asialink Medal "for long‐term commitment to improving Australia‐Asia relations". In December 2015 he was made a Companion of the Order of O.R. Tambo by South African for his contributionsto the anti‐apartheid movement. Foreign Policy magazine cited him as one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers for 2011 "for making 'the responsibility to protect' more than academic". In 2010 he was awarded the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute Four Freedoms Award for Freedom from Fear, for his pioneering work on the Responsibility to Protect concept and his contributions to conflict prevention and resolution, arms control and disarmament.

Professor Evans’s credentials and abilities will significantly assist AALA in promoting cultural diversity through advocating for greater Asian‐Australian representation in the senior echelons of the Australian legal profession and AALA is delighted to have his support.

AALA Press Release - 1 July 2021.pdf

AALA SA Branch seminar: Insolvency - an insider's guide - presented by Nathan Schwarz - 24 June, 2021

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 08:57:17 GMT

AALA SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BRANCH INVITE YOU TO ATTEND A FREE CPD

INSOLVENCY - AN INSIDER'S GUIDE

SEMINAR PRESENTED BY NATHAN SCHWARZ

THURSDAY 24 JUNE 2021 at 6:00 - 7:00 PM (ARRIVE BY 5:45PM) to be held at

THE COLLEGE OF LAW, LEVEL 9, 19 GRENFELL STREET ADELAIDE SA 5000

Nathan is an AALA member and the founder of Black Box Accounting. Before starting his own firm he spent 12 years at a national accounting practice, including as head of its South Australian office. Nathan’s areas of expertise include personal and corporate insolvency and forensic accounting (e.g. litigation support). In addition to being a Registered Liquidator, he is an admitted legal practitioner and is a Certified Fraud Examiner. Nathan is a member of the Australian Reconstruction Insolvency and Turnaround Association’s technical working group as well as the Divisional Advisory Committee of the Institute of Public Accountants.

For any questions, email the SA Branch: SA@AALA.COM.AU

SA AALA - Insolvency - An Insider's Guide.pdf

SA Branch official launch of the 2021 AALA Mentoring Program

Sun, 23 May 2021 12:07:23 GMT

The SA Branch officially launched the 2021 AALA Mentoring Program on 29 April 2021. As a newly established branch, this was also the launch for the SA Branch's first mentoring program.

The level of participation was fantastic. Almost 30 mentees and almost 20 mentors participated in the program. The breadth of experience and diversity of practice areas amongst the mentors and mentees has been fantastic - from final year law students to QCs with almost 40 years' experience.

The launch event was a great opportunity for mentees to meet their mentors over some drinks and grazing platters in the relaxed ambience of The Sparkke at Whitmore.

Former SA District Court Judge, His Honour Steven Millsteed QC was a guest speaker to officially launch the SA mentoring program (and is also a mentor!). He spoke about the importance of mentoring in the legal profession, noting how it has traditionally been each practitioner's duty to his or her fellow colleague, and hopes that this continues.

We hope with the SA Branch's launch of the 2021 AALA mentoring program, that this important tradition of mentorship within the legal profession continues.

Sydney launches the 2021 Mentoring Program

Fri, 14 May 2021 00:31:14 GMT

The National Mentoring Program

On Wednesday 5 May, the Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth branches of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association simultaneously launched the 2021 National Mentoring Program. The Adelaide and ACT branches hosted their launch events earlier on 30 April 2021.

The National Mentoring Program is an annual Program, coordinated by the National Executive Team and works with each State Branch and local firms to run the state-based program. This year's National Executive Convenors were Jessica Teoh and Brian Vuong, State President and State Secretary of the South Australian Branch. The Program connects those within the same state and encourages relationship building between all participants and the wider legal profession, fostering a creative and meaningful connection with AALA.

The energy at each launch was positive and each branch thanks their local sponsor and all attendees.

The Sydney Launch

Particular thanks goes to Herbert Smith Freehills, Sydney, for their unwavering support of the Sydney Committee and the Mentoring Program. Each year AALA is thankful for the support we receive from Herbert Smith Freehills. The level of commitment demonstrated by your practitioners and Diversity and Inclusion team always shows a proven and genuine commitment to supporting cultural diversity in the legal profession. We particularly thank Madeleine Motion and Sunny Li, and Christine Tran who coordinated and opened the Sydney Launch on behalf of Herbert Smith Freehills.

The Sydney Launch was conducted to current COVID-restrictions and accordingly, we welcomed 50 of our Mentor and Mentees. Our guests heard from Christine Tran and the NSW President, Marija Gurlica.

Some words shared by Marija Gurlica:

"...The Asian Australian Lawyers Association brings people together who share a story about coming to and growing up in Australia, whether you are foreign qualified and have recently moved as an adult, or like me, you are a second/third generation Australian who has found your way somehow. As much as we can discuss our experiences as impediments or as intergenerational baggage, our experiences, our skills, our wisdom is a privilege and this is what I want everyone to take home with them tonight.

Your bilingual, trilingual tongue is the privilege to communicate through communities. Your front door syndrome experienced as a child is your ability to adapt and thrive. Your in-depth, cultural understanding of your heritage and your history, has armed you with a level of compassion and empathy that cannot be taught in a class room.

The greater diversity we can welcome and most importantly, retain in the legal profession today means we will have universities, workplaces, judiciaries and legislatures that reflect the community they serve.

An old line, but a good line is this: you cannot be, what you cannot see. The legal profession is undergoing a shift, albeit slow, we are progressing and the progress cannot continue unless we have an internal shift towards embracing all that we are and all who we serve...

AALA believes that this Mentoring Program is one small way we can contribute to this internal shift, connecting like-minded professionals to pass on wisdom, provide support and most importantly share stories."

Special thanks to all the Committee Members for their commitment to the Program, particularly Stefanie Cheong, Vijhai Utheyan, Maria Xu, William Zhou, Gillian Woon and Wai Kaey Soon.

AALA, the Asian Law Centre and the Melbourne China Law Society at the University of Melbourne - ‘Law in Asia – A Comparative Approach’

Mon, 10 May 2021 05:07:08 GMT

AALA, the Asian Law Centre and the Melbourne China Law Society at the University of Melbourne - ‘Law in Asia – A Comparative Approach’

The AALA is proud to be collaborating with the Asian Law Centre and the Melbourne China Law Society at the University of Melbourne to present ‘Law in Asia – A Comparative Approach’ – a panel discussion featuring Dr Hop Dang and Professor Andrew Godwin of the University of Melbourne and Stephanie Cameron, a Senior Associate at Ashurst,

The panel will compare and contrast laws and ways of doing business in Australia and other Asian jurisdictions, providing students with an opportunity to learn about cultures and practices of those markets, which are becoming increasingly important to and interconnected with the Australian legal market.

This event will be conducted us via Zoom at 6:30 pm on Thursday 13 May 2021. The dial-in details are as follows:

Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android

Password: 5iEpu3

Or join by phone:

Dial (Australia): +61 3 7018 2005 or +61 2 8015 6011

Dial (US): +1 669 900 6833 or +1 646 876 9923

Dial (Hong Kong, China): +852 5808 6088 or +852 5803 3730

Dial (UK): +44 203 481 5240 or +44 131 460 1196

Meeting ID: 827 876 9174

International numbers available

Or join from a H.323/SIP room system:

Dial:8278769174@zoom.aarnet.edu.au

or SIP:8278769174@zmau.us

or 103.122.166.55

Meeting ID: 8278769174

Password: 478517

If you have any queries, please email us at vic@aala.org.au

We look forward to seeing you at the event.

Kind regards,

Asian Australian Lawyers Association

AALA Anzac Day Reflection

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 18:17:53 GMT

AALA Anzac Day Reflection - 25 April, 2021

The ANZAC spirit is a diverse and inclusive one. Observed annually on 25 April, Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces (in Gallipoli) during World War I. It now commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations”.

World War I, coming shortly after Federation, helped to forge Australia’s sense of national identity as a new nation, which came to be defined by courage and mateship and to be seen as the land of the ‘fair go’. People of all races banded together wearing the same uniform, fighting side by side at the front lines and behind enemy lines to protect the place they called home.

Despite the Immigration Restriction Act 1901 and the Commonwealth Defence Act 1909, two pieces of Commonwealth legislation that sought to protect Australia's European heritage, there was considerable diversity amongst the diggers, including Chinese, Russians, Greeks, Romanians, Finns, Brazilians, Filipinos and Indians. Further, 1,000 Indigenous Australians served in World War I and around 70 fought at Gallipoli.

It should be acknowledged that Asian Australians played an important part in the ANZAC story and were awarded five Distinguished Conduct Medals (DCM), fourteen Military Medals (MM), two Belgian Croix de Guerre and three Mentions in Dispatches. In proportion to their numbers, this represents a much higher ratio of gallantry awards per head than the rest of the Australian Imperial Force.

There are many stories of distinction; five of which are below.

Caleb James Shang was the most decorated Australian of Chinese descent in World War I. Born in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, he was first awarded the DCM for bravery and then a Bar to his DCM (in effect, a second DCM) as well as the MM. He was cited for ‘conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on numerous occasions’;
William “Billy” Sing, born in Clermont, Queensland, was awarded the DCM for his actions as a sniper at Gallipoli, Mentioned in Dispatches for gallantry and awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre;
Corporal William Loo Long was born in Marsden, New South Wales. He was first awarded the MM with the recommendation for the award stating that he ‘has always shown considerable dash and courage’ and, later on, a Bar to his MM (in effect, a second MM);• Sergeant Leslie Kew-Ming, born in St Arnaud, Victoria, served in Belgium, was wounded in action and awarded the MM. He later volunteered to serve for Australia during World War II by becoming a machine-gun instructor;
Leslie Oliver Langtip (originally, “Lang Tip”), born in Tarraville, Victoria, served with three of his brothers in World War I. He was awarded the DCM for bravery, with the citation for his award reading: ‘… this non-commissioned officer gave valuable assistance in the capture of a field gun, and showed great initiative and courage.

We remember in times of peace that our cultural diversity has become a significant element within Australian community. We are proud to remember the long-standing contribution that Asian Australians have made in every area of Australian life, including during times of war, conflict and peacekeeping operations.

Asian Australian Lawyers Association

Volunteer for the AALA as National Finance Officer

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 05:46:42 GMT

VOLUNTEER FOR AALA - PLEASE APPLY!

We are delighted to announce that we are now recruiting for the following volunteer position(s):

AALA National Finance Officer - Download Position Description

If you are interested in applying, please submit a CV and 1-page cover letter addressing your suitability in line with the position description to treasurer@aala.org.au by 6pm AWST Sunday 9 May 2021.

We look forward to receiving your application!

KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING: AALA MEMBERS' BLACKBOARD

The AALA Members’ Blackboard is an interactive online discussion forum where members can post anything they would like to share with other members, such as:

Job advertisements

Expressions of interest for career opportunities

Expressions of interest to assist with any particular areas of legal work

Expressions of interest to collaborate with other practitioners

Legal industry news

Health and wellbeing issues

Cultural diversity issues

The AALA Members’ Blackboard can be accessed via the following link:

https://padlet.com/secretary20/afdo2b01zulp2y9e

AALA announces appointments of its National Patron and Emeritus Patron

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 11:11:30 GMT

AALA is very pleased to announce that the Hon Diana Bryant AO QC is our new National Patron. Ms Bryant brings to this role an esteemed service to the Australian judiciary and Australian public life.

From 2000 to 2004, Ms Bryant was the inaugural Chief Federal Magistrate of Australia, the head of the Federal Magistrates’ Court. From 2004 to 2017, she then served as the Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia, while also acting as Patron of the Women Lawyers Association from 2009 until her retirement as Chief Justice. She has supported and contributed to the development of family law systems in Singapore and Indonesia. She is the current President of the Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne. In 2012, she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for “distinguished service to the judiciary and to the law, particularly to family law policy reform and practice, through the establishment of the Federal Magistrates Court, and to the advancement of women in the legal profession”.

Diana Bryant’s credentials and abilities will significantly assist AALA as it continues to broaden its benefits to members, build its legal policy and advocacy capabilities and contribute to advancing cultural diversity in the law.

We are also very pleased to announce that the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, who served as AALA’s National Patron from 2013 to 2021, is now our Emeritus Patron. Michael Kirby is an international jurist, educator and former judge. He was a Justice of the High Court of Australia from 1996 to 2009.

Mr Kirby’s presence at many of our formal events and member gatherings, and as our inaugural National Patron has inspired and energised our activities since AALA was founded in Victoria in 2013. AALA now has seven State and Territory Branches across Australia and plans to open a branch in the Northern Territory in 2021. Mr Kirby will continue to support AALA in his capacity of Emeritus Patron.

AALA is delighted to have both the powerful presence of Diana Bryant and continuing support of Michael Kirby. Their joint wisdom and experience will be invaluable for AALA.

AALA Press release 7 April, 2021

AALA ACT Branch Networking Breakfast event - report from the ACT Branch

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:37:17 GMT

Inaugural AALA ACT Branch Networking Breakfast event

On Friday, 26 March 2021, the ACT Branch held its inaugural Networking Breakfast event at East Row Speciality Coffee, Canberra. The cold Canberra morning soon turned warm as friendly faces, acquaintances, and peers were greeted by our hosts with a smile and a hot cup of coffee. Before we knew it, more than 30 people had come through the doors and the once quiet cafe was not so quiet anymore.

Discussions ranged around everyone's work day ahead, the problems facing the legal sector and the importance of diversity in the legal profession. The event was attended by lawyers, members of parliament, and political leaders. As discussions grew, so did everyone's networks. Our President, Veer Dhaliwal took a moment to thank everyone who attended and contributed to what can be best described as a great event and a great turnout. The need for having a community such as this in the ACT was clearly demonstrated by the attendees and as the AALA ACT Branch continues to grow, we endeavor to host more events such as this which will stand for the ideals of diversity. (Author: Andrew Chakrabarty, ACT publicity officer)

AALA Volunteering Opportunity - National Media and Policy Officer - Apply Now!

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 07:35:23 GMT

VOLUNTEER FOR AALA - PLEASE APPLY!

We are delighted to announce that we are now recruiting for the following volunteer positions:

2 positions x AALA National Media and Policy Officer - Download Position Description

If you are interested in applying, please submit a CV and 1-page cover letter addressing your suitability in line with the position description to secretary@aala.org.au by 6pm AWST Sunday 4 April 2021.

We look forward to receiving your application!

KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING: AALA MEMBERS' BLACKBOARD

The AALA Members’ Blackboard is an interactive online discussion forum where members can post anything they would like to share with other members, such as:

Job advertisements

Expressions of interest for career opportunities

Expressions of interest to assist with any particular areas of legal work

Expressions of interest to collaborate with other practitioners

Legal industry news

Health and wellbeing issues

Cultural diversity issues

The AALA Members’ Blackboard can be accessed via the following link:

Log on to Blackboard

AALA National Digital Event Series: Employee/Employer rights and responsibilities in the Covid era

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 03:11:31 GMT

You’re invited to join AALA’s 2021 National Digital Events Series event

Employee/Employer rights and responsibilities in the Covid era -

Thursday 15 April 2021 from 6.00pm-7.30pm -

In person @ Maurice Blackburn, Brisbane and online

Our first event for 2021 (not to be missed!) will see Dan Chen hosting a panel discussion with Dr Mellissa Naidoo and Giri Sivaraman exploring the medico legal landscape in light of our Covid vaccination roll-out. Please see your invitation below (or attached) for all of the details.

Please note, you have to options to join this event:

- In-person event: We have limited seats available in our Brisbane office. Click here to reserve your seat now (don’t forget to include your dietary requirements with your registration as light refreshments will be served)

- Online event: Click here to register for the webinar

AALA National Digital Event Series Employee Employer rights and responsibilities in the Covid era.jpg

Asian Australian Lawyers Association calls on the legal profession to “Choose To Challenge" - AALA Press Release - 12 March, 2021

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 12:00:01 GMT

Asian Australian Lawyers Association calls on the legal profession to “Choose To Challenge" - AALA Press Release, 12 March, 2021

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association celebrates International Women’s Day 2021.

Whilst celebrating the achievements of our female members and all other female legal practitioners, AALA calls on the legal profession to “Choose To Challenge”, in line with the 2021 IWD global theme.

The Law Society of NSW’s 2019 National Profile of the Profession report found that in 2018, “for the first time in history”, female solicitors outnumbered male solicitors across Australia.1

However, there is a stark underrepresentation of women at the law firm partnership level. The Australian Financial Review’s 2020 Law Partnership Survey found that female solicitors comprised just 30 per cent of the partnership at Australia’s large law firms.2

The underrepresentation of women at senior levels is more pronounced at the Bar. In 2018-2019, the Law Council of Australia found that women comprised 32 per cent of juniorbarristers and only 18 per cent of senior barristers.3

Moreover, at the Bench, the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration found that in 2020, women comprised 38.8% of judicial officers across the Commonwealth, State and Territory Courts, although that percentage had increased from the previous year.4

Sexual harassment continues to be a significant problem in the legal profession, as in others sectors. A 2019 report from the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner (VLSB) found that from the participants surveyed, 36% of legal professionals have personally experienced sexual harassment whilst working in the Victorian legal sector, and that 61% of women and 12% of men have experienced sexual harassment whilst working in a legal workplace in Victoria.5

Molina Asthana, AALA National Vice President, said: “The continued lack of gender equality at senior levels of the legal profession, coupled with the severe underrepresentation of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, is a barrier to access to justice and a legal system that is truly representative of the community.”

“AALA calls on the legal profession to ‘Choose to Challenge’ the longstanding structural challenges that face women in the profession and beyond.”

“In particular, AALA calls on the legal profession to address the substantial issues of sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination that too often are significant obstacles to women’s fulsome participation in the law and in our society.”

“In this regard, AALA congratulates Grace Tame, 2021 Australian of the Year, for her courageous advocacy for legal and policy reform for survivors of sexual assault.”6

MEDIA CONTACT: Molina Asthana by email

AALA congratulates Magistrate Anthony Gett on his appointment as a Deputy Chief Magistrate of the Queesland Magistrates Court

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 11:40:07 GMT

Asian Australian Lawyers Association congratulates Magistrate Anthony Gett on his appointment as a Deputy Chief Magistrate of the Queesland Magistrates Court.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, the Honourable Shannon Fentiman today announced the appointment. Minister Fentiman stated that “Queensland’s judiciary, and by extension the community at large, is in very safe hands when you consider the talent and work ethos of people like Deputy Chief Magistrate Gett and Magistrate (Susan) Warrington" (who was also appointed today).

Both appointments were made after an extensive selection process involving the Judicial Appointments Advisory Panel, which includes representatives from the Queensland Law Society and the Bar Association of Queensland.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Gett’s appointment begins formally on 12 March, 2021.

To read the full media release

Press Release: Asian Australian Lawyers Tackle Unconscious Cultural Bias in 2021 (NSW Branch and WLANSW)

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 02:31:04 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) NSW Branch in partnership with the Women Lawyers’ Association of NSW (WLANSW) Diversity and Equality Committee, have formed a Policy and Data Subcommittee to address the issue of cultural diversity targets for the legal profession.

The Press Release dated 9 March 2021 can be viewed below:

The SA Branch Officially Launches!

Sat, 06 Mar 2021 02:59:12 GMT

On 25 February 2021, the South Australian Branch of AALA celebrated its official launch.

Her Honour Magistrate Jayanthi McGrath was the special guest speaker and the full capacity room heard her speak about her career journey and highlights and the advice she had for up and coming practitioners.

It was a great way to officially launch the SA Branch while enjoying food and drinks and meeting new and familiar faces in the legal profession.

AALA 2021 Mentoring Program - Applications now open!

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 01:44:35 GMT

Following the success of the mentoring program in previous years, the Asian Australian Lawyers Association is excited to announce the launch of the AALA Mentoring Program 2021.

Objectives of the AALA Mentoring Program

The AALA Mentoring Program is administered by the National AALA Mentoring Program Committee and aims to:

provide AALA members with an opportunity to be mentored by more senior members of the legal profession

assist and encourage those aspiring to reach senior legal professional or leadership positions by providing them with mentoring from respected and more experienced practitioners who support the aims of AALA.

Apply to be a mentee

The AALA Mentoring Program is not just open to applicants that are starting their legal career; more senior members of the legal profession seeking a move to the Bar, seeking a senior appointment, seeking to become a partner in a law firm or starting their own firm are welcome to apply.

To be eligible to be a mentee, the mentee applicant must be a current member of AALA, willing to commit to the AALA Mentoring Program for a period of up to six months and meet the following eligibility criteria for the State or Territory in which they are located:

NSW and VIC – The mentee applicant must be an admitted lawyer, or a graduate undertaking their traineeship, or practical legal training.

QLD, WA, ACT, SA and TAS – The mentee applicant must be a penultimate/final year law student, a law graduate, a graduate undertaking their traineeship, or practical legal training, or an admitted lawyer.

To apply online to be a mentee, please click here

Expression of interest to be a mentor

AALA seeks to draw mentors from the middle to senior ranks of the legal profession and include judges, senior and junior barristers, partners and senior associates of law firms, experienced sole practitioners and in-house legal counsel.

You do not need to be a member of AALA to participate as a mentor.

All mentors in the AALA Mentoring Program are appointed by the AALA Mentoring Program Committee and may agree to take up more than one mentee as part of the Program.

To register your interest to be a mentor, please click here

Timeline

Applications are now open.

Applications to be a mentee or submitting your interest to be a mentor will close on COB Thursday, 1 April 2021.

The AALA Mentoring Program Committee may extend this date in its discretion.

The AALA Mentoring Program Committee in each State and Territory will review all applications and allocate mentees to a mentor. The allocations will be notified by the AALA Mentoring Program Committee by no later than Monday, 19 April 2021.

An event will be held in each State and Territory in the last week of April to officially launch the 2021 AALA Mentoring Program. This will give mentees a chance to meet and chat with their mentors. Further information will be provided about the launch in due course.

Allocations

The AALA Mentoring Program Committee will aim to match mentees and mentors based on the following factors:

mentors and mentees will be matched within their own State and Territory

to the extent possible, aligned with their respective practice areas and manner of practice

the relevant PQE of the mentee and mentor

preferences indicated on your application form

The AALA Mentoring Program Committee will do its best to allocate mentors with mentees. However, this is dependent on the number of participating mentors and mentees and their respective experience and practice area. There is no guarantee that all mentees and mentors will be matched, and no guarantee that your preferences will be met.

How long does the Program run?

The AALA Mentoring Program will formally run for six months from the last week of April 2021 to the last week of October 2021. During this period mentees should contact their mentors and arrange to meet on a regular basis as agreed with the mentor. The AALA Mentoring Program Committee will be available to provide guidance to mentors and mentees at all times.

Once the AALA Mentoring Program formally concludes, individual mentors and mentees are encouraged but are not expected to continue the mentor-mentee relationship.

It is anticipated that the AALA Mentoring Program will run annually.

Want to know more?

For further information please email mentorprogram@aala.org.au

Or go to:

2021 WELCOME FROM AALA NATIONAL PRESIDENT KINGSLEY LIU AALA February 2021 Monthly Newsletter - Happy Lunar New Year!

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 11:15:26 GMT

2021 WELCOME FROM AALA NATIONAL PRESIDENT KINGSLEY LIU

Be the Change that You Want to See

You joined us on our journey across 2020, we bore the burden of COVID-19 together, you stood with us to present and participate in our first National Summit, your feedback from surveys was invaluable.

We hear you, we are grateful for your volunteer support, we shaped our activities to give you more benefits.

We will continue to respond to your feedback on how best we can provide members with what they need.

On behalf of the new expanded National Executive Committee, enlarged from 18 to 22 members, we welcome you.

We have recently welcomed 3 new Branches in the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Tasmania. Their committees have been formed and inaugural events are being announced.

Welcome to a sea of change with adaptions and new ideas. Prior to the festive and New Year’s break, the Executive Committee crafted the basis for an exciting year of activity, including the following:

Building our organisational structure - We will be adding new Patrons from overseas and locally to the National body and State and Territory Branches. Announcements will follow.

Building our capacity for change - The AALA National Summit will be held again in 2021. Last year’s Summit explored our advocacy directions and pondered the basis for future action and workshops. As a result, AALA will collaborate with a number of stakeholders to define the future shape of access to law, judicial appointments and collaboration for diverse legal networks.

Building our voice and power - AALA is committed to engaging with government and industry panels at hearings and inquiries. William Ah Ket Scholars will become the founding block to generate submissions and to be participants.

Building your skills - AALA will offer members opportunities to learn and practise leadership, take charge and build interpersonal skills. We will be innovative and make these opportunities available to all our members. Such training sessions will cover a range of topics, including:

Finding your unique self and developing your own particular career personality

How to work the cocktail circuit (including virtual networking), deliver public presentations, moderate discussion groups and craft memorable speeches.

Building our communication -

Developing the online AALA Members' Blackboard to light up and grow our membership of 1,000 and opening up our internal connections to facilitate professional and work opportunities with members

Finding out what you want through regular member and event surveys

Keeping open a good dialogue with all members over Q&A and encouraging greater direct interaction with the National & Branch Committees.

Providing opportunities for new positions for project and event volunteers at National level and Branch levels. This will give you the opportunity and experience to discuss diversity plans and deliver projects for our fast developing association. The Executive Committee and all 7 State and Territory Branch committees (all up over 100 member volunteers) are active in areas of event planning, media and messaging, sponsorship, membership, marketing and design, administration and governance, website and IT management, financial management, communications at all levels and liaising with many people in the legal industry.

Above all, AALA is here for you in facing the challenges together!

- Kingsley Liu

AALA WA LUNAR NEW YEAR BANQUET 2021

There was an unexpected 5-day lockdown last week in Perth and its surrounding regions. As a result, the AALA WA Lunar New Year Dinner scheduled for 5 February 2021 has been postponed to 12 March 2021. All other details remain the same. We look forward to our belated celebrations with you!

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF INAUGURAL AALA SA BRANCH

Please come celebrate the official launch of the AALA SA Branch and network with other AALA SA members.

Thursday 25 February 2021 - 5.30pm to 8.00pm Adelaide time - Kosho, 26 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide 5006 - Guest speaker: Her Honour Magistrate Jayanthi McGrath

Free for AALA members and non AALA members - Canapés and drinks will be provided free for AALA members.

For non AALA members, canapés provided but pay for your own drinks.

Please note that we have reached maximum capacity and are no longer accepting registrations, although you can join the waitlist.

NEW BRANCH OF AALA IN TASMANIA

We are pleased to announce that AALA has formally established an inaugural AALA Branch in Tasmania!

We will have more to announce about an official launch event soon. In the meantime, if you wish to get involved, please contact:

AALA Tas Branch President Jessica Sabapathy at tas@aala.org.au

AALA Tas Branch Secretary Diane Xu at tas@aala.org.au.

AALA NSW BRANCH NEWS

NSW March Madness

The NSW March Madness Series is hosted between 1 - 31 March and provides a series of opportunities for practitioners to gain their last-minute Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. The majority of the events will be available online via Zoom and we encourage our Members from across Australia to tune in. While the CPD Points will only be available to NSW practitioners or eligible practitioners interstate, this is an opportunity to keep up to date and connect with your colleagues in NSW.

NSW Diversity Series

Partner with the NSW Committee to host an event for the Diversity Series: Following on the success of the inaugural 2019 Diversity Series, the NSW Committee is inviting practitioners, firms and organisations to join as event partners in hosting an event that has a specific focus on any aspect of intersectional diversity. The objective of these events is to unite the community and give the audience an opportunity to listen, share and learn. Submit your EOI to nsw@aala.org.au by 26 February 2021.

NSW President's Message

Meet the NSW Committee of 2021 and take a glimpse at the NSW Committee's plans for the year by reading the NSW President's New Year Message.

AALA QLD BRANCH NEWS

The Qld Branch of AALA has come across another amazing production and would like to share this with our members – The Welcome, created by La Boite and Kiosk (airing January – September).

The Welcome is a collection of life-affirming short films entailing 9 storytellers from diverse backgrounds sharing their honest and authentic stories about their migrant and refugee experiences and what it means to belong in Australia.

The Welcome is an extension of La Boite’s critically acclaimed 2020 stage production, The Neighbourhood. AALA Qld Branch hosted an event night at La Boite for the viewing of The Neighbourhood in early 2020 and received positive feedbacks from those who attended the night.

The Welcome screens across multiple digital platforms, in recognition and celebration of Queensland’s diverse communities and can be accessed via La Boite’s website at https://laboite.com.au/the-welcome.

Join AALA or renew your membership now

KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING: AALA MEMBERS' BLACKBOARD

The AALA Members’ Blackboard is an interactive online discussion forum where members can post anything they would like to share with other members, such as:

Job advertisements

Expressions of interest for career opportunities

Expressions of interest to assist with any particular areas of legal work

Expressions of interest to collaborate with other practitioners

Legal industry news

Health and wellbeing issues

Cultural diversity issues

The AALA Members’ Blackboard can be accessed via the following link:

https://padlet.com/secretary20/afdo2b01zulp2y9e

Log on to Blackboard

AALA.ORG.AU

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR 2021! AALA FEBRUARY AND MARCH EVENTS

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 11:02:56 GMT

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR 2021! AALA FEBRUARY AND MARCH EVENTS

Please sign up for our AALA events in February and March:

AALA VIC Lunar New Year Celebrations 2021 - 23 Feb 2021 6:00 PM - City of Melbourne Bowls Club, Flagstaff Gardens, Dudley Street, West Melbourne- register here

AALA NSW Lunar New Year Event - 23 Feb 2021 6:00 PM - Nakano Darling Square, 14 Steam Mill Lane, Haymarket - register here

SA AALA Branch Launch - 25 Feb 2021 5:30 PM (UTC+10:30) - Kosho, 26 O'Connell Street, North Adelaide, SA 5006 - register here

AALA FQL Drafting Workshop with Sue Tomat of GumLeafGreen - 25 Feb 2021 6:00 PM Zoom meeting (dial-in details provided upon registration) - register here

AALA WA - Lunar New Year Banquet 2021 - 12 Mar 2021 6:45 PM (UTC+08:00) The Karingal Room, Melbourne Hotel, 33 Milligan Street, Perth - register here

Join AALA or renew your membership now

ASEAN Environmental Law Conference, 27-29 January 2021

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 10:57:39 GMT

ASEAN Environmental Law Conference, 27-29 January 2021

Stories and Solutions in Challenging Times

Members are invited to attend the ASEAN Environmental Law Conference to be held 27-29 January 2021, entirely via Zoom.

This terrific event, hosted by the Asian Research Institute for Environmental Law features speakers from across Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia.

ASEAN is currently facing many significant environmental and social challenges. We are bringing together experts to share stories, of both success and failure, and to examine potential legal, policy and community based actions to create some action on these environmental challenges.

The Conference will also aim to foster networks and collaborative approaches to environmental problem solving.

For further information and program

Registration is free, although a donation is encouraged. Details are attached and here

To register

Asian Australian underrepresentation in the legal profession survey and study

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 06:57:31 GMT

Asian Australian underrepresentation in the legal profession survey and study

Mr Jim Tong, a student at the UNSW is currently drafting an empirical thesis examining the underrepresentation of Asian Australians in the legal profession. The thesis is being supervised by Professor Rosalind Dixon.

The thesis intends to shed light on the experiences of Asian Australians working within the legal profession to create an empirical grounding for a broader conversation about the nuanced challenges that Asian Australian lawyers face and the possibility for reform.

As part of this thesis, Mr Tong has created a survey to distribute to AALA members. This will be used to more accurately determine the causative factors leading to underrepresentation within the law and will be contrasted with experiences of Asian Australians in other comparable industries.

If you have a minute, please access and complete the survey here

If you have any questions, please let AALA or Mr Tong know

2021 NSW President's Message:

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 05:02:19 GMT

2021 NSW President's Message

‘…I think of the words of Dr. Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Doing our best now is an active thing, and so is knowing better. We don’t show up and then wait to magically know better.

We show up and then, when we are corrected, we keep working.

We listen hard so we can know better next time. We seek out teachers so we can know better next time.

We let burn our ideas about how good and well-meaning we are so we can become better next time.

Learning to know better is a commitment…the fact that the programmed poison of racism was pumped into us may not be our fault, but getting it out is sure[ly] our responsibility.’

Untamed: Stop pleasing, start living Glennon Doyle.

In 2017, I joined the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA). As a student, I was attracted to the diversity of events that AALA hosted and was delighted to find so much in common with so many people. In the NSW Branch of AALA, I found people who profoundly held dear to their hearts the history of their peoples and community; people who I could share jokes with about our parent’s odd traditions and quirks of being first/second generation Australians; and, most importantly, people who were equally perplexed and angry at the system of law and justice we have inherited.

In 2019, I was elected by my peers to serve as the Secretary to the NSW Committee with Wai-Kaey Soon as President.

Collectively, our Committee was dedicated to three key objectives. The first of the 2019 objectives was to increase our student membership. Fellow Committee member and now National Secretary Matthew Floro, launched the National University Subcommittee and I sat as the NSW Representative to this Subcommittee, tailoring our events and marketing to students. The second and third objectives were to increase our member engagement and rejuvenate our connections with our corporate sponsors. These objectives were surely achieved with the NSW Committee's launch of the inaugural Diversity Series. A six-part series, each hosted by a key corporate sponsor, exploring, targeting and discussing different aspects of "diversity and inclusion." These events were used as a mentorship opportunity to train and nurture our Committee members, encouraging leadership and creativity.

The Committee’s success in 2019 formed a strong platform for our outreach in 2020…until COVID came and then our game plan for the Year of the Pandemic quickly changed and adapted. Although 2020 may have thrown AALA off our usual game plan, it launched us on a trajectory back to what we do best: supporting our Members. We held more virtual events, connected more people and welcomed many new faces to the Committee for 2021 and it is with this energy that the NSW Committee welcomes you.

I introduce to you the NSW Committee of 2021:

This year, we invite you to engage with our NSW Committee by joining one or all of our NSW Subcommittees:

Student Subcommittee

Is the perfect Subcommittee if you are a student and would like to get to know AALA and/or host collaborative events between your university society and AALA. This Subcommittee also encourages practitioners who would like to ‘give back’ and engage with students on a more direct level to join as a liaison between practitioners and students, mentors or guest speakers.
Foreign Qualified Lawyers Subcommittee

This Subcommittee is well suited for practitioners and students who have studied overseas and/or are foreign qualified. This Subcommittee was launched by NSW Branch Members, Kripi Bhatt and Gillian Woon who are both foreign qualified lawyers and are passionate about easing the transition into the Australian legal profession.
Policy and Data Subcommittee

This is the newest Subcommittee of the NSW Branch and welcomes those who wish to contribute to the research and collection of data to build a more informed picture of the legal profession. The objective of this Subcommittee is to strengthen the standing of AALA as a leading advocate for diversity and change in the legal profession.

To join any of the above NSW Subcommittees, you must be a current AALA Member. Joining a subcommittee is a great way to get to know AALA and the NSW Committee and can prepare you to join the NSW Committee as a formal Branch Member.

An invite to collaborate with the NSW Committee:

Are you a leader in your organisation? Do you have a story to share? Do you have a skill-set or the passion to teach and build a stronger legal community? There are two ways you can collaborate with AALA and the NSW Committee this year:

HOST a March Madness Event: Each year, the NSW Committee host a series of CPD events from 1 – 31 March 2021. We are asking for Members to host a virtual CPD Event, on any applicable topic. You can choose a personal passion topic or specialisation and use this as an opportunity to build your confidence and networks. The March Madness Events are open to the public to attend. Submit your EOI to nsw@aala.org.au by 22 January 2021.
PARTNER with us for a Diversity Series Event: Following on the success of the inaugural 2019 Diversity Series, the NSW Committee is inviting practitioners, firms and organisations to join as event partners in hosting an event that has a specific focus on any aspect of intersectional diversity. The objective of these events is to unite the community and give the audience an opportunity to listen, share and learn. Submit your EOI to nsw@aala.org.au by 26 February 2021.

As the first female President of the NSW Branch, I am honoured to have been elected by my peers and colleagues to lead the NSW Branch into the new year. Passionate about intersectional diversity, this year my personal goal is to do better. I have this same goal for AALA and the Members I serve. The NSW Committee has a goal to do better in servicing our Members and our wider community. We know we cannot do it alone and by showing up more and having more conversations, we can learn more. I ask you to reflect and define what your better is and join us as we do better, together.

Individual and corporate memberships are available. SIGN UP today as an official Member of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association and join us as we forge a vision for a more united, just and representative legal profession.

"The NSW Committee has a goal to do better in servicing our Members and our wider community. We know we cannot do it alone and by showing up more and having more conversations, we can learn more. I ask you to reflect and define what your better is and join us as we do better, together."

CONTACT US:

nsw@aala.org.au

Follow AALA on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Superwomen Series: ‘In Conversation with Cheryl Chan’

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 02:47:17 GMT

On 16 December, the WA Branch of the AALA held its first session in its Superwomen Series: ‘In Conversation with Cheryl Chan’.

The event was held jointly with the Corrs Women In Business Group and was generously sponsored and hosted by Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

WA Branch President, Belinda Wong, interviewed Cheryl, who is Legal Counsel, Asia Pacific at BP Australia, about her unique career journey and highlights, spearheading diversity and inclusion in the professional world and advice for up and coming practitioners.

An inspirational evening was had by all.

A profession for the wealthy? The enduring problem for diversity in law

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 23:31:12 GMT

A profession for the wealthy? The enduring problem for diversity in law

by Kate Allman, LSJ Online, 1 December, 2020

It is said that those who come to equity must come with clean hands. But what of those who come to the law with empty pockets? Statistically speaking, most lawyers in Australia come with pockets lined by wealthy families and relatively privileged backgrounds. In comparison, prospective lawyers from low socio-economic circumstances battle systemic biases and disadvantage. Until this changes, the legal profession cannot hope to achieve true diversity.

Read full article

2021 National Digital Events Series - invitation to members

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 19:55:39 GMT

2021 National Digital Events Series - invitation to members

The National Digital Events Series was launched in 2020 and has gained significant attention as an accessible, attractive and practical mode of engagement, and skill and profile building, and CPD.

The 2021 AALA National Digital Events Series will provide members with an exciting range of webinars on CPD topics and diversity themes.

The series gives members the opportunity to present a virtual and when possible 'live' or 'hybrid' CPD event on any topic relevant to an area of practice, or a diversity theme, as well as to collect CPD points.

We ask members to submit an Expression of Interest to present and lead a discussion, workshop or presentation. If there any topics that you would like covered by the series, please also let us know. So that we can start organizing our 2021 program we ask you to contact us by 7 February, 2021.

To submit your EOI or for further information contact Matt or John at: events@aala.org.au

Read flyer

Addressing diversity in the profession (while still a student)

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 06:44:21 GMT

Addressing diversity in the profession (while still a student) by Naomi Neilson, Lawyers Weekly, 30 November 2020

By year two of law school, Chimnonyerem Duru felt overlooked by teachers and peers, and was largely disadvantaged because of her race. To prevent others from having the same fate, she created an organisation aimed at addressing and promoting diversity in law.

From law schools through to courtrooms, the legal profession has a very obvious issue with diversity: it’s rare to find it. After years spent being overlooked, ignored and largely disadvantaged due to her race, Chimnonyerem Duru developed African Legal Connect Australia (ALCA) to create a space for African lawyers to connect and succeed in law.

Speaking on the second episode of The Protégé Podcast, Ms Duru said it was the little things during her first few years of law school that really set a devastating standard for the profession and inspired her to design an organisation where it did not exist.

To read further

Listen to the entire interview here!

School of Business and Law of ECU is hosting a CPD event on Monday 14 December 2020, from 4.30pm-6.30pm (AWST),

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 06:35:34 GMT

School of Business and Law of ECU is hosting a CPD event on Monday 14 December 2020, from 4.30pm-6.30pm (AWST):

‘Specific Performance In Favour of A Purchaser of Land - The Contemporary Australian Position’ by Mr Ken Yin

and

‘Climate Change, Human Mobility, and International Law’ by Dr Mostafa Naser.

While the seminar will be held in ECU (Perth), participants can join the seminar online via ZOOM (the meeting link is provided in the flyer). Attendance is free, but the participants need to register. There are two CPD (knowledge) points and there will be food and drink afterwards.

EOY Celebration: Mentoring Program Reflection x Scholars Forum

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 22:14:43 GMT

Join us as we celebrate and reflect on the ideas and conversations that shaped AALA in 2020 and hear from our panel about the projects and issues that will shape us in the new year.

To register, please click here.

Asia Pacific Regional Arbitration Group e-journal — call for article submissions

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 11:04:05 GMT

Asia Pacific Regional Arbitration Group e-journal — call for article submissions

The Asia Pacific Regional Arbitration Group (APRAG) is inviting article submissions for the APRAG E-Journal to be published in February 2021. Articles must be submitted by 30 December 2020 to Kotchaporn Sathansub at secretariat@aprag.org.

The submission guidelines are available here

WA Branch End of Year Dumplings & Drinks

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 10:44:01 GMT

The WA Branch had a wonderful time on 27 November 2020 at its End of Year Dumplings & Drinks, with its committee, members and supporters enjoying delicious treats at Shy John's Brewery.

The WA Branch thanks everyone who took part in their events and initiatives during 2020.

We look forward to 2021 with hope and excitement!

AALA VP Molina Asthana interviewed by Law in Colour

Sat, 28 Nov 2020 23:16:11 GMT

Molina Asthana, Vice President of Asian Australian Lawyers Association, interviewed by Law in Colour; 25 Nov., 2020

To read the interview

AALA NATIONAL CULTURAL DIVERSITY SUMMIT 2020: YOUTUBE VIDEO RELEASED

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 03:10:32 GMT

AALA is delighted to release the YouTube video for the inaugural AALA National Cultural Diversity Summit, our largest ever event.

The video features:

Acknowledgment of Country and Welcome - Kingsley Liu and Anand Shah

Session 1 - Being a Community Leader and Promoting Diversity - Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG and Judge My Anh Tran, chaired by John K Arthur

Session 2 - Access to Justice as a Cultural Diversity Goal - Hon Justice Darryl Rangiah and Mai Chen, chaired by Matt Floro

Cooking Break with Moni Lai Storz

Session 3 - Model for Judicial Appointments - The Need for Cultural Diversity - Rt Hon Lord Justice Rabinder Singh, Hon Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and Pauline Wright, chaired by Belinda Wong

Comedy Break with Diana Nguyen

Session 4 - Collaborating for Cultural Diversity in the Law - Donald Betts Jr, Jazeer Nijamudeen and Amani Green, chaired by Molina Asthana

Vote of thanks - Wai Kaey Soon and Daniel Nguyen

Sitar performance by Sudha Manian

We invite you to sit back, relax, and watch the National Summit video at your leisure!

Watch the National Summit Video

Join AALA or renew your AALA membership now

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6737989652164288512/

AALA National Annual General Meeting 2020 - 26 November 2020 via Zoom and on-site at the offices of Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 22:03:53 GMT

AALA National Annual General Meeting 2020 - 26 November 2020 via Zoom and on-site at the offices of Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney

The AALA National Annual General Meeting (National AGM) will be held:

Date: Thursday, 26 November 2020

Time: 6.00pm AEDST (Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney) (for a 6.30pm start)

5.30pm ACDST (Adelaide) (for a 6.00pm start)

5.00pm AEST (Brisbane) (for a 5.30pm start)

3.00pm AWST (Perth) (for a 3.30pm start)

The National AGM will be simultaneously held virtually via Zoom and on-site at the offices of Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney. AALA thanks Corrs Chambers Westgarth for its generous support.

If you live anywhere in Australia, instead of attending the National AGM in person, you may choose to attend via Zoom. Zoom details will be sent to you upon registration.

For further details about the National AGM, please visit the National AGM event page.

You must register to attend the National AGM. Registration to attend the National AGM closes at 6pm AEDST Wednesday 25 November 2020.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF NATIONAL AGM GUEST SPEAKER

AALA is delighted to announce our guest speaker for the National AGM:

Elizabeth Lee MLA, ACT Opposition Leader, Member for Kurrajong in the ACT Legislative Assembly

Elizabeth is the first Asian Australian leader of a major Australian political party. Elizabeth was elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly in 2016. Prior to becoming Leader, Elizabeth was the Assistant Speaker, Shadow Minister for Education, Shadow Minister for the Environment, Shadow Minister for Disability. Having migrated to Australia from Korea at the age of seven, Elizabeth grew up in Sydney. Elizabeth moved to Canberra when she turned 18 to study Law and Asian Studies at The Australian National University (ANU). Elizabeth practised law in government and in private practice, prior to working to the ANU and the University of Canberra to be a law lecturer. During her time in legal practice, Elizabeth served the profession as Chair of the ACT and the Australian Young Lawyers Committees and as a Councillor and Vice President of the ACT Law Society. Elizabeth has a passion for fitness. Prior to being elected, Elizabeth often taught group fitness classes, Sh’Bam and Body Balance at various gyms around Canberra.

IMPORTANT: ATTENDANCE AND VOTING AT NATIONAL AGM

You will only be allowed to vote at the National AGM, or be nominated for a position on the National Executive Committee, if you joined AALA or renewed your AALA membership on or before 11 November 2020. If you wish to check the currency of your AALA membership, please contact treasurer@aala.org.au as soon as possible. Further details are available at the National AGM event page.

If you are not eligible to vote at the National AGM, you are welcome to register and attend as an observer.

Whether you are attending the National AGM via Zoom or in person, please carefully read the instructions below that are applicable to you.

Attending the National AGM via Zoom

If you are attending the National AGM via Zoom:

You must log onto the Zoom conference with a working webcam at 6pm AEDST / 5.30pm ACDST / 5pm AEST / 3pm AWST SHARP so that our Returning Officers can properly credential you by seeing your face and asking your name. If you do not have a working webcam, we will not be able to properly credential you as a voting member. Please test your webcam before logging on to the Zoom meeting.
If you are a voting member and are only voting on your own behalf (i.e. you do not hold any proxy votes), please ensure you have a piece of paper handy on which you have written “Yes” on one side and “No” on the other side. This will be your “voting card” that you will hold up to your webcam for voting on ordinary and special resolutions.
If you are a voting member and you are voting on behalf of other people as their proxy, please ensure you have additional “voting cards” for as many proxies as you hold, with the word “Yes” on one side and the word “No” on the other side. These will be your proxy “voting cards” that you will hold up to your webcam for proxy voting on ordinary and special resolutions.

Please note the following important information in relation to any contested elections for AALA National Executive Committee positions:

Any contested elections for National Executive Committee positions will be voted on via Election Runner, a simple and secure electronic voting platform, by all voting members at the National AGM.
If there is a contested election, candidates will have an opportunity to present their statements (5 minutes for National President/Vice President/Secretary/Treasurer; 3 minutes for Ordinary Executive Committee Member), after which attendees will have a limited amount of time to ask individual or all candidates questions.
When all candidates have spoken and finished taking questions from attendees, voting will begin. All voting members at the National AGM will receive a unique, personal voting link via Election Runner emailed directly to your email address registered with AALA. You cannot share this link with others and the link will only allow you to vote once. No login is required and the National Returning Officer can only see if you have voted or not and not whom you've voted for – a true secret ballot. The National Returning Officer will inform National AGM attendees once the Election Runner email has been sent.
If you haven’t received your unique voting link from Election Runner 10 minutes after it has been sent, please contact the National Returning Officer directly at returningofficer@aala.org.au and he will provide it to you.

Attending the National AGM in person

If you are attending the National AGM in person, you must attend the offices of Corrs Chambers Westgarth in either Brisbane, Perth or Sydney at 6pm AEDST / 5pm AEST / 3pm AWST SHARP. Please note the following:

You will be credentialled upon entering the room. If you are verified as a voting member, you will be given a voting card indicating “Yes” and “No”, and additional voting cards for any proxies you hold.
In relation to any contested elections for AALA National Executive Committee positions, if you are a voting member, please make sure to carry a device (i.e. mobile phone, tablet or laptop) that can access the Internet as any contested elections will be conducted entirely via Election Runner, a simple and secure online voting platform.

Treatment of proxies for contested elections

In relation to any contested elections:

For those members eligible to vote who have been assigned one or more proxy votes, if the member holds a proxy with no voting instructions, the National Returning Officer will assume that the proxy vote will be identical to that of the member holding the proxy. Accordingly, the proxy vote will be automatically added to the voting member’s vote via Election Runner.
For proxy votes with specific voting instructions, the National Returning Officer will add these proxy votes to the Election Runner results manually in accordance with the voting directions listed on the proxy form.

All proxy forms must be submitted electronically to the National Returning Officer by e-mail to returningofficer@aala.org.au by 6pm AEDST / 5.30pm ACDST / 5pm AEST / 3pm AWST on 25 November 2020 to be valid.

National AGM rules and moderation

Please note the following National AGM rules:

If you are attending in person and wish to speak, please raise your hand.
If you are attending online and wish to speak, please click the “Participants” button at the bottom of the Zoom window and use the “Raise Hand” function.
If you are attending online, please mute your microphone if you are not speaking.

Please be respectful and polite during your attendance at the National AGM. This includes verbal communication during the National AGM and any use of the Zoom chat function. The National AGM is moderated by the National AGM Chair.

Kind regards

Matt Floro

AALA National Secretary

Asian Australian Lawyers Association is proud to announce the establishment of the ACT Branch - ACT e-Bulletin "Hearsay"

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 00:24:49 GMT

The ACT Law Society has heralded the establishment of the AALA ACT Branch in its e-bulletin "Hearsay" Mon, 9 Nov 2020.

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association is very proud to announce the establishment of the ACT Branch, with executive members Veer Dhaliwal (President), Rahul Bedi (Vice President) and Pei Chow (Secretary). For bios of the ACT Branch Executive and Committee go to

The ACT Branch is looking forward to bringing a focus in the local community on the growing number of Asian Australian Lawyers in the profession as well as other lawyers, like minded professionals, departments and businesses with a keen interest in Asia.

If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact the ACT AALA Executive at:

Read full article

ACT members should note the 2020 ACT Branch Meeting will be held tomorrow, Tuesday 24 November 2020 online via zoom to register

Dowry and coercive control issues must be better addressed by Jerome Doraisamy; Lawyers Weekly, 19 November 2020

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 05:27:43 GMT

Dowry and coercive control issues must be better addressed

By Jerome Doraisamy, Lawyers Weekly, 19 November 2020

Australian law is currently falling short in effectively dealing with domestic issues afflicting culturally diverse or minority communities, argue two advocates.

In the words of Pallavi Sinha, “the law sets the standard for what is or is not acceptable in society”. Unfortunately, when it comes to dowries and coercive control, there are currently insufficient mechanisms in the Australian justice system to address issues that give rise to domestic and family violence in culturally diverse communities.

Insufficient mechanisms

A dowry, Molina Asthana explained, is the transfer of money, property or gifts from a woman’s family to her husband upon marriage. The practice is common across South Asian, South-East Asian, Chinese, African and Middle Eastern countries and global communities. Australian law does not currently have the requisite mechanisms to address dowry-related violence, she said.

“Two of the biggest challenges this creates is that the Family Law Act does not adequately or consistently enable victims of dowry abuse to recover dowry provided by the victim or their family in the event of divorce proceedings, including those gifts exchanged in other jurisdictions and for it to be factored into property settlements during separation and divorce, to be recognised as property (typically belonging to the woman),” said Ms Asthana, who is the new vice-president of the Law Institute of Victoria and the vice-president of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association.

Read full article

Concerns raised over Senate diaspora inquiry featured in Lawyers Weekly and on Q & A

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 22:56:41 GMT

Concerns raised over Senate diaspora inquiry, by Tony Zhang, 11 November 2020, Lawyers Weekly

Community bodies and advocates have raised concerns over questions asked of three witnesses who appeared before the Senate foreign affairs, defence and trade references committee at a hearing concerning “issues facing diaspora communities in Australia”.

Last week, the Senate committee examining issues facing diaspora communities in Australia heard from Yun Jiang, Osmond Chiu and Wesa Chau, who told the inquiry many Chinese Australians feel intimidated in speaking out on issues concerning their community and their country.

Following their opening statements, Hansard records that the following question was put to the three witnesses with Chinese/East Asian-sounding names by a member of the committee: “(c)an I ask each of the three witnesses to very briefly tell me whether they are willing to unconditionally condemn the Chinese Communist Party dictatorship? It’s not a difficult question”.

The AALA stated it is not apparent that the same, or similar, question was put to any other witness appearing before the committee.

Molina Asthana, national vice-president of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association said the AALA supports the right of all Australians (including their elected representatives) to free speech perhaps more so in Parliament or in parliamentary committees.

“However, we strongly advocate that all members of the Australian community should be accorded with the core Australian values of natural justice, fairness, equality and a ‘fair go’; and that persons of Asian ancestry (or any other ancestry) are not subjected to processes and inquiries inconsistent with those values in Australian public life and before any governmental and representative bodies,” the AALA stated.

Q&A covered the issue. Here's a facebook link to the question put by Osmond Chiu and the response by Jan Fran.

AALA congratulates Victorian barrister Daye Gang for winning “2020 Annual IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year” award.

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 22:31:36 GMT

AALA joins the Law Council of Australia President Pauline Wright, in congratulating Daye Gang, barrister and member of the Victorian Bar for winning the prestigious “2020 Annual IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year” award, Law Council President, Pauline Wright, response to Korean-Australian named as IBA Annual Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year.

Ms Wright states "Ms Gang, who is the first Australian to win the award, has been recognised for her substantial pro bono contributions and her outstanding work on North Korea, which includes advising the United Nations, the European Union, and the US Senate. Daye is an advocate for human rights in North Korea with the Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, one of the oldest North Korean human rights organisations in the world. Part of her advocacy work has included being a key participant at briefings of members of United Nations agencies and representatives of the United States Congress. She is also contributing to the pool of English-language resources for the future of the Korean peninsula, namely by translating North Korean laws into English. Having conducted world-first research on North Korea’s government, society and economy for public accountability reporting and human rights reporting submissions to the United Nations, Daye is continuing the work of investigating international crimes started by the Commission of Inquiry on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, all within only a few years of graduating from her LLB, during which, she studied for and passed the Victorian Bar Entrance Exam. An outstanding young woman, Daye is currently undertaking a PhD with the Michael Kirby Centre for Public Health and Human Rights at Monash University on the topic of restorative justice for sexual and family violence. I am very proud to see that the skills and talent of this Korean Australian female lawyer have been recognised by such an illustrious international forum. The award, created in partnership with the IBA and LexisNexis, is presented annually to a young lawyer who has shown not only excellence in their work and achievements in their career to date, but also a commitment to professional and ethical standards as well as a commitment to the larger community. I believe that we can expect to see a lot more of Daye Gang in the years ahead.

You can hear Daye Gang’s acceptance speech here".

To read official IBA notice

To read Vicbar and Svenson Barristers congratulations

AALA Statement on Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee Hearing on 14 October 2020 – “Issues facing diaspora communities in Australia”

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:24:44 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) is dedicated to celebrating and advancing diversity in the Australian legal profession, and for expanding professional and cultural opportunities for all Asian Australian and all Australian legal practitioners in Australia and in the Asia-Pacific region.

The AALA expresses its concern over a question that was asked of three witnesses who appeared before the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee on 14 October 2020 at a hearing concerning “Issues facing diaspora communities in Australia”.

Hansard records that the following question was put to the three witnesses with Chinese/East Asian sounding names by a member of the committee:

“(c)an I ask each of the three witnesses to very briefly tell me whether they are willing to unconditionally condemn the Chinese Communist Party dictatorship? It's not a difficult question”.

The reference to the Hansard record can be found here.

It is not apparent that the same, or similar, question was put to any other witness appearing before the Committee.

Each of the three witnesses in responding to the question shared their opinion on how they felt about being questioned in that manner (which can be found here).

AALA supports the right of all Australians (including their elected representatives) to free speech perhaps more so in parliament or in parliamentary committees. However, AALA strongly advocates that all members of the Australian community should be accorded with the core Australian values of natural justice, fairness, equality and a ‘fair go’; and that persons of Asian ancestry (or any other ancestry) are not subjected to processes and inquiries inconsistent with those values in Australian public life and before any governmental and representative bodies. Australia must be a level playing field.

AALA urges all members of the community, including our parliamentary representatives, to adhere to our core Australian values and our shared commitment to those values. AALA also calls on all members of the community to demand and claim their right to speak out and engage with the institutions and bodies of civil society to maintain and build on our uniquely Australian dedication to justice, fairness, tolerance, equality and a ‘fair go’.

Further inquiries may be made to the AALA by email or by contacting Molina Asthana at 0400785299.

Asian Australian Lawyers Association establishes a new SA branch

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 00:22:04 GMT

A new branch of Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) was established in South Australia on 1 October 2020. With its recent establishment, AALA now has branches in SA, ACT (also established on 1 October), WA, Victoria, Qld and NSW, cementing its place as a national organisation.

Jessica Teoh, a Director at Laity Morrow, is President, and Brian Vuong, a Director at Kain Lawyers, is Secretary, of the inaugural SA Branch.

AALA welcomes our new SA branch!

For further information read full article from The Bulletin - Law Society of South Australia "Asian Australian Lawyers Association establishes new branch"

AALA Vice President Molina Asthana announced as a finalist in the Women in Law Awards 2020

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 00:08:37 GMT

AALA Vice President Molina Asthana has been announced as a finalist in the Women in Law Awards 2020 as Thought Leader of the Year. As a finalist, she has been recognised among Australia’s top female legal professionals. Congratulations to Molina on this much-deserved honour.

To see all 2020 Finalists

Winners announced at the awards ceremenony on 10 December, 2020. For more information is here.

AALA National AGM and Branch Meetings 2020 - Last Date to Renew/Join to Vote

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 00:35:18 GMT

Dear Member

AALA NATIONAL AGM AND BRANCH MEETINGS 2020 - LAST DATE TO RENEW YOUR AALA MEMBERSHIP OR JOIN AALA TO BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE

Further to our previous e-mail, please find below in image format (for better readability on mobile devices) the dates of the AALA National AGM and State and Territory Branch Meetings, along with the last date you can renew your membership or join AALA to be eligible to vote at the National AGM and your relevant Branch Meeting:

If your AALA membership has lapsed and you would like to renew your membership, please renew online now through our website by logging in using the button at the top right of the web page. You can check whether your AALA membership is current via this method as well.

If you would like to join AALA as a new member, please visit here and sign up now.

We will send a formal Notice of National AGM and formal Notice of your relevant Branch Meeting in due course.

Kind regards

Matt Floro

AALA National Secretary

on behalf of the AALA National Executive Committee

LIV election and AALA representation - Molina Asthana and Zubair Mian

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 10:22:30 GMT

LIV election and AALA representation - Molina Asthana and Zubair Mian

Molina Asthana, our AALA National Vice President is nominated for the role of Vice President of the Law Institute of Victoria. She has been on Council for 4 years and on various committees for 5 years before that. Molina chairs the Sexual Harassment Taskforce at the LIV, contributes regularly on policy submissions and is a regular contributor to the LIV Journal. She has extensive governance experience on various boards including the Graduate House of the University of Melbourne, AFL South East Commission, Gymnastics Victoria and Good Shepherd AUSNZ and is a member of the Football Federation of Victoria Tribunal. Her advocacy work has won many awards and is occasionally reported in media. To read further, go to: http://www.aala.org.au/resources/LIV%20election%20statement.%20pdf.pdf

If you are a LIV member, please support Molina by filling out the proxy form you would have received with the notice of AGM and is available on https://www.liv.asn.au/About/Council-Governance/AGM-Notice.aspx. You can vote for her under item 5 of the proxy form.

Our National Executive member Zubair Mian is also running for Council. He is a long standing practitioner and founding member of AALA and Vice President till 2017. His past and present positions held include President, Eastern Solicitors Law Association since 2012, LIV Executive Council, LIV Committees including Bail review, Diversity, Access to Justice, LIV Awards, Membership and various others, registered Mentor LIV & AALA and LIV Council Liaison NSLA & MPLA. You would have received the notice of elections and you can vote accordingly.

'Take a seat at the back': Lawyers, judge hit out at racism in the law - The Age

Sat, 17 Oct 2020 00:55:28 GMT

'Take a seat at the back': Lawyers, judge hit out at racism in the law

by Tammy Mills, The Age, 15 October, 2020

"Are you the defendant or are you the witness?" Sam Pandya is neither. He's the president of the Law Institute of Victoria, the state's top legal society. But it's a question he's been asked in court more than once...

Along with a Victorian judge, he has taken the unusual step of speaking out as new figures show the profession has a cultural diversity problem. In information collated in Victoria for the first time by the Legal Services Board at the request of the institute, lawyers renewing their practising certificates have been asked about their cultural background. Of the 17,000 lawyers who responded (70 per cent of registered practitioners), about 80 per cent said they were from an "Australian" or Anglo-Celtic background, 5 per cent were Chinese, 3 per cent were Indian and fewer than 1 per cent said they were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The lack of diversity is a known issue in the sector. A poll last year of 11 of the big commercial firms found while 25 per cent of law graduates and non-partners had an Asian background, only 8 per cent of partners were Asian.

Race discrimination commissioner warns Australian partner visa changes could ‘segregate’ marriages - SBS News

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 01:13:08 GMT

Race discrimination commissioner warns Australian partner visa changes could ‘segregate’ marriages

by Naveen Razik, SBS News

Commissioner Chin Tan said the government decision to add an English language requirement for partner visas had led to 'justifiable concern' among the community.

Australia's race discrimination commissioner has urged the federal government to consult with key community stakeholders on a new English language requirement for partner visas, warning it could serve to "segregate" migrant couples.

Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan on Tuesday said the inclusion of the requirement in last week's federal budget came as a surprise to those leaders in the multicultural sector.

The peak body for migration agents in Australia, the Migration Institute of Australia, has also told SBS News it received no prior warning.

Backlash against English language test for partner visa - Lawyers Weekly

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 00:02:16 GMT

Backlash against English language test for partner visa

By Tony Zhang; Lawyers Weekly, 12 October 2020

The new English language test requirement for partner visas has caused backlash across communities and couples overseas, along with some policy shifts for migration agents and law space.

Foreigners who fall in love with Australians would have to complete 500 hours of English classes before they are allowed to stay in the country permanently.

Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge revealed new details of the English language requirement, announced in Tuesday’s federal budget, for people applying for partner visas.

The test also applies to an applicant’s spouse, if they are a permanent resident rather than an Australian citizen.

Statement from Asian Australian Lawyers’ Association National Executive - English language test

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 09:56:12 GMT

Statement from Asian Australian Lawyers’ Association National Executive - English language test

The AALA National Executive is concerned about the recent announcement in the Federal Budget introducing an English language test for individuals seeking a partner visa as well as their sponsors, if they are permanent residents rather than Australian citizens.

AALA is concerned that this test may have a discriminatory effect on particular groups of immigrants more than others. It may also impinge on a person's fundamental human right to marry their partner of choice. AALA calls on the government to provide further consultation with multicultural communities on the proposal prior to the planned introduction of this requirement in late 2021.

AALA asks if there is any evidence that the proposal will help support English language acquisition and enhance social cohesion and economic participation outcomes. Otherwise, AALA is concerned that the proposal may lead to further division.

Further reading: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/english-language-requirement-for-australian-partner-visa-applicants-to-begin-late-2021

Media contact:

Molina Asthana, mailto:vicepresident@aala.org.au 0400785299

Inaugural National Cultural Diversity Summit on Saturday 3 October - thank you!

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 00:36:27 GMT

AALA NATIONAL CULTURAL DIVERSITY SUMMIT 2020: THANK YOU!

Dear Member

Thank you very much for attending or supporting the inaugural National Cultural Diversity Summit on Saturday 3 October.

With your support, the event was a great success. Over 300 people Zoomed into the Summit. We reached over 1,500 people via our Facebook livestream.

The Summit was AALA's largest event ever.

Over three and a half hours, we heard from eminent speakers and entertaining performers. We challenged misconceptions, discussed policy and advocacy, and developed ideas for change.

And we united to share AALA's vision of promoting cultural diversity in the legal profession and beyond.

We thank our Sponsors, The College of Law, Baker McKenzie and TIMG, for their generous support.

We are grateful to our Industry Partners, Australian Bar Association, Queensland Law Society, Bar Association of Queensland, Victorian Bar, and The Law Society of South Australia, for their wonderful partnership.

Soon, we will share with you videos of the Summit via our AALA YouTube channel. In the meantime, we kindly ask for your feedback on the Summit so that we can build on the experience for next year.

Many of you will have attended the terrific cooking break presented by Dr Moni Lai Storz (of the Singing Wok Restaurant) during the Summit. Moni has kindly agreed to share her delicious recipe for Hokkien Mee, which she demonstrated at the Summit.

Join AALA or renew your membership, attend our events, participate in our Mentoring Program.

Let's be the change we want to see.

Kingsley Liu, AALA National President

Molina Asthana, AALA National Vice President

Anand Shah, AALA National Summit Convenor and AALA Queensland President

Join AALA or renew your membership

Give your feedback on the AALA National Cultural Diversity Summit 2020

AALA National Digital Events Series - Career Workshop Series - Interview Skills 13 Oct 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (UTC+11:00)

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 00:28:25 GMT

AALA National Digital Events Series - Career Workshop Series - Interview Skills

As part of the AALA's National Digital Events Series, the AALA invites you to attend the second session in its Career Workshop Series, on the topic of interview skills.

The Career Workshop Series is an initiative specifically targeted at law students and graduates from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. It is intended to equip them with tangible career-oriented skills and knowledge, in order to help them overcome the additional obstacles faced in the job-hunting process associated with being from CALD backgrounds, and indeed, leverage their cultural backgrounds as a source of competitive advantage.

This session will take the form of an informal fireside chat with senior legal practitioners who have been decision-makers in recruitment processes at corporate and commercial firms, including:

Gillian Woon, Special Counsel at Baker McKenzie;
Natasha Toholka, Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright; and
Tuanh Nguyen, Director (Legal) at PwC.

The topics intended to be explored include:

preparing for interviews;
responding to questions; and
building rapport and establishing cultural fit.

There will be a 1 hour panel discussion, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A.

Zoom dial-in details will be provided in the confirmation email following registration.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a mock interview after the session.

To register

If you have any queries, please contact Kelvin Ng at:students@aala.org.au

Corporate Counsel Webinar - Mitigating Risk when dealing with foreign parties

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 02:11:07 GMT

AALA in conjunction with CIArb Australia and the Society of Construction Law Australia presents:

Corporate Counsel Webinar

Mitigating Risk when dealing with foreign parties

You are invited to attend this webinar featuring leading in-house counsel and senior advocates who will address issues including risks in the location of the counter-party and assets, drafting suitable dispute resolution clauses, the use or arbitration v. litigation, enforcing foreign judgments and the New York Convention, choosing the seat or dispute resolution forum, choice of laws (substantive law, of the dispute, the law of the arbitration agreement, the procedural law), cross-cultural and language issues, ring fencing assets, the use of freezing orders where assets are located to aid enforcement pre, during and post arbitration/litigation as well as practical tips and guidance from experienced lawyers.

Panel: Sheila Ahuja, Partner in Allen & Overy's Global Arbitration group based in Singapore; Kanaga Dharmananda SC, member of the Western Australina Bar; Lachlan McMurtrie, Group Manager Legal, Newcrest Mining Limited; Dr Fan Yang, founding Director of International Dispute Resolution Academy, Hong Kong; and Sameer Shah, an Advocate from India and an International Arbitrator and Mediator.

Details can be found here.

Date:Monday, 26 October 2020

Time:8.00pm ADST (5.00pm AWST & Singapore)

Virtual Format:Webinar

Registration Essential: Please register by Thursday 22 October 2020.

For a zoom link for late registrations go here.

Enquiries:Sue Rice, Executive Officer, CIArb Australia: info@ciarb.net.au

Cultural diversity cannot be pushed to backburner

Sat, 26 Sep 2020 01:37:02 GMT

Cultural diversity cannot be pushed to backburner by Jerome Doraisamy|24 September 2020, Lawyers Weekly

Managing economic uncertainty may be a top priority for legal employers right now, but with Asian Australians copping flak for the spread of coronavirus, cultural diversity efforts must remain at the forefront for the legal profession.

When it comes to Australia’s legal profession, cultural diversity is a “growing reality”, but true inclusion remains elusive.

That is the view of Kingsley Liu and Molina Asthana, the president and vice-president respectively of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA), who further feel that, despite the progress of recent years, “institutional and unconscious biases remain in force”.

For full article, go to: https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/biglaw/29530-cultural-diversity-cannot-be-pushed-to-backburner?%20utm_source=LawyersWeekly&utm_campaign=25_09_20&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1&utm_emailID=804cb2b23aff22ade3ef0f28a2ded6044e9733c391738da367fb5e33deb59158

Daniel D Nguyen interviewed by Law in Colour

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 06:01:29 GMT

Daniel D Nguyen, Barrister-at-law, and Victorian President of Asian Australian Lawyers Association interviewed by Law in Colour.

To read the interview go to: https://www.lawincolour.com/interviews/daniel-d-nguyen

LAWASIA 2020 Conference Online – Webinar Series

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 06:55:18 GMT

LAWASIA 2020 Conference Online – Webinar Series:

Join LAWASIA for a series of webinars every Tuesday and Thursday, commencing on 15 September until 8 October 2020 (4 consecutive weeks, 7 webinars in total).

In lieu of the LAWASIA physical Annual Conference, the LAWASIA 2020 Conference Online webinar series will provide an opportunity for our members to enhance their legal knowledge; collaborate and build networks with like-minded lawyers and legal organisations throughout the region; and come together to help LAWASIA fulfil its important mission of promoting the rule of law, access to justice and respect for human rights throughout Asia and the Pacific region.

LAWASIA has developed an excellent program, focusing on a range of legal issues and key areas of law, including sessions focusing on intellectual property, ADR, employment law, anti-trust and competition law, and corporate securities and investment. Panels of experts and eminent speakers from across the region have been recruited and will undoubtedly entertain, educate and enrich all those able to attend.

The LAWASIA 2020 Conference online webinar series will be free of charge. We encourage you to circulate this offering to your friends and colleagues and we look forward to welcoming you all to the 2020 LAWASIA Conference Online!

For more information and to register go to: https://www.lawasia.asn.au/conferences-events/current-webinars/lawasia-2020-conference-online

DATE: From Thursday 17 September to Thursday 8 October 2020

Every Tuesday and Thursday, 4 consecutive weeks (7webinars in total)

TIME: 16:30 - 18:00 (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

COST: Complimentary

AALA National Cultural Diversity Summit Cultural Diversity and the Legal Profession: Be the change we want to see 3 October 2020

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 23:41:37 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association presents

The National Cultural Diversity Summit

Cultural Diversity and the Legal Profession: Be the change we want to see

3 October 2020

Time: 1:00PM AEST / 11:00AM AWST

Location: Register to receive your exclusive Zoom invite.

Price: FREE for all members and non-members.

AALA is thrilled to announce the launch of the inaugural AALA National Summit. The AALA National Summit will be held entirely online via Zoom and is free for all members and the wider community.

The AALA National Summit is bringing together leading international thinkers, comedians and performers to critically examine and discuss a road map for Cultural Diversity in the Law.

REGISTRATION is essential. To access the AALA National Summit Agenda and to secure your seat, visit the AALA website here: http://aala.org.au/event-3984061

Join us to hear from,

§ The Hon Tani Cantil-Sakauye, Chief Justice of California
§ The Rt Hon Lord Justice Singh, Court of Appeal of England and Wales
§ The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, former High Court judge and AALA National Patron
§ The Hon Darryl Rangiah, Justice of the Federal Court of Australia
§ Victorian County Court Judicial Registrar My Anh Tran (soon to be a judge of the Court)
§ Mai Chen, Managing Partner, Chen Palmer Lawyers and Chair of the Superdiversity Institute for Law, Policy and Business, NZ

…and many more, including comedian Diana Nguyen.

Click here to download Summit program: http://www.aala.org.au/resources/Documents/FINAL%20AALA%20National%20Summit%20Program%20(1%20October%2020)%20(1).pdf

ACICA/CIArb Australia International Arbitration Conference 2020

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 02:50:11 GMT

ACICA/CIArb Australia International Arbitration Conference 2020

BRIDGING THE DISTANCE: ARBITRATION IN THE NEW WORLD

Monday, 12 October 2020

The Australian Centre of International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Australia (CIArb Australia) are pleased to invite you to their 2020 International Arbitration Conference: Bridging the Distance: Arbitration in the New World.

Our one day program will offer virtual presentations on topics including:

Advocacy in the Virtual Environment
Technology as an Enabler in International Arbitration
The Future of Investor-State Dispute Resolution
Around the Globe in 60 Minutes
Mega Projects in the New Normal
Is Third Party Funding Changing International Arbitration?
Enhancing Efficiencies in the Arbitral Process

and feature a host of eminent speakers and expert practitioners from around the globe!

Full programme details are available here, and a list of speakers may be found here:

https://acica.org.au/events/#!event/2020/10/12/pre-registration-for-acica-ciarb-international-arbitration-conference

Download the flyer at: https://acica.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2020_IA_Conference_flyer-08.pdf

Venue Virtual presentations (Zoom platform)

Starts Mon Oct 12 2020, 08:00am UTC+11

Ends Mon Oct 12 2020, 06:00pm UTC+11

AALA National Digital Events Series 2020 - Common situations faced by Asian Australian families in the Australian Family Law system

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 08:16:29 GMT

In conjunction with O'Sullivan Davies Lawyers and Swarup Asthana Lawyers, as part of its National Digital Events Series 2020, AALA is pleased to host a Webinar on common situations faced by Asian Australian families in the Australian Family Law system when there is a separation.

Join Sherlene Heng of O'Sullivan Davies, AALA WA Branch Committee Member, as we hear from the panel:

Sabrina Tan - O'Sullivan Davies, AALA WA Branch Committee Member;

Rachel Harkness- 0 'Sullivan Davies;

Victor Tham - O'Sullivan Davies; and

Molina Asthana- Principal of Swarup Asthana Lawyers, AALA NationaI Vice-President

Date: Wednesday, 23 September 2020

Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm AWST / 3:00pm - 4:00pm AEST

Location: Zoom

RSVP by 21 September 2020

to receive your exclusive online registration details.

For more information and to register, visit: http://aala.org.au/events

For NSW, Qld and Vic practitioners, if this seminar is relevant to your practice needs or professional development, you can claim 1 CPD point; for WA practitioners, an application for 1 point in Substantive Law is pending.

AALA National Digital Events Series 2020 - Practice and procedure in VCAT's Administrative Division 30 September, 2020 at 5.30pm AEST by zoom

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 09:01:53 GMT

As part of the AALA National Digital Series, join the Victorian Committee as we hear from

Reynah Tang AM

Member of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal

"Practice and procedure in VCAT's Administrative Division"

Date: Wednesday 30 September

Time: 5:30 pm- 7.00 pm AEST

Location: Zoom

RSVP by 28 September 2020 to receive your exclusive online registration details.

For more information, and to register for this event go to:

http://www.aala.org.au/event-3970850

AALA National Digital Events Series 2020 - Implementing International Environmental Obligations in the Asia-Pacific Region - Tuesday 29 September 2020

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 02:26:29 GMT

In conjunction with the National Environmental Law Association and as part of its National Digital Events Series, AALA is pleased to host a Webinar on Implementing International Environmental Obligations at a National Level in the Asia-Pacific Region.

The event will be hosted by Professor Ben Boer, a distinguished Professor of Law at the Research Institute of Environmental Law, Wuhan University, and Emeritus Professor at the University of Sydney. He was Deputy Chair of the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law for 2012-2016 and is a much-published author on environmental law topics.

While this event is free for members of AALA and NELA, a registration fee of $20 will be charged for non-members.

If this webinar is appropriate for your continuing legal education (CLE) requirements for practice, you should consider claiming 1 point in substantive law for this event.

A flyer is linked:

http://www.aala.org.au/resources/Documents/20.09.04%20September%20Webinar.pdf

This event is hosted on Zoom, and details will be provided to registrants.

Details:

Time and Date: Tuesday 29 September 2020, 6 PM to 7 PM AEST

Details: A Zoom Link will be emailed to registrants on registration

Registration: AALA National Digital Events Series - Implementing International Environmental Obligations at a National Level in the Asia-Pacific Region - 29 September 2020

Kind regards,

Asian Australian Lawyers Association

AALA recognises and congratulates members for their recent promotions and career progression

Sun, 30 Aug 2020 06:39:22 GMT

Reaching out to our members has been an extraordinary journey and today, AALA is proud to recognise and we congratulate our members for their recent promotions and career progression.

AALA continues to advocate for cultural diversity in the law and we continue to support our members to build resilience and excellence. Our sincerest congratulations

Racism: Understanding your rights & taking action - South Asian communities

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 02:33:55 GMT

Racism: Understanding your rights & taking action - South Asian communities

The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) unequivocally condemn racism.

To educate and empower multicultural and multifaith communities in Victoria, the VMC and VEOHRC have come together to run a series of information sessions.

This session is for Asian communities and will be opened by the Asian Australian Lawyers Association.

Participating in this session will provide you with information to better understand and exercise your rights if you or someone you know experiences racism, religious discrimination, or racial or religious vilification.

You will also learn how to recognise racism, how to report it and where to seek advice and support.

We’ll cover

• What does discrimination, vilification and victimisation mean?

• Where to get help and advice

• How to report racism

• Why reporting racism is important

• How to take action against racism

Who should attend?

This session is for Victorians from Asian backgrounds and has been designed to create a safe space for participants to contribute.

Registrations

All participants must register to attend this session.

Format

This session will be interactive, with participants encouraged to contribute in a safe and confidential environment.

For further details, go to:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/victorian-equal-opportunity-%2526-human-rights-commission_racism-information-sessions-understanding-activity-6703574082983739392-NNDv

For more information about VEOHRC and VMC:

https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/

https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/

Registration – VMC website

https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/racism-information-sessions-understanding-your-rights-and-taking-action

Registration – Eventbrite for Asian Communities

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/117362194483

Registration – Eventbrite for South Asian Communities

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/117472889575

How to Foster Effective Mentoring Relationships During COVID-19 - AALA Online Workshop sponsored by Herbert Smith Freehills:

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 23:56:50 GMT

How to Foster Effective Mentoring Relationships During COVID-19 - AALA Online Workshop sponsored by Herbert Smith Freehills

Join AALA's WA President Belinda Wong, National Secretary Matt Floro, and WA Branch Secretary Stephanie Tan, along with your fellow mentors and mentees for an online Q&A session with Shivchand Jhinku, a Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, about creating and sustaining effective mentorship relationships during the coronavirus pandemic.

Please note that you do not have to be a participant of any currently running AALA mentorship program.

The session will be followed by a separate discussion group for mentors and mentees and will end with a short networking session.

When: 27 Aug 2020, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (UTC+10:00)

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Registration: http://www.aala.org.au/sys/website/system-pages/?pageId=18008

Australia’s first Asian lawyer, William Ah Ket, who battled racism and achieved landmark victories, and how his legacy lives on

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 05:07:10 GMT

Australia’s first Asian lawyer, William Ah Ket, who battled racism and achieved landmark victories, and how his legacy lives on

Chinese-Australian barrister and lawyer William Ah Ket was known for fighting against legislation that discriminated against people of Chinese origin
Since 2017, the William Ah Ket Scholarship has awarded grants to outstanding research papers on topics dealing with equality, diversity and the law

Read article by Joseph Lam, SCMP, 20 Aug, 2020 at: https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3097685/australias-first-asian-lawyer-william-ah-ket-who-battled-racism-and

AALA National Digital Events Series: Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training Seminar - Part 1

Reimen Hii — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 06:11:42 GMT

AALA (Queensland) is pleased to collaborate with the Indigenous Lawyers Association Queensland (ILAQ) to present its cultural awareness training seminar series. The seminars provide an introduction to indigenous cultural awareness issues for legal professionals.

Date: 1 September 2020 from 5.30pm AEST
Venue: Online (via Zoom - link to be sent after registration)
King & Wood King & Wood Mallesons (limited in-person attendees)
Level 33, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Cost: No charge
Register: www.aala.org.au/event-3933106

There are also limited spaces for in-person attendees available for ILAQ & AALA members. Register now to avoid missing out!

AALA NATIONAL DIGITAL EVENTS SERIES - CAREER WORKSHOP SERIES - WRITTEN APPLICATIONS

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 11:39:52 GMT

AALA NATIONAL DIGITAL EVENTS SERIES - CAREER WORKSHOP SERIES - WRITTEN APPLICATIONS

The AALA invites you to attend the first session in its Career Workshop Series, on the topic of written applications.

The Career Workshop Series is an initiative specifically targeted at law students and graduates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD). It is intended to equip them with tangible career-oriented skills and knowledge, in order to help them overcome the additional obstacles faced in the job-hunting process associated with being from CALD backgrounds, and indeed, leverage their cultural backgrounds as a source of competitive advantage.

Specifically, this session will cover the following:

- CVs/resumes;

- cover letters;

- questions; and

- psychometric testing.

This session will feature guest speaker Jeffrey Tan, a Legal Recruitment Consultant at Mahlab (and former commercial lawyer) who works with lawyers seeking in-house, government and private practice roles. Originally being from Malaysia, Jeffrey has a strong cultural understanding.

There will be a 1 hour presentation, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit a resume and cover letter for review and feedback after the session.

If you have any queries, please contact Kelvin Ng at: students@aala.org.au

http://aala.org.au/event-3925699

Coronavirus crisis helping lawyers smash the glass ceiling

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 08:21:36 GMT

A group of WA's most senior female legal practitioners say the coronavirus pandemic has been a "game changer" in terms of helping break down the barriers in a profession where men still dominate its highest ranks.

To read full article go to:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/v1vroxxqiyermc0/Equality%20of%20the%20Fast%20Track.jpg?dl=0

AALA Members' Blackboard is Launched

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 03:27:41 GMT

Dear Members and friends

We are launching the AALA Members’ Blackboard today.

The AALA Members’ Blackboard is an interactive online discussion forum where members can post anything they would like to share with other members, such as:

Job advertisements;

Expressions of interest for career opportunities;

Expressions of interest to assist with any particular areas of legal work;

Expressions of interest to collaborate with other practitioners;

Legal industry news;

Health and wellbeing issues;

Cultural diversity issues.

The AALA Members’ Blackboard will assist in building our member-to-member engagement and provide a forum for knowledge sharing. It will also provide a platform to support members’ wellbeing.

A key objective is to provide members with an open and friendly virtual space in which to discuss and inform each other and share ideas, opportunities and concerns.

The pandemic has necessitated changes to the way we interact with each other, to our work schedules, and to our work arrangements. The AALA Members’ Blackboard will facilitate an exchange of members’ ideas so that we can survive and thrive in these challenging times. It will evolve over time, depending on members’ feedback and usage.

The AALA Members’ Blackboard can be accessed via the following link:

https://padlet.com/secretary20/afdo2b01zulp2y9e

To post, please follow these steps:

You must be an AALA member to post. If you have not renewed your membership, please do so now by logging in to your account and renewing your membership from our AALA home page: http://www.aala.org.au/

Of course, if you are not yet a member of the AALA, we warmly invite you to join!

Before you post, please e-mail secretary@aala.org.au for the password.

Once you receive the password, you can login and add posts by clicking on the pink “add post” button in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. You can also comment on any other posts. You can post anonymously, or sign up for a free Padlet account to post as a registered user.

Please post respectfully and ethically. The AALA Members’ Blackboard is moderated and AALA reserves the right to remove any posts. For example, AALA will remove any posts that do not meet our posting guidelines – these guidelines are published on the AALA Members’ Blackboard. All users of the AALA Members’ Blackboard must abide by the relevant solicitors’ and/or barristers’ conduct rules applicable in your jurisdiction.

Looking forward to seeing you posting on our AALA Members’ Blackboard!

Kingsley Liu

National President

Asian Australian Lawyers Association

president@aala.org.au

AALA's National President's End of Financial Year Message

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 01:02:11 GMT

Dear Members and Friends

We wish to thank you for your kind support during the 2019-2020 financial year.

It has been an incredibly difficult year for all of us. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to harrowing impacts on our physical and mental health, jobs and livelihoods, not to mention the impact of racism and discrimination against our Asian-Australian communities.

In these trying times, AALA will continue to provide support to Asian-Australian lawyers, law students, and supporters of AALA's vision of promoting cultural diversity in the law, whatever their background. AALA recognises that it plays an important role in supporting our community in the current crisis.

We will now rely, more than ever, on your support and the support of our friends and colleagues in the broader legal profession and beyond to continue our work. We will continue to provide the professional support, programs and representation that our members need in these trying times.

We thank you for your responses to our inaugural AALA National Members’ Survey. Your National Executive Committee is responding to this survey in rolling out AALA’s programs and initiatives for the new financial year. We are focussing on providing more benefits to AALA members, improving the value and quality of our events (most of which are now being held online), and being more inclusive of all our members. We have developed an AALA COVID-19 Policy to guide our work.

We are currently planning an inaugural AALA National Summit to be held entirely online later this year for our members. This exciting event will feature some of the most important issues and projects to advance cultural diversity objectives in the legal industry. We are developing a terrific program of speakers and forums – please stay tuned.

In relation to the range of professional development benefits that we offer to members, in May we launched our inaugural AALA National Digital Events Series, comprising high-quality online CLEs and interactive forums. We aim to provide sufficient annual CPD points to meet the requirements in most jurisdictions. We also launched our flagship AALA Mentoring Program online and are planning an interactive Mentoring Workshop, the details of which will be announced soon.

As to furthering your career opportunities, we will shortly launch an online AALA Members’ Blackboard, which is an interactive portal that will build our member-to-member engagement, establish a forum for knowledge sharing and career opportunities and circulate industry news. It will also provide a platform to support members’ wellbeing.

AALA is steadfastly committed to its overarching objective to promote cultural diversity in the law. In these critical times, we aim to support you by protecting and safeguarding your interests, sharing opportunities, advancing your wellbeing, and effectively championing you to grow in difficult times and find your own pathway forward. If you have any comments or feedback, please e-mail us at membership@aala.org.au – we would love to hear from you.

Please take this moment to renew your AALA membership for the financial year 2020-2021 by logging in to your account and renewing your membership from our AALA home page. Please note that if your membership fees are not paid, your membership may lapse and we won’t be able to provide our member benefits to you.

If you are a corporate member of AALA, your membership will apply for one year from the date of application for the corporate membership, which may not be the financial year. Please ensure that your membership is up to date. If you have any queries, please contact us at membership@aala.org.au.

Of course, if you are not yet a member of AALA, we warmly invite you to join!

Let’s share our unity on the AALA vision.

Kingsley Liu
National President
Asian Australian Lawyers Association
president@aala.org.au

Deep cultural shifts required: open letter from 500 legal women calls for reform of way judges are appointed and disciplined

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 01:45:13 GMT

Deep cultural shifts required: open letter from 500 legal women calls for reform of way judges are appointed and disciplined by Gabrielle Appleby, Professor, UNSW Law School, UNSW; The Conversation, 6 July, 2020

In an open letter to Attorney-General Christian Porter, about 500 women working in the law from across Australia have sought changes to the way judges are disciplined and appointed.

The letter comes after former High Court judge Dyson Heydon was found by an independent investigation to have sexually harassed young female associates of the court, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.

The letter was also sent to Susan Kiefel, Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, along with another letter to thank her

for her strong, decisive and compassionate responses to the complaints in the Heydon matter, and ask her to work with the government to see these reforms implemented in a way sensitive to the protection of judicial integrity and independence.

The full text of the two letters are below, along with the names of signatories: https://theconversation.com/deep-cultural-shifts-required-open-letter-from-500-legal-women-calls-for-reform-of-way-judges-are-appointed-and-disciplined-142042

Recognition of the Advancement of AALA Members: January-July 2020

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 01:22:40 GMT

Recognition of the Advancement of AALA Members: January-July 2020

As a new financial year has dawned, many of our members have had the privilege of being promoted by their current employer, or promoted to a higher position with a different employer.

As AALA is focussed on advancing cultural diversity within the legal profession, AALA would like to release a public statement on our web site and on our social media channels celebrating our members who have advanced in their careers.

Accordingly, if you are an AALA member and have been promoted by your current employer or promoted to a higher position with a different employer between January 2020 and July 2020 (inclusive), please fill out the following form by 5pm Friday 17 July 2020:

https://forms.gle/Dcm4uFMxcFvBbLav9

Congratulations to all AALA members who have been successful in the recent round of promotions.

Kind regards

Asian Australian Lawyers Association

Diversity: LIV welcomes 13-group network - LIJ Article 1 July, 2020

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 03:34:59 GMT

Special interest law associations are coming together supported by the Law Institute of Victoria to promote the inclusion of members from different cultural backgrounds at all levels of the legal profession.

The Law Institute of Victoria is backing special interest law groups to amplify diversity in law says LIV president Sam Pandya, the first lawyer of Indian heritage to lead the LIV.

The LIV Network of Cultural and Diverse Association Presidents comprises the African Australian Legal Network, Asian Australian Lawyers Association, Australian Italian Lawyers Association, Diverse Women in Law, French Australian Lawyers Society, Hellenic Australian Lawyers, Jewish Australian Lawyers' Association, LIVOut, Melbourne Catholic Lawyers’Association, Muslim Legal Network, North American Australia Lawyers Alliance, Victorian Christian Legal Society, and Victorian Women Lawyers.

The 13-group network will coordinate the LIV's efforts to create a strong voice to advocate for greater cultural diversity in the profession. As Mr Panya states "diversity contributes to the vitality of our community. We want the legal profession to reflect that. We want broad representation across the profession, from the bottom to the top.”

Twenty-eight per cent of the Australian population was born overseas and 32 per cent has a non-Anglo Celtic background, but this is not proportionately represented in leadership of organisations. A 2015 Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) report found Asian Australian lawyers account for 3.1 per cent of partners in law firms, 1.6 per cent of barristers and 0.8 per cent of the judiciary.

“We continue to tackle the bamboo ceiling and sticky floor,” says AALA Victorian president Daniel D Nguyen.

Inclusivity is vital for the sustainability of the legal profession, says Mr Pandya, adding diversity in workplaces positively impacts performance, innovation, risk reduction and client satisfaction.

To read full article, go to: https://www.liv.asn.au/Staying-Informed/LIJ/LIJ/July-2020/Diversity--LIV--welcomes-13-group-network

https://www.liv.asn.au/Staying-Informed/LIJ/LIJ/July-2020/Diversity--LIV--welcomes-13-group-network#.XwFO2D1vdjc.email

Gen A | Firm Futures in the Legal Sector: Gen A Masterclass

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 03:26:07 GMT

Gen A | Firm Futures in the Legal Sector: Gen A Masterclass with Wayne Spanner hosted by the Asia Society

An industry steeped in tradition; will COVID-19 transform the legal sectors modus operandi and how will this impact early career lawyers? While borders remain closed for the foreseeable future, are international careers in law still an option?

Over the span of a few weeks, many of the Australia’s leading law firms have drastically changed their way of working. The WFH shift coupled with significant cuts to draws, pay, and hours and the freezing on non-essential spending, have left many young people in legal services feeling uncertain of what is to come.

Asia Society Australia warmly invites you to Gen A masterclass with our Board Director and Managing Partner of Norton Rose Fulbright, Wayne Spanner, for an update on the current state of play for the legal services sector, and opportunities for the future of the industry in the “new normal” era.

Wayne will also speak to his career in Law and leadership and offer his insights on building an Asia-focused career in this sector.

This event is by invitation only. Registration is essential, places strictly limited. For further enquiries contact: programaustralia@asiasociety.org

Date: 7 July 2020

Time: 12:00 p.m. AEST

Location: Zoom

To register, go to: https://d.io/waynespanner

Gen A | Firm Futures in the Legal Sector: Gen A Masterclass with Wayne Spanner A | Firm Futures in the Legal Sector: Gen A Masterclass with Wayne Spanner

Diversity & Inclusion Forum: Bar, BAME, and Covid-19 - Lincoln's Inn

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 10:18:59 GMT

Diversity & Inclusion Forum: Bar, BAME (British Black, Asian, and minority ethnic) and Covid-19

On 30 June 2020 Lincoln's Inn, London, held the second of their Diversity & Inclusion Forums.

Panellists Natasha Shotunde, Jo Sidhu QC and Professor Leslie Thomas QC discussed their experiences at the English Bar as barristers from ethic minorities, the impact of Covid-19 on diversity at the Bar, and what changes could be made by the Bar to address issues faced by BAME barristers, as well as the appropriateness of the acronym "BAME".

The event was co-chaired by Brie Stevens-Hoare QC and Neil Chawla of counsel.

Go to: https://www.lincolnsinn.org.uk/media/diversity-inclusion-forum-bar-bame-and-covid-19/

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace - Statement from the AALA National Executive Committee

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 06:34:15 GMT

Asian Australian Lawyers AssociationStatement from the National Executive Committee
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The National Executive Committee of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association supports the statement by the President of the Australian Bar Association in relation to the recent findings of an independent investigation regarding former Justice of the High Court the Hon Dyson Heydon AC QC.

AALA is in full agreement that sexual harassment has no place in any workplace, including the legal profession, and that all members in the legal profession must work together to ensure that the legal profession is a safe workplace for everyone.

https://austbar.asn.au/news-media/statement-by-the-president-matt-howard-sc

In 2018, the International Bar Association and Acritas conducted the largest-ever global survey on bullying and sexual harassment in the legal profession with responses received from nearly 7,000 individuals from 135 countries. The results showed that approximately one in three female respondents had been sexually harassed in a workplace context, as had one in 14 male respondents. The results provided empirical confirmation that bullying and sexual harassment are rife in the legal profession.

In 2019, the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner conducted a survey on sexual harassment in the Victorian legal sector with responses from over 2,300 lawyers and 259 law practices. The Victorian survey found that more than one in three lawyers had experienced sexual harassment at work, with close to two third of female respondents having experienced this behaviour, compared with just over one in ten male respondents. In many cases, the harassment was highly destructive to the respondents’ personal wellbeing, and often their careers.

It is encouraging to learn that the High Court has now implemented a range of policy changes designed to ensure that “the experiences of these women will not be repeated”*.

AALA hopes that similar improvements in workplace policies are made across the legal profession as a whole.

If you have experienced sexual harassment in your workplace, in addition to accessing your workplace’s policies, you may wish to lodge a complaint with the relevant anti-discrimination or equal opportunity Board or Commission in your State or Territory, the Australian Human Rights Commission or contact Safe Work Australia.

*For the full text of the Chief Justice Kiefel’s Statement, go to:

https://cdn.hcourt.gov.au/assets/news/Statement%20by%20Chief%20Justice%20Susan%20Kiefel%20AC.pdf

AALA National Digital Events Series: "Covid -19 Well-being Seminar for "Adapting to a new normal: a change brain for a changing world"- 9 July, 2020 6pm - 7.15pm AEST via zoom

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 12:39:49 GMT

COVID-19 WELL-BEING SEMINAR FOR ADAPTING TO A NEW NORMAL: A CHANGE BRAIN FOR A CHANGING WORLD"

Covid-19 has created many changes, uncertainty and even chaos in our lives.

A true reminder of the old saying that: the only constant in life is change. What if this is not just a philosophical statement to guide us through the trials and tribulations of life? What if this is the essence of who we are?

By the time you finish reading this post, your brain has been changed (even may be just slightly) by you because of the new neural connections being formed with the injection of new information and learning. This is the 21st century understanding of our brain thanks to neuroscience.

When: 09 Jul 2020, 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM

Location: Online Zoom Session; Registration:Free Registration

Go to: http://aala.org.au/event-3879243

Black Lives Matter: a challenge to the law A webinar presented by the IBA’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI)

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 03:29:04 GMT

Black Lives Matter: a challenge to the law A webinar presented by the IBA’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI)

Join the Director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, in conversation with David Lammy, Ulele Burnham and Matthew Ryder QC, to discuss the ways in which the justice system perpetuates systemic racism in the UK and beyond, and the role legal systems must take in dismantling it.

Go to: https://www.ibanet.org/Black-Lives-Matter-a-challenge-to-the-law.aspx

Asian Australian Lawyers Association National Executive Committee’s Statement – Black Lives Matter

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 12:55:01 GMT

Asian Australian Lawyers Association

Statement from the National Executive Committee

Black Lives Matter

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, acknowledging that racism is still prevalent in our society. In America and elsewhere, Black communities have been affected by displacement, violence and systemic racism for hundreds of years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities have been affected by misunderstanding, ignorance, displacement, violence, mistreatment and racism ever since Europeans entered the country. These acts and omissions have resulted in considerable injustice and inequity, much of which is yet to be seriously addressed.

This global movement has brought Australia’s attention to the flaws in our own justice system. As a body that represents the legal profession, we stand proud of our diversity, and aware of our privilege as members of the legal profession. We acknowledge our experience is different, but we come from a place of a shared understanding that racism should not be accepted in any form and we are committed to the transformation that is required of us all.

We can start by actively calling out racism when we see it, standing with our African American, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander friends and colleagues and all other Australians of a culturally diverse background, informing the misinformed and spreading awareness among our communities of the many injustices that still exist.

We will listen. We will build the knowledge, empathy and respect required to have the courage to speak out and act when we see injustice. We will invite others to the table to discuss their experiences and continue to build a collective network. We are humble and mindful of the history that has brought our communities together.

We will seek to be champions of equality and diversity in our workplaces, our communities and our homes by actively playing our part in Australia’s reconciliation journey. We also call on the Law Societies and Bar Associations of each State and Territory to implement compulsory cultural competency training as part of the profession’s continuing professional development requirements as a baseline standard.

To achieve fundamental, intersectional and inclusive change in our systems, we as lawyers must grow and become more accepting of difference, challenge our biases and modes of thinking. Let us diversify our newsfeeds, read histories and philosophies different to our own, learn and listen to the songs and stories of all our neighbours — internalise the different languages, accents, messages. Lead by example; be an engaged ally; transform oneself.

Ten important books on Indigenous cultures, histories and politics: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Rec-News-Ten-Important-Books.pdf

For information and resources on Australia’s reconciliation journey, please visit https://www.reconciliation.org.au/.

Kind regards

Asian Australian Lawyers Association National Executive Committee

AALA congratulates My Anh Tran on her appointment as a Judge of the County Court of Victoria

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 07:54:30 GMT

AALA congratulates My Anh Tran on her appointment as a Judge of the County Court of Victoria.

Immediately prior to the appointment announced by the Victorian Government on 10 June, 2020, Ms Tran was serving as a Judicial Registrar within the Commercial Division of the County Court, having been appointed in May 2015. She signed the Bar Roll in May 2002.

During this time, Ms Tran has overseen the expansion of judicial mediation within the Commercial Division and assisted with the development of a pro bono protocol with the Victorian Bar, the reform of case management procedures and the implementation of electronic court files.

Ms Tran holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne, as well as a Bachelor of Civil Law from the University of Oxford.

See: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-appointments-to-the-county-and-coroners-courts/

For Asians in Australia, a collective memory of racial trauma

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 11:39:42 GMT

For Asians in Australia, a collective memory of racial trauma

Feelings of low self-worth and anger from discriminatory incidents during the Covid-19 pandemic are affecting the mental health of ethnic minorities
Society needs to change its understanding of what racism is and speak up against it, experts say

Hugely significant MasterChef moment - this image is groundbreaking!

Sat, 30 May 2020 07:41:46 GMT

MasterChef has given us reasons to laugh, to cry and to be really, really hungry. Now it’s crossed another threshold!

Something revolutionary happened on MasterChef tonight.

For most viewers, they probably didn’t even notice. But for the 16 per cent of Australians who claimed Asian ancestry at the last Census, it’s a significant moment.

With all five cooks – Reynold Poernomo, Jess Liemantara, Poh Ling Yeow, Khanh Ong and Brendan Pang – in tonight’s immunity challenge hailing from Asian backgrounds, plus judge Melissa Leong, Asian-Australians are actually over-represented.

Read on: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/tv-shows/hugely-significant-masterchef-moment/news-story/0ed2152b063bf6a1280092717d73655e

What to do if you're a victim of racism in Australia

Thu, 28 May 2020 10:06:47 GMT

What to do if you're a victim of racism in Australia? Australians have a number of ways to report racism, but the vast majority of incidents go unreported. With many advocacy groups saying COVID-19 is fuelling racism around Australia, victims are being urged to report any kind of racist attack. But without a national reporting system, processes are often confusing, leaving most incidents unaddressed and uncounted. SBS News looks at what you can do if you experience racism. Go to: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/what-to-do-if-you-re-a-victim-of-racism-in-australia

Australian boards are male and pale

Wed, 20 May 2020 02:48:54 GMT

Australian boards are male and pale, by Sally Patten, BOSS editor, AFR, 20 May, 2020

Despite a hefty increase in the number of female board members over the past five years, the directors of Australia's biggest 300 companies remain largely male and pale. An in-depth study of ASX 300 companies found the lack of cultural diversity on boards was particularly stark.

"It is difficult to attract the best people if they can't see themselves reflected at the leadership level," says Macquarie Group director Nicola Wakefield Evans. Janie Barrett

The proportion of directors from non-Anglo-Celtic cultural backgrounds fell to 5 per cent from 5.4 per cent between 2016 and 2020, the study by the Governance Institute of Australia and Watermark Search International, an executive recruitment firm, found.

The proportion of board directors from anywhere outside Australia declined to 29.3 per cent from 30.4 per cent over the same period.

The lack of cultural diversity at the board level reflects a similar pattern at executive levels, with a 2018 report from the Australian Human Rights Commission, University of Sydney, Asia Society Australia and Committee for Sydney noting that only 5.1 per cent of chief executives and senior executives in Australia had a non-European or Indigenous background.

“More progress needs to be made in Australian boardrooms in this area, particularly given the very global nature of trade and business for domestic entities," said Governance Institute chief executive Megan Motto. “Boards must also realise that as well as being fairer and more representative of the society they operate in and of their workforces, that there is also an increasing resistance to investing in companies with homogeneous boards."

Harder to understand customers

Nicola Wakefield Evans, a director of property company LendLease, investment bank Macquarie Group and life insurer MetLife Australia, said that without directors from diversebackgrounds, Australian companies risked finding it harder to understand their customers, manage international supply chains and attract top talent.

"It is difficult to attract the best people if they can't see themselves reflected at the leadership level," she said. Ms Wakefield Evans also chairs the 30% Club, which campaigns to improve gender diversity on boards.

Boards, she argued, were failing to reflect the multicultural aspect of Australian society. "You have to have organisations governed in a way that reflects the society," Ms Wakefield Evans said.

The study found that although the number of companies with 50 per cent or more women on their board had risen to 20 from 16 over the past 12 months, in 2020 less than half the number of ASX 300 boards had more than 30 per cent female directors. This year 29 ASX 300 companies had no women at all.

The lack of female directors was in spite of their superior qualifications. Watermark Search and the Governance Institute found that 7 per cent of female directors had PhDs, against 4 percent of men, 40 per cent had either an MBA or a masters degree, against 33 per cent of men, and 89 per cent of women directors had an undergraduate degree, compared to 73 per cent of their male counterparts.

Female directors were also far more likely to have formal governance training. "That an individual has dedicated the time, resources and effort to attain a qualification such as an MBA or PhD speaks volumes and adds a huge amount of value to a board," Ms Motto said.

"We know that a combination of both experience and ongoing education is essential for those in both a governance professional role, as well as in the boardroom,"

Ms Wakefield Evans said the difference in education levels could be due to the need for women to be better educated and more experienced to rise up the corporate ladder.

Sally Patten edits BOSS, and writes about workplace issues. She was Financial Services of the Financial Review and Personal Finance editor of the AFR, Age and Sydney Morning Herald. She edited business news for The Times of London. Connect with Sally on Twitter. Email Sally at spatten@afr.com

See: https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/leaders/australian-boards-are-male-and-pale-20200519-p54udk

AALA congratulates Elizabeth Espinosa on her appointment as a Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court

Sat, 09 May 2020 07:32:24 GMT

AALA congratulates Elizabeth Espinosa on her appointment as a Commissioner Public Service Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court

On 6 May 2020 the Chief Judge announced the appointment of a new Commissioner to the Court.

Ms Elizabeth Espinosa has been appointed a Commissioner of the Court from 1 June 2020 for a period of 7 years.

Ms Espinosa's practice as a solicitor spans over 20 years, specialising in local government, planning and environmental law. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Wollongong. Ms Espinosa was admitted as an Australian lawyer in June 1997. Ms Espinosa's experience in the Court is wide-ranging. As a solicitor she has appeared in most classes of jurisdiction of the Land and Environment Court. She has extensive experience in local government and in assessment of development applications. In her previous role as General Counsel at Liverpool City Council she was responsible for providing high level legal services and appearing as legal representative in the Court and provided legal advice for Council and Councillors in relation to local government development applications and dealings.

Ms Espinosa recently has served as the President of the Law Society of NSW, and currently remains a Councillor of the Law Society of NSW. She is also Director of the Corporate Governance Committee of the Law Council of Australia.

See: http://www.lec.justice.nsw.gov.au/

AALA congratulates Kathrina Lo on her appointment as NSW Public Service Commissioner

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 02:23:16 GMT

AALA congratulates Kathrina Lo on her appointment as NSW Public Service Commissioner https://www.themandarin.com.au/130226-kathrina-lo-named-nsw-public-service-commissioner/

AALA congratulates Christine Tran on her elevation to the partnership of HSF

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 02:15:22 GMT

From the daughter of refugees to Freehills partner by Michael Pelly, Legal Affairs editor, Australian Financial Review, 24 Apr, 2020

Christine Tran says her elevation to the partnership of Herbert Smith Freehills this week came as a welcome surprise.

As COVID-19 bore down on the economy and business started to cut costs, the class actions lawyer said she and others felt their prospects of a promotion – at least for this year – fading.

"We were concerned – well I certainly was – that they might change their mind. And I think it would have been quite reasonable for them to have done so," Ms Tran said.

"You're not privy to those decision-making processes, but yeah, I was surprised – and obviously very happy."

The global firm announced that 26 people had been promoted to partner – four more than 2019 – with eight (four men and four women) in Australia. They include head of pro-bono Brooke Massender, who becomes the firm's first pro-bono partner.

Christine Tran draws inspiration from her boat-people parents: "Whatever you're facing, it pales in comparison with what they went through."

Most local firms announce their new partners in June, but it is expected to be slim pickings this year. Minter Ellison, the biggest employer of lawyers in Australia, has already announced that its next round of promotions has been put on hold until January.

HSF's managing partner in Australia, Andrew Pike, said the firm had taken "a long-term view on partner promotions". "We want to make sure that we have the right people to meet our clients’ needs, both now and into the future."

A different Australian dream

Ms Tran is the daughter of Vietnamese parents who escaped by boat as the Vietnam War drew to a close in the mid-1970s. They settled in south-west Sydney and had some basic ambitions for their three children. "The Australian dream was their kids would have an easier life than what they went through,'' Ms Tran said.

As member of the firm's class actions team since she finished her graduate program 10 years ago, Ms Tran has been working on big-ticket cases such as those filed against AMP following the banking royal commission. She joined Freehills as a summer clerk in 2006 and after a two-year graduate program settled on litigation as her practice area. She gravitated to class actions, with part of the lure being that it was a developing area of law. Aside from the fact she is working from home, Ms Tran says "it's pretty much business as usual". "Litigation funders are still busy and looking for cases to invest in."

One of the first calls she made was to her parents – dad was a factory worker for a mining company and mum was a homemaker – but she says they are not overly fussed about her being a lawyer. (She has two younger brothers: a physiotherapist and graphic designer.) "They don't really understand what I do, They think it's nice I get to go to an office."

Ms Tran is proud of the courage they showed to leave their home – on separate journeys – and says it puts her own struggles into perspective. Her father arranged passage, but only on the condition that he brought along women and children who were related to the boat owner. He landed in the Philippines and then caught a plane to Australia. "He only told me the story recently,'' Ms Tran says. "I can't imagine it. He had to go through the cover of night, through a jungle with them and get on a boat ... "I think it helps to give you a bit of courage because whatever you're facing, it pales in comparison with what they went through."

https://www.afr.com/companies/professional-services/from-the-daughter-of-refugees-to-freehills-partner-20200421-p54lxd?fbclid=IwAR0ITN0Z_6oxRwxhzc66Xuir2Z5ltBRZBpCx4GJmUALSjqor2iADUB-WWc0

Former race discrimination commissioner warns anti-Asian racism during coronavirus 'will only get worse'

Sun, 19 Apr 2020 01:51:09 GMT

Former race discrimination commissioner warns anti-Asian racism during corona virus 'will only get worse' https://www.sbs.com.au/news/former-race-discrimination-commissioner-warns-anti-asian-racism-during-coronavirus-will-only-get-worse

Global Law Students’ Association International Students Mooting Competition

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 23:01:01 GMT

The AALA is proud to partner with the Global Law Students’ Association at the University of Melbourne to support the inaugural International Students Mooting Competition. This competition provides an invaluable opportunity for students (particularly international students) to gain both written and oral advocacy experience.

The video of the information session is at https://youtu.be/3MuTivU-E_k, including a short clip from Daniel Nguyen, President of the Victorian branch of the AALA.

For further details and to register for this competition (registrations open at 6 pm on 26 March 2020), please refer to the following For further details and to register for this competition (registrations open at 6 pm on 26 March 2020), please refer to the following link.

AALA responds to COVID-19

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 12:12:15 GMT

Dear AALA Member

AALA responds to COVID-19

Our hearts go out to you and your loved ones.

The harrowing events of the past week have put us and our communities into a series of increasingly stressful situations as a result of the rapid spread of COVID-19.

Our legal judicial system, legal services industry and we in the legal profession are all doing our best to cope with the upheaval caused by COVID-19. We are following the guidance of government at national, state and local levels, our health services, employers and legal industry associations.

What is evident, as we look beyond our locked-down environment, is that as physical face-to-face meetings are curtailed:

the landscape is changing rapidly and evolving to match the unusual and onerous limitations cast upon all of us; and

our use of communication platforms has become vital to staying connected and maintaining our relationships despite the necessity of ‘physical distancing’.

AALA remains a unique part of the legal community. In these trying times, AALA will continue to provide support to Asian-Australian lawyers and law students and those with an interest in Asia. We will now rely, more than ever, on the support of our own AALA network and our friends and colleagues in the broader legal profession and beyond to continue our work.

We are set to launch our National Mentoring program entirely online. Virtual mentoring provides a way in which we can support one another in a time of crisis. Our ample list of volunteer mentors (seasoned barristers and lawyers) are ready to take mentees for this year. We will provide further updates on the launch date and online mentoring workshops soon. Applications are still open via our web site.

We will also be providing support to our Asian student community, particularly international students who face uncertainty, isolation, disruption of studies and potential discrimination. We will endeavour to provide them with a forum to connect, interact, learn and feel safe in the AALA community.

We wish to expand our capacity and ask today, that those who may be able to volunteer in some capacity or have a special skill, knowledge or experience to consider volunteering and e-mail us at membership@aala.org.au.

AALA is gearing up to navigate these very difficult circumstances. We are reviewing our current stream of activities and making plans to introduce initiatives adapted to this new challenging environment. It is paramount for us that you as our members continue to benefit from your involvement with AALA and we will provide you with further announcements shortly.

Unity is strength. Believe in what you can achieve.

Yours faithfully

Kingsley Liu
National President
Asian Australian Lawyers Association

Law in Colour - Seeking Expression of Interest

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 22:29:50 GMT

‘Law in Colour’ is an online space which serves to share, affirm and spotlight the stories of people of colour in the Legal Profession. It is an exploration of experience, and an experiment in representation.

It aims to:

create an online community which values diversity and seeks out new and challenging narratives about race, culture and identity in the Victorian legal profession.
provide a platform for people of colour in the Victorian legal profession to share their thoughts, stories and perspectives on their own experience and the profession as a whole.
engage in a dialogue about the nuances of cultural and linguistic diversity
showcase of the diversity present in our legal community, and play a part in diverse representation in the legal profession.

Be sure to follow along on LinkedIn and Instagram (@lawincolour).

If you or someone you know would be interested in being interviewed, please reach out to Law in Colour at lawincolour@gmail.com.

Applications now open for the AALA Mentoring Program 2020

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:37:45 GMT

Dear Members,

Following the success of the mentoring program in previous years, we are excited to announce the launch of the AALA mentoring program again in 2020.

For more information and application details, please click here.

Applications now open for Liberty Victoria's Rights Advocacy Project's 2020-21 Program

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 01:20:30 GMT

AALA members might be interested in Liberty Victoria's Rights Advocacy Project (RAP) which is recruiting volunteers for our 2020-21 Program!

RAP trains law students and early career lawyers in how to tackle human rights issues, through undertaking a law reform project under the guidance of experts in a number of areas. RAP 2020-21 Program will run for 18 months starting in April, and comprises four different teams:

Criminal Justice
Refugee and Asylum Seeker Rights
Equality and Government Accountability, which will collaborate with the Young Workers Centre
A Regional Team (open to people living or working in regional Victoria)

For more information, please refer to RAP's Recruitment Information Pack:

https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/ZHv9C2xM9QhEXnWRun9FbA?domain=libertyvic.rightsadvocacy.org.au

and submit your application via their online form:

https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/il00C3QN9PcRlLoGfqPdtU?domain=cognitoforms.com

Applications close Sunday 1 March 2020.

Victorian AALA Lunar New Year Dinner 2020

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 23:32:08 GMT

On the 6th of February 2020, members of the Victorian AALA gathered for a Lunar New Year Celebration Dinner at Shark Fin House, Melbourne. The banquet was made complete with a sharing session by special guest His Honour Magistrate Trieu Huynh.

We wish to give special thanks to His Honour Magistrate Trieu Huynh for inspiring our members and sharing his personal journey with us. We congratulate Magistrate Huynh on his appointment to the bench once again.

To those who attended, we hope you enjoyed your night, the banquet and the company. Lastly, we would like to wish everyone a prosperous 2020.

AALA congratulates Ms Wendy Hughes on the announcement of her appointment to the Children’s Court of Western Australia

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 05:27:36 GMT

On 24 December 2019, the Attorney General John Quigley announced the appointment of Ms Wendy Hughes on a permanent basis to the Children’s Court of Western Australia, to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Magistrate Tim Schwass. Ms Hughes was admitted to practice in March 2007 and worked at the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia for a number of years. As a sole practitioner, she has been a sessional Arbitrator at WorkCover WA as well as being a Commissioner for the Liquor Commission. Ms Hughes has significant experience in a broad range of jurisdictions, particularly criminal law. She has a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws from The University of Western Australia. She will take up her appointment on 3 February 2020.

Ms Hughes was a valued committee member of the AALA WA Branch from October 2018 until December 2019, and the head of the Events subcommittee. AALA congratulates Ms Hughes on her appointment.

https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2019/12/New-appointments-to-the-Childrens-Court-announced.aspx

Victorian Lunar New Year Event 2020

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 22:00:00 GMT

The Victorian AALA wishes you and your family a prosperous Year of the Rat in advance. May this year bring you good luck, good health, and abundance of joy and success. We have the honour of having His Honour Magistrate Trieu Huynh as our guest speaker.

Mr Huynh was appointed a Magistrate in December 2019 and currently sits at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court. Prior to this, he was Program Manager of Indictable Crime at Victoria Legal Aid where he was responsible for the high quality practice of serious legally aided criminal law matters. He started his career at the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions, undertaking his articles of clerkship in 2005, and was admitted the following year. He continued to work at the OPP as a Solicitor Advocate until 2009. He is an LIV Accredited Criminal Law Specialist and was on the LIV Criminal Law Section Executive Committee prior to his appointment.

Come join us in ushering the Year of the Rat with a scrumptious dinner on 6th February, RSVP now on http://www.aala.org.au/event-3704512/Registration to not miss out! Hope to see you then!

AALA congratulates Mr Trieu Huynh on the announcement of his appointment to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 00:17:54 GMT

On 3 December, 2019 the Andrews Labor Government announced the appointment of Mr Trieu Huynh to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria. Mr Huynh was admitted to legal practice in 2006 and started his legal career as an articled clerk at the Office of Public Prosecutions in 2005 before moving overseas. Upon his return, he took up a Criminal Law position at Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) and has been a Program Manager at VLA since 2015. Mr Huynh has worked on a range of complex cases including homicides, sex offences and Commonwealth matters. He has a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University. He will take up his appointment on 20 January 2020.

AALA congratulates Mr Huynh on his appointment. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-appointments-to-the-magistrates-court-3/

2019 EOY PARTY CELEBRATING MULTICULTURALISM AND DIVERSITY AND FOCUSING ON MENTAL WELL BEING IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 21:42:37 GMT

2019 EOY CELEBRATING MULTICULTURALISM AND DIVERSITY AND FOCUSING ON MENTAL WELL BEING IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION !

Presented by: African Australian Legal Network; Asian Australian Lawyers Association; Australian Italian Lawyers Association; French Australian Lawyers Society; Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association; and North American Australian Lawyers Alliance Donations will be made to Looma Community Incorporated

DECEMBER 10, TUESDAY DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM

WWW.TRYBOOKING.COM/574491 VENUE: LAW INSTITUTE OF VICTORIA

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wc8i4h4jqb9s5av/New%20Year's%20Countdown%20Party%20Holiday%20Poster%20v1.3.pdf?dl=0

Cultivating Self – Appreciation: Being Your Own Best Friend Experiment

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 05:56:12 GMT

On 12 November 2019, the Victorian AALA held a session on “Cultivating Self-Appreciation” in conjunction with Peace Lab, generously hosted and sponsored by Bank of Melbourne. The session focused on rewiring participants’ minds and brains to overcome the negativity bias often said to be ingrained by both the legal profession and Asian cultural background, with the aim of moving away from being our own worst enemies and towards being our own best friends. Thanks to Elva Zhang for running this session and Bank of Melbourne for providing a fantastic venue.

Court Advocacy Series: The Trial - Preparation, a Trial plan, and the Language of the Trial by Judge Philip Misso

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 01:33:36 GMT

On 7 November 2019, the Hon. Judge Philip Misso, Judge in Charge of the Common Law Division of the County Court of Victoria, presented on the topic of “The Trial – Preparation, a Trial plan and the Language of the Trial”, in the third installment of the Court Advocacy Series run by the Victorian Asian Australian Lawyers Association and Maurice Blackburn.

His Honour emphasised:

the importance of preparing early and comprehensively, as factual circumstances may change such that crucial evidence is not available at a later date;
the need for a trial plan to break down a case into its fundamental elements, identify the questions to be answered, shortcomings of the case and evidence required, and facilitate prioritisation of tasks to be completed in the lead-up to trial;
that in opening, the case to be put (including the facts, relevant legal principles and application thereof) should be summarised in a concise and pithy manner, to allow the judge to focus on pertinent material when presented in further detail thereafter;
that in making applications, it is advisable to get to the point and explain what is being sought, why it should be granted and set out the evidentiary basis; and
that the language of the trial varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but can be learned by careful consideration of the relevant authorities.

His Honour also acknowledged that different styles of communication and advocacy can be effective, so long as you get to the point in terms of stating what you want, why you want it and what legal principles and evidence you rely on in support.

We thank His Honour for his time, expertise and support, and Maurice Blackburn for collaborating with AALA for this series.

Victorian AALA 2019 Diwali Event

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 00:06:18 GMT

The Victorian AALA celebrated Diwali on 23 October 2019 with festive treats, a dance performance by the AALA committee and a banquet feast.

We hope those who attended found inspiration and insights about cultural diversity as elaborated by our esteemed guest speaker, Miss Priya Serrao (Miss Universe Australia). Her speech highlighted her upbringing being a migrant family and the obstacles faced whilst moving to a new country. She also spoke about her passion and contribution towards cultural diversity.

Molina Asthana, the national Vice President spoke about Diwali which is a festival in the Hindu Culture as signifying good over evil and light over darkness. it is celebrated with lighting earthen lamps, fire crackers, buying metallic objects, new clothes, exchanging gifts and eating a lot of Indian sweets.

For members who celebrated this festivity, we hope you had a Happy Diwali and may there be abundant blessings of victory, freedom and enlightenment.

If you have not yet done so, now is the time to renew your membership for the 2019- 2020 financial year. As a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers, it is only with your support that we can continue in our efforts to promote cultural diversity in the Australian legal profession.

You can renew online through our website aala.org.au by logging in using the button at the top right of the web page. If you don't know your password, you can reset your password at http://aala.org.au/Sys/ResetPasswordRequest.

If you are not yet an AALA member, please be sure to sign up at http://aala.org.au/page-18087.

For any queries about membership please email us at info@aala.org.au.

Beyond Diversity - The Next Step

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 05:29:22 GMT

Going beyond the accepted merits of diversity and challenging the status quo by shifting personal mental paradigms and bringing more inclusive cultural practices to the legal profession was a key message of the ‘Beyond Diversity – the Next Step’ event hosted by Muslim Legal Network (MLN) and the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) on Tuesday, 8th October 2019.

Together with Jane Lee from the ABC, the distinguished panel consisting of Special Counsel Cynthia Anandajayasekeram from Ashurst, Fatmir Badali of Counsel from Victorian Bar and Judicial Registrar Tuan Van Le from the Federal Court of Australia, shared their intimate and personal experiences and perspectives on how our own mentality can drive us forward in the face of perceived or actual bias and standards. If you missed the live event, you can tune in to the upcoming broadcast of Radio National’s – the Law Report. Stay connected with us to find out more soon!

Our special thanks go to Ashurst, Melbourne Lawyers & Medications, Australian multicultural foundation, Russell Kennedy Lawyers and the ABC for their support of the event.

Photo Credits: Sebastian Correa

Are you your own Best Friend or your Worst Enemy?

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 00:35:46 GMT

AALA has partnered with the Bank of Melbourne to offer members a free workshop on Tuesday 12 November 2019 at 5.30pm, “Cultivating Self-Appreciation: Being Your Own Best Friend Experiment” conducted by Elva Zhang from Peace Lab.

Lawyers are known for being "perfectionists" and "self-critical". Yet, excessive negative self-talk or criticism are not only counterproductive, but could result in undesired effects on our sense of self-worth and confidence.

If we could not be our best support, our own cheerleader, who can?

Come and join us at this workshop - "Being Your Own Best Friend Experiment", which was specially curated for lawyers by another lawyer - Elva who works as legal counsel for a Melbourne-based international shipping line. This experiential and engaging workshop was born out of Elva’s own struggle of overcoming her negative self-talk, and is designed to empower others to engage in more productive self-reflection and self-encouragement.

Through a fun yet sometimes surprisingly challenging mindfulness game, you will discover how connected and supportive you are to yourself. Then you can make an intentional choice for positive change from inside out.

We look forward to seeing you there! You can RSVP for the event here.

“William Ah Ket’s contribution to diversity in the legal profession” Presentation by The Hon Susan Kiefel AC, Chief Justice of Australia

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 00:45:18 GMT

“William Ah Ket’s contribution to diversity in the legal profession”; William Ah Ket Scholarship Presentation by The Hon Susan Kiefel AC, Chief Justice of Australia, Asian Australian Lawyers Association, Great Hall, High Court of Australia, 9 October 2019

http://www.hcourt.gov.au/assets/publications/speeches/current-justices/kiefelj/KiefelCJ9Oct2019.pdf

AALA (Qld) & JATL - Lessons in Diversity: A Lecture

Reimen Hii — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 09:10:27 GMT

The AALA (Qld) branch is proud to partner with the Justice and the Law (JATL) at the University of Queensland to present the JATL's first formal lecture and the 2019 launch of the 'Pandora's Box' academic journal.

Date: Thursday 24 October 2019
Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm
Location: Banco Court, Supreme Court of Queensland
415 George Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Cost: $5.20 (Students) & $25.80 (Professionals)

The lecture will be presented by Catherine Chiang, AALA (Qld) secretary and a barrister at Wilberforce Chambers in Brisbane. The theme of this year’s journal is ‘Identity in the Law’. The journal canvasses issues such as the gendered view of domestic violence law and rape law, and the same sex marriage plebiscite.

The aim of Pandora’s Box is to open up academic discussion of legal, social and political issues to a broader audience. This is achieved by featuring interviews, articles and book reviews from distinguished judges, academics, and practitioners.

Registrations and further information are available at: http://www.jatl.org/jatl-lecture

Winner of William Ah Ket Scholarship 2019 announced

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 00:43:52 GMT

A Victorian lawyer has been named this year’s winner of the William Ah Ket Scholarship.

Tienyi Long, a legal and governance officer at Glen Eira City Council in Melbourne, was awarded the scholarship for her essay on how equal justice can be achieved for diverse communities in a multifaceted and complex society. Tienyi’s essay examines how the legal profession can become better equipped to respond to diverse clients.

Tienyi received the award from High Court Chief Justice The Honourable Susan Kiefel AC at an event held on Wednesday evening in the Great Hall of the High Court in Canberra.

Sydney graduate lawyer Sandra Hu and Melbourne graduate Amy Pereira were named as runners up.

This year marks the third year of the William Ah Ket Scholarship, an initiative of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA). The scholarship is named after William Ah Ket, who in 1904 became the first Australian barrister of Chinese origin. It is sponsored by Maddocks, where William Ah Ket was an articled clerk in 1903.

The winner of the scholarship receives $6,000, while the runners up receive $1,000 each.

The winning paper was chosen by a panel of judges:

The Honourable Joshua Wilson, Justice of the Family Court of Australia
The Honourable Helen Murrell, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Australian Capital Territory
Professor Sally Wheeler OBE, Dean of ANU College of Law
Patrick Ibbotson, Partner, Maddocks

AALA National President Kingsley Liu congratulated Tienyi on her successful essay.

‘This year saw the highest number of expressions of interest and the highest number of essays submitted in the scholarship’s history,’ Kingsley said.

‘The scope and quality of the essays were outstanding and the judges had an incredibly difficult job of deciding the winner from the shortlisted finalists.’

The papers will be published on the AALA website in due course.

NSW Branch - Women in Law: Lean in Event Wrap-up

Wai Kaey Soon — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 22:55:44 GMT

On Tuesday 17 September 2019, the NSW Branch of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association in collaboration with Clayton Utz proudly hosted a special breakfast panel event - Women in Law: Lean In. This was the fourth event in AALA's inaugural Diversity Series 2019.

Coordinated by AALA NSW Committee Member, Stefanie Cheong, Lawyer, Clayton Utz and moderated by award-winning mentor and advocate, Jennifer Harris, Special Counsel, Clayton Utz, the event welcomed an impressive panel:

§ Kounny Rattley, Partner, Clayton Utz;

§ Keshni Maharaj, Special Counsel (Partner from 1 January 2020), Clayton Utz; and

§ Erika Aligno, Advocate at Inner City Legal Centre, Content Manager and Freelance Content Producer.

Warmly opened by Ken Saurajen, Partner and cultural diversity lead at Clayton Utz, the partnership with AALA reaffirmed the firm’s strong commitment to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace for its people.

The AALA NSW Secretary, Marija Yelavich, provided a welcome on behalf of AALA. The theme of the morning was “Lean In”, promoting AALA’s commitment to intersectional diversity and the key message: humans must lean in to support each other…by openly sharing our stories, struggles and journey, we lean in. We learn that we are in fact not alone!

Jennifer openly and warmly shared her own personal story about being a working parent, whilst navigating and excelling in her legal career. As special guest, NSW Law Society President, Elizabeth Espinosa, noted, the panel also discussed the importance of flexible working arrangements and the important role that partners, such as husbands, have played, in particular when choosing to be the stay-at-home parent in the relationship.

Discussing key themes such as mental health and healthy relationships in both the professional and personal context, the panel’s key pieces of take-aways for the audience were as follows:

§ Kounny:

o Take ownership and control of your career. I was hardworking but was otherwise quite passive when it came to my career and didn't think or plan too much when it came to the bigger picture. However I learnt that you need to not be passive and take control.

§ Erika:

o If it [your career] doesn’t feel right, make sure you have something on the side so when you’re ready, you will have that skillset.

o Know when to rest: this will be the time to ask questions. You can work hard, but you need to rest. And also know when to quit.

§ Keshni:

o Embrace and cherish your networks. While your ‘professional network’ is important, those who support you personally are those who you need to cherish. Also build your internal, ‘at-work’ network and support each other. This really helps with building resilience in your legal career.

§ Jennifer:

o Law can be an isolating career if you let it. Connect with your community. It is worth putting the time and effort in building your own sense of belonging to pave the way for a rewarding and sustainable career.

Sharing their stories with a room filled with all genders, the panel acknowledged and paid tribute to the history of sacrifice and resilience that made today possible. AALA acknowledges and pays tribute to the recent passing of The Hon. Jane Matthews AO. Without the leadership of such women, the legal profession would not be what we celebrate today. Whilst we must continue to push for change, welcome diversity and lean in, this event was a true testament to how important it is to understand that we are not the first, we will not be the last and as one woman rises, we all rise.

AALA & QLS - Young professionals networking evening

Reimen Hii — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 08:10:28 GMT

The AALA (Qld) branch is proud to partner with the Queensland Law Society to host a professionals networking evening for lawyers, business and accounting professionals.

Date: Wednesday 23 October 2019
Time: 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Location: Mrs Browns Bar and Kitchen
32 Commercial Road, Newstead QLD 4006
Cost: $35 for AALA

Join us for a relaxed night of networking with like-minded people from CA ANZ, the Legal Forecast, Pride in the Law and the Asian Australian Lawyers Association - you'll not only meet other young legal professionals but also young business and accounting professionals.

The event will be a fantastic opportunity to build connections and your network. Drinks and canapes will be provided.

AALA members are entitled to a concession rate of $35 (non-QLS, AALA, Pride in the Law, and TLF members cost is $55).

Registrations and further information are available at: www.services.qls.com.au/web/eventscalendar/event_display.aspx?EventKey=BU1204

We hope to see you there!

AALA Congratulates New NSW Silk Appointments

Wai Kaey Soon — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 11:24:34 GMT

Asian Australian Lawyers’ Association would like to congratulate all successful applicants for Silk in New South Wales for 2019. AALA would also like to specifically congratulate the following two successful applicants:

David Wai Mun Chin, of 5 Wentworth Chambers; and
Tiffany Wong, of Banco Chambers.

Asian Australian Lawyers Association is an organisation dedicated to increasing and celebrating cultural diversity in the law.

Beyond Diversity - The Next Step

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 06:41:38 GMT

Seeking diversity in the legal profession is just the beginning. What’s next? The Asian Australian Lawyers Association and Muslim Legal Network are teaming up to find out.

Join the ABC’s Jane Lee and a distinguished panel of legal professionals as we go beyond the established merits of diversity in the profession and tackle how and why we facilitate inclusive practices, including managing cultural differences and tokenism and exploring practical ways for you and your workplace to lead positive change beyond diversity.

The event will be held on Tuesday, 8th October 2019 at Level 26/ 181 William Street Melbourne VIC 3000 from 6pm to 8pm. The event is free for all AALA and MLN members. Please register your attendance here, as tickets are limited. Please RSVP by 1st October 2019.

This event is proudly supported by Ashurst, Melbourne Lawyers and Mediators, Australian Multicultural Foundation and Russell Kennedy.

Last chance to complete the VLSBC sexual harassment survey (closing at midnight on Monday, 9th of September)

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 00:37:10 GMT

The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSBC) – the primary regulator of the legal profession in Victoria – has commissioned the market research firm Ipsos to conduct a state-wide survey looking at the prevalence and nature of sexual harassment in Victoria’s legal workplaces.

The survey is open to lawyers as well as non-lawyers working in legal workplaces in Victoria. It is also open to former lawyers and others who have previously worked in the legal sector. It is important for the VLSBC to hear directly from people who have experienced, witnessed or heard about sexual harassment in Victoria’s legal sector.

The survey will close at midnight on Monday 9 September 2019.

All Victorian lawyers with a current practising certificate have been emailed a unique link to the survey, to the email address they provided to VLSBC when renewing their practising certificates.

Everyone else who is currently working (or has worked) in a legal workplace in Victoria, and clients of Victorian lawyers can access the ‘open’ link to the survey.

The results of the survey will help VLSBC gain an accurate and comprehensive understanding of sexual harassment in the profession and the wider legal workforce in Victoria, and inform VLSBC’s response to this issue.

The survey should take about 10-25 minutes of your time. All responses are anonymous and will be kept strictly confidential.

If you have any questions, please call VLSBC on 03 9679 8001. For more information about the survey click here.

Deakin Law Students’ Society - Diversity in Law Panel

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 05:45:43 GMT

Kelvin Ng, AALA (Vic) Committee Member, spoke as a panelist at the ‘Diversity in Law Panel’ held by the Deakin Law Students’ Society on 29 August 2019. The other panelists were Ella Van Der Schans, President of Victorian Women Lawyers, Jared Heath, Chair of Pride - Corrs Network Steering Committee, and Natsuko Ogawa, Head of the All - Ashurst network.

The panelists engaged in an insightful discussion regarding the importance and benefits of diversity, under-representation of diverse groups, improvements and future challenges, and how students can meaningfully contribute.

Thank you Deakin Law Students’ Society for holding the event and Kelvin and the panelists for speaking.

#aalaeventsmelb #diversity #inclusion #culturaldiversity

Victoria AALA Speed Networking Event on 22nd Aug 2019

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 00:03:30 GMT

On 22 August 2019, Asian Australian Lawyers Association (Vic) were delighted to hold its Speed Networking event with the support of RC & Co Lawyers.

Rochelle Castro, principal solicitor of RC & Co Lawyers introduced guest speaker Tuanh Nguyen, immediate past AALA National President and current PWC Legal Director.

Tuanh spoke of the value of networking as a way of investing in relationships in a genuine and meaningful way. She provided helpful reflections on her approach to networking and its impact on her career pathway.

Each pair of participants had 4 minutes to get to know one another before rotating to the next person. It was a fantastic opportunity to bring together legal professionals of our membership who are in different stages of their careers.

Special thanks to Tuanh for her continued support and RC & Co Lawyers for holding the event at its offices and providing canapes and refreshments on the night.

Thank you to everyone for making the event a successful one!

AALA (Qld) & QLS - Panel CPD: Supporting Diversity in the Legal Profession

Reimen Hii — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 22:18:19 GMT

On Wednesday 18 September 2019, the Asian Australian Lawyers Association & the Queensland Law Society are proud to be jointly presenting a CPD on creating and supporting diversity in the legal profession, to encourage employees to "bring their authentic selves to work" and further the business case on cultural diversity in the law.

A panel of employers, employees and recruiters will share the lessons they have learned and practical steps you can take as an employer, employee and legal professional to encourage and support diversity in the legal profession.

Registration for QLS members, and AALA is free.

A program with more details, and registration is available at: https://services.qls.com.au/web/eventscalendar/event_display.aspx?EventKey=BU1387

Enforce Your Judgments in South Korea - Comparative Research on Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments and Global Updates

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 04:11:35 GMT

On 5 August 2019, Asian Australian Lawyers Association (Vic) and the Asian Law Centre at Melbourne Law School held a presentation by Judge Injun Hwang on “Enforce Your Judgement in South Korea”. Judge Hwang shared his insights and research about recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in the Republic of Korea. This was covered in four parts: the scope of the application, procedure for the enforcement in Korea, substantive requisites of the enforcement, and analysis of Korean Courts’ Decision.

Judge Hwang was later joined by Professor Richard Garnett from Melbourne University to compare the Australian and South Korean regimes and the importance of the Hague Convention in this area.

Thank you Judge Hwang and Asian Law Centre for collaborating with AALA (Vic).

40 Under 40 Awards

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 00:46:59 GMT

As part of the upcoming Asian-Australian Leadership Summit (AALS) on September 12-13 in Melbourne, ANU, PwC Australia and Asialink, alongside Johnson Partners will be presenting the inaugural 40 Under 40: Most Influential Asian-Australian Awards.

The awards will recognise exceptional young Asian-Australian leaders in their fields. The Awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of the next generation of Asian-Australians, making them more visible in the wider community and to provide a stepping stone to further leadership opportunities. The young leaders will have track records of making a significant contribution to their community, industry and driving Australia’s engagement with Asia. For more details about the awards categories, criteria and nomination process, click here.

Applications close on Wednesday 7 August at 5pm AEST.

NextGen Dialogue

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 00:42:55 GMT

Do you identify yourself as an Asian-Australian? Are you between the ages of 18 to 40? Do you believe that Asian-Australians should be better represented at senior leadership levels in Australia? Would you like to become a voice and advocate to help make a difference? If so, we encourage you to register for the upcoming Asian-Australian Leadership Summit’s (AALS) NextGen Dialogue on 12 September, 2019 at the State Library of Victoria.

Part of the wider AALS, the NextGen Dialogue is a session specifically developed for Asian-Australians aged 18-40 years old. Comprising of panel discussions, networking opportunities and an interactive workshop, the NextGen Dialogue will offer selected and invited participants’ opportunities to develop relevant insights, skills and networks to become leaders and advocates in their workplace.

For further information and to register your attendance, click here.

Vic AALA Speed Networking Event

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 02:45:55 GMT

All Victorian members, please join us for a fun, structured and relaxed opportunity to meet a broad range of senior and junior members of the legal profession.

Participants will rotate in quick succession so that each person gets the chance to engage one on one with as many people as possible. For each rotation, participants will have a set time of approximately 10 minutes each to introduce themselves and learn more about the other person, making speed networking highly efficient.

Event details are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 22 August 2019
Time: 5.30pm registration for 6.00 start until 8.00pm
Venue: RC & Co Lawyers, Level 40, 140 William Street, Melbourne
Cost: Free for members

If you're interested, please RSVP by 15th August 2019 via our website

Judicial Diversity in Australia Panel Discussion - 1 August 2019

Reimen Hii — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 04:09:33 GMT

The President and Committee of the Queensland branch of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association Inc. (AALA) are delighted to invite you to our inaugural panel discussion on judicial diversity in Australia with:

the Hon. Justice Anthe Philippides, Justice of Appeal, Supreme Court of Queensland
his Honour Judge Craig Chowdhury, Judge of the District Court of Queensland
Magistrate Anthony Gett, Magistrate of the Magistrates Court of Queensland
Magistrate Melanie Ho, Magistrate of the Magistrates Court of Queensland

to be followed by closing remarks from the Hon. Chief Justice Catherine Holmes, Chief Justice of Queensland. Drinks and canapés will be served prior to 6.00pm and following the panel discussion.

Registrations are essential as spaces are strictly limited. Please register at http://www.aala.org.au/event-3458239. Please contact qld@aala.org.au if you have any questions or issues.

The AALA gratefully acknowledge the support provided by Corrs Chambers Westgarth in hosting this event.

March Of The Women With Habeas Chorus & Lawchestra

Sun, 16 Jun 2019 13:10:55 GMT

March Of The Women With Habeas Chorus & Melbourne Lawyers' Orchestra (Lawchestra)

Saturday, July 6, 2019

7:00 PM 8:30 PM

Werner Brodbeck Hall (The Assembly Hall Building, Scots' Church) (map)

A celebration of diversity through the music of female composers who have historically been under-represented and under-performed. This concert features works from the 1800's through to the modern era by women of diverse cultural backgrounds. Through this concert, a connection is drawn with the ongoing work being done, and that must continue to be done, to promote diversity in the legal industry. See: https://www.bottledsnail.com/events Tickets are available at https://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/marchofthewomen.

For further information contact, Aimee Nguyen, Manager, Lawchestra; 0415 546 333; aimee.nguyen@bottledsnail.com

Court Advocacy Series: Interlocutory Advocacy with Judicial Registrars My Anh Tran & Sharon Burchell

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 00:28:26 GMT

Victorian Asian Australian Lawyers Association and Maurice Blackburn held its second instalment of the Court Advocacy Series on 30 May 2019. County Court Commercial Division Judicial Registrars Sharon Burchell and My Anh Tran presented on interlocutory advocacy.

We were treated to a behind-the-scenes perspective of the Judicial Registrars who provided invaluable tips on oral and written interlocutory advocacy as well as negotiation. It was an information-rich session which covered a substantial amount of practical content in a very concise, engaging and accessible way.

Their Honours said that promoting cultural diversity in the law is something that is close to their hearts. We thank them for their ongoing support and are delighted to announce that AALA member Gillian Lee is the successful applicant to undertake an internship in the County Court Commercial Division with the Judicial Registrars.

We look forward to the next part of the Court Advocacy Series.

Special thanks to Judicial Registrars Burchell and Tran, as well as Jenny Tran and the team at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers for jointly holding the event with AALA Victoria.

ABA inaugural international conference in Singapore - 11-12 July 2019

Wed, 29 May 2019 07:40:08 GMT

The Australian Bar Association is holding its first international conference in Singapore, on 11-12 July 2019 entitled Convergence: the world-class conference for litigators

At a time of both significant challenge and opportunity, Australia’s legal profession embraces its future with Asia.

The carefully curated conference program will explore a range of commercial law and litigation topics and include sessions delivered by inspiring senior members of the legal profession and business sector along with the latest developments in practice development.

Delegates will engage in ground-breaking discussion and return to practice with quantifiable skills.

This is an exciting opportunity for like-minded professionals to engage with international colleagues – forging meaningful connections. In addition to an excellent and inspiring educational program, there will be an outstanding social, accompanying partner, and family program catering to those visiting Singapore specifically for the conference and for those passing through on the way to or from another destination.

Featured Speakers include the Hon Susan Kiefel AC, Chief Justice, High Court of Australia and the Hon Sundaresh Menon, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Singapore

For more information visit:

https://convergence2019.com.au/

The William Ah Ket Scholarship Launch 2019

Fri, 24 May 2019 02:15:34 GMT

The William Ah Ket Scholarship was officially launched at the Chinese Museum in Melbourne on Wednesday night (22 May 2019). It was great to hear from Jane Lee, reporter at the ABC (as moderator), Blossom Ah Ket, descendant of William Ah Ket (in whose honour the Scholarship is named), Mark Wang, Deputy Chairman of the Chinese Museum, and Kingsley Liu, National President of the AALA.

Thanks to all those who attended, including William Ah Ket’s family members, members of the judiciary, presidents of other associations and prominent members of educational institution.

The Scholarship involves writing a paper on a topic relating to equality, diversity and the law, and is open for expressions of interest until Friday 31 May 2019. For those who are interested in submitting an expression of interest, please do so here.

The ‘One Million Stories’ exhibition is open for viewing at the Chinese Museum in Melbourne. To listen to Jane Lee’s podcast (on ABC) about William Ah Ket please go here.

The Case that changed me - Kingsley Liu, May edition of the NSW LSJ

Mon, 13 May 2019 01:54:26 GMT

The road for our cultural diversity may actually be unplanned but a cohesive journey with other parallel travellers. What started as a simple council development application to build a local prayer hall in Kemps Creek snowballed into a politically charged litigation fought in the media and the court room. Kingsley Liu tells Melissa Coade how his pro bono work for a small Indian Islamic community led him to represent other important human rights causes. See: https://www.dropbox.com/s/5ei9obi76n8vtn5/The%20case%20that%20changed%20me.pdf?dl=0

The article appeared in Issue 55 Law Society Journal, May 2019 at p 66

Court Advocacy Series: Interlocutory Advocacy with Judicial Registrars My Anh Tran & Sharon Burchell

Mon, 06 May 2019 23:21:15 GMT

We are honoured to present the next installment of Victorian AALA and Maurice Blackburn Lawyers' Court Advocacy series. This event will feature County Court Judicial Registrars My Anh Tran and Sharon Burchell sharing their knowledge on interlocutory advocacy.

The event details are as follows:
Time: 5.15pm for 5.30pm start of presentation
Date: Thursday, 30 May 2019
Venue: Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, Level 21 Boardroom, 380 La Trobe Street, Melbourne

There will be no cost to attend for AALA members and Maurice Blackburn guests.
Refreshments will be provided for networking after presentation.

Please refer to the event flyer for more information.

RSVP by Thursday 23 May 2019 via vicrsvp@mauriceblackburn.com.au or call Jessica Ogilvie at (03) 8792 7102.

The William Ah Ket Scholarship Launch 2019

Wed, 01 May 2019 23:30:11 GMT

The AALA and Maddocks are pleased to invite you to attend the launch event of the William Ah Ket Scholarship 2019 on 22 May 2019 to be held at The Chinese Museum, 22 Cohen Place, Melbourne. To register your attendance, please visit www.aala.org.au/event-3370351

You will have the opportunity to view the Chinese Museum exhibition ‘One Million Stories’ which will include William Ah Ket’s story.

The William Ah Ket Scholarship is an annual scholarship of $6,000 to be awarded to the applicant who produces the most outstanding research paper on a topic dealing with equality, diversity and the legal profession or law. There is also a prize of $1,000 each for the authors of two shortlisted papers.

An initiative of the AALA and sponsored by law firm Maddocks, the Scholarship is designed to recognise the historical contribution of William Ah Ket to the legal profession as the first Asian Australian barrister in Australia.

Please visit www.aala.org.au for more information about the William Ah Ket Scholarship 2019 and how to apply.

We hope you can join us at the launch.

Finger food and drinks will be served.

Cultural Diversity in the Law with Chief Judge Peter Kidd by Australian Intercultural Society as part of Law Week moderated by Molina Asthana, V-P of AALA

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 02:38:49 GMT

As part of Law Week, His Honour Chief Judge Kidd of the County Court of Victoria will speak about the legal community’s burgeoning diversity, with increasing numbers of practitioners coming from different ethnic backgrounds. Even though this diversity is seen in practitioners it is yet to be appropriately reflected on the bench. The Chief Judge will talk about the strides made thus far to accomodate the diverse legal community; the challenges that lie ahead and the cost to our legal system if the bench does not reflect the diverse society in which we live.

Event title: Cultural Diversity in the Law

Date and time: Monday, May 13, 2019 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Venue: Australian Intercultural Society, Suite 2, 441 St Kilda Rd, MELBOURNE, VIC 3004

His Honour Judge Kidd has been Chief Judge of the County Court of Victoria since 28 September 2015 and previously was Senior Crown Prosecutor, Senior Counsel, Solicitor for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and an International Prosecutor at the War Crimes Chamber of the State Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The event will be moderated by Molina Asthana, Vice President of the National Executive of the AALA and principal of Swarup Asthana Lawyers, practicing in commercial law. Molina has worked at top tier firms and at the Victorian Government Solicitor's Office. She has also received multiple awards for her work championing cultural diversity, including the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence in 2014 and 2016.

The event is organized by Australian Intercultural Society (AIS), a not for profit organisation operating in Melbourne since 2000 with the aims of promoting multiculturalism and fostering intercultural and interfaith dialogue. The event is free but bookings are essential. A light lunch with coffee and tea will be offered.

For more information on the event go to: https://lawweek.net.au/event/cultural-diversity-in-the-law/ or contact AIS on 03 9867 2248 or info@intercultural.org.au.

Tickets can be booked at: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/cultural-diversity-in-the-law-with-chief-judge-peter-kidd-registration-59863860418

AALA's message of condolence following the tragic events in Sri Lanka

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 10:38:21 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association is deeply saddened by the dreadful acts of violence in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday which took the lives of over 300 children, women and men, and injured many more, in two churches in Negombo and Batticaloa, and at several major hotels and other locations in and around Colombo. The tragic and senseless acts have occurred in a country that has already suffered so much tragedy over the last decades.

The Association hopes that our members' families and friends are safe; we extend our heartfelt thoughts and wishes to the victims and sincere condolences to the victim’s families, friends and community.

Diversity Council Australia - Anna McPhee Memorial Oration on Diversity and Inclusion to be delivered by AALA Patron, the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG on 29 May, 2019 at Zinc, Fed Square

Sat, 20 Apr 2019 09:38:33 GMT

The Anna McPhee Memorial Oration on Diversity and Inclusion is to be delivered by the former High Court Judge and leading Australian Jurist, and AALA patron, the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, who will ask: ‘Has the time at last come for Australia to embrace a national Bill of Rights?’. The event will be held on Wednesday, 29 May 2019 at 11:30am to 2:30pm at Zinc, Fed Square for more information, see: https://www.dca.org.au/event/279 and to book https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=475266&

Shiva Pillai appointed as a Victorian Magistrate

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 06:54:47 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association congratulates Shiva Pillai upon his appointment as a Victorian Magistrate (commencing 30 April, 2019). Shiva Pillai was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1999. He signed the Bar Roll on 22 Nov 2007 appearing in all jurisdictions and was an experienced criminal law advocate. Prior to coming to the Bar he practiced in criminal law for six years with Victoria Legal Aid and prior to that as a commercial litigator for four years. For further information, see: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/two-new-magistrates-appointed/

Experience at law school as a student of an Asian Australian background

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 09:47:24 GMT

Australia, arguably being one of the most multicultural countries at this day and age, is populated with people from dozens of countries around the globe. Naturally, there are diverse ethnic and cultural groups present in our society, writes Sian Hur.

https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/careers/25352-experience-at-law-school-as-a-student-of-an-asian-australian-background

AALA (Qld) supporting the 2019 Queensland Legal Walk

Reimen Hii — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 00:46:56 GMT

The AALA Qld branch is proud to support LawRight Inc’s Queensland Legal Walk as part of Law Week 2019.

Date: Tuesday 14 May 2019
Time: 6:30am for 7am start
Locations: Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville and Mackay.

The Queensland Legal Walk unites communities to walk together and raise vital funds to ensure all Queenslanders have access to the legal system. The walk in Brisbane will be led by the Hon. Catherine Holmes, Chief Justice of Queensland, and the Hon. Yvette D’Ath MP, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Training and Skills.

The AALA Qld branch will be organising teams of walkers in Brisbane, and Cairns.

If you would like to join one of the AALA’s teams, you can do so by clicking the join team button at https://2019queenslandlegalwalk.everydayhero.com/au/aala-qld. You can also make a donation to the team or individual team members if you are unable to join the Walk.

The fundraising efforts will help LawRight continue to assist vulnerable individuals to access justice, and help remove the barriers to justice that reinforce poverty and exclusion.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing friends, colleagues and supporters at the 2019 Queensland Legal Walk!

Please contact qld@aala.org.au if you have any questions or issues about joining AALA’s teams.

NSW Branch - Opening of Law Term Event 2019

Wai Kaey Soon — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 03:36:37 GMT

On Thursday 28 February 2019, the NSW Branch of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association marked the commencement of the Law Term by celebrating Females to the Front. Hosted by Baker McKenzie, this event welcomed NSW Law Society President, Elizabeth Espinosa and AALA National Vice President, Molina Asthana to launch the 2019 Law Term on a path of strength, humility and inclusiveness.

Opened by Baker McKenzie’s Gillian Woon and hosted by Lawyer’s Weekly 2017 Female Student of the Year and AALA NSW Secretary, Marija Yelavich, the event embraced the many brilliant hats we all wear: we are parents, sons and daughters. We are partners, the wedding ring-kind and the bossy, sign your pay cheques-kind. We are solicitors, barristers, students and academics. We identify with the binary and fluidity of gender and sexuality. We know multiple languages and overcome the daily beauty and challenges of living in a connected city like Sydney. The message was clear: we are diverse and we have to continue to help the legal profession from the inside out.

Special guest speaker and trailblazer, Molina Asthana shared with the audience of over 50 guests, her personal story from studying and practising in India to transferring her life and practice to Australia. Molina emphasised that we must continue to push for change in the leadership echelons- welcoming more diversity is not only imperative to reflect the demographic but is a decision that benefits the entire workforce and community.

The audience’s response to the keynote speaker Elizabeth Espinosa’s story showed how valuable and cherished storytelling is. The legal profession has moved beyond diversity as a set of statistics and we want your story: we want to learn, develop empathy and grow in our common understanding. This touched on the key purpose of AALA: an association that advocates for intersectional diversity, a network of shared values and experiences whose common goal is to advocate for cultural equity and equality. Espinosa made a poignant statement: the Law is as expressive as it is disciplined. Diversity is a help. Not a hindrance. AALA welcomes Espinosa as the NSW Law Society President and applauds the inclusive approach to advocacy and policy. As Espinosa noted, ‘diversity is no longer the buzz word,’ and change is happening. It is up to all of us to engage in personal reflection and professional training that will create and promote a more inclusive community.

Asian Australian Lawyers Association Executive Committee Supports Our Muslim Members and the Muslim Community

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 01:18:55 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association National Executive Committee is deeply saddened by the horrific acts of violence in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday 15 March 2019 which took the lives of 50 innocent children, men and women in a peaceful place of worship. The Executive Committee extends our sincere condolences to the families, friends and community of the victims.

As an Association, we value the contribution of Muslim Australians to our community and Muslim members to our Association, and we stand with you in grief and prayer. We are pleased to see the almost universal support for the Muslim community of Christchurch and the utter condemnation of these despicable acts of terrorism.

Sadly, this incident and the ignorant and inflammatory remarks by some which followed demonstrate that we must be forever vigilant against racism, prejudice, ignorance and intolerance. As a society we still have a long way to go in fostering diversity and inclusion across all sectors. Together, we hope to continue the discourse on cultural, ethnic, religious, gender and other types of diversity for a more enriched, harmonious and inclusive Australia.

Asian Australian Lawyers Association National Executive Committee

Asian Australians: Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling by Professor Gareth Evans

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 12:08:47 GMT

Professor Gareth Evans gave the 2019 Asialink Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop Asia Lecture at the Asialink Chairman's Dinner at the MCA, Sydney, on 13 March 2019 entitled Asian Australians: Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling. For a complete copy of the keynote, see https://www.gevans.org/speeches/Speech684.html

Judge Joshua Wilson and Judge Robert Harper have been appointed to the Family Court of Australia

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 03:48:16 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association congratulates Judge Joshua Wilson and Judge Robert Harper both formerly of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia on their appointments to the Family Court of Australia (commencing 11 March, 2019). Before his appointment to the Federal Circuit Court on 2 November, 2015 Judge Wilson was a member of the Inner Bar of the Victorian Bar.

For further information,: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov.au/Media/Pages/Appointments-to-the-Family-Court-of-Australia-11-Mar-2019.aspx

Andrew Lu OAM appointed to WA state administrative tribunal

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 22:11:02 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association congratulates Andrew Lu OAM as he is appointed to Western Australia's State Administrative Tribunal.

"Dr Andrew Lu OAM has substantial experience representing the insurance industry, health practitioners, and Government. Andrew began practice as a commercial insurance solicitor with Freehills, managed medical and professional indemnity and general insurance disputes at Minter Ellison, and was a partner with Jarman McKenna. He now leads HBA’s health law practice.

Dr Lu said he was deeply honoured to be the first Asian Australian lawyer appointed to the Tribunal, adding further diversity to the pool of decision-makers in Australia."

Read more on https://www.hbalegal.com/hba-partner-appointed-to-state-administrative-tribunal/

AALA (Qld) mentoring launch

Reimen Hii — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 04:14:50 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association Qld Branch’s mentoring program launch on 21 February 2019 was a resounding success, thanks to the generous support of Herbert Smith Freehills Brisbane.

The Honourable Justice Anthe Philippides of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Queensland shared words of wisdom and encouragement to a sell-out audience of lawyers, students, and supporters.

Her Honour's speech is available here.

From left to right: Qld committee members Dominic Nguyen, William Zhou, Tuck Chung, Stephanie Tang, Benjamin Teng (Associate to the Hon. Philippides JA), Brydon Wang (former AALA National executive committee member), Catherine Chiang (Qld branch secretary), Reimen Hii, Vernon Ting, and Anand Shah (Qld branch president).

The Honourable Justice Anthe Philippides, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Queensland.

Jing Zhu, Victorian Barrister and AALA Victorian committee member talks about digital advances in making work life flexible and convenient

Sun, 24 Feb 2019 23:25:32 GMT

Digital Advances do make a change in our worklife. Jing Zhu, a Victorian Barrister shares on this article featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, where she talks about how digital advances make a practical impact in her worklife. She finds using e-briefs convenient and readily accessible.

Victorian AALA Mentoring Program Launch

Sun, 24 Feb 2019 22:03:18 GMT

The Victorian Asian Australian Lawyers Association launched its annual Mentoring Program 2019 at Herbert Smith Freehills’s offices on 21 February 2019. Mentoring programs were launched simultaneously at AALA branches in NSW, WA and QLD.

This year, the Victorian AALA’s mentoring program has over 50 participants with mentors who are from the judiciary, barristers and partners and senior associates of law firms. The mentees include graduate lawyers and junior lawyers from government departments and commercial and personal injury law firms.

In Victoria, we had the great privilege of hearing from keynote speaker, the Hon. Chief Justice Anne Ferguson of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

The Chief Justice spoke of the importance of cultural diversity, particularly amongst the senior ranks of the legal profession. She noted the current underrepresentation of people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds in those ranks. Her Honour encouraged using mentoring as an invaluable mechanism for addressing this issue by providing access to knowledge and opportunities to those who don’t necessarily have it. She acknowledged AALA’s important work on this front.

AALA thanks the Chief Justice for speaking to our members and sends its best wishes to this year’s mentoring relationships so that they are fruitful and enduring. #aala #culturaldiversity #mentoring

AALA Victorian Lunar New Year Celebration Dinner 2019

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 00:49:35 GMT

On 12 February 2019 at Shark Finn House in Melbourne Chinatown, AALA Victoria celebrated cultural diversity during the auspicious Lunar New Year festival with the Honourable Magistrates Charles Tan as our keynote speaker, together with special guests including but not limited to Associate Justice Randall, Judge Hayato Aoiki (Okayama District Court, Japan), AALA Inaugural President Mr Reynah Tan, AALA Previous President Ms Tuanh Nguyen, the Vice President of the AALA National Executive Ms Molina Asthana, and representative of the Chinese Museum Mr Mark Wang.

His Honour shared his journey through the Bar and Judiciary and how his experience as a legal professional of Chinese descent had evolved over the years. Importantly, his Honour emphasised the imperative for cultural diversity in the legal profession as a means to holistically tackle legal issues arising from our multicultural society and called for individual action in supporting the drive towards cultural diversity in the legal profession.

AALA also had the pleasure of supporting the upcoming exhibition at the Melbourne Chinese Museum on cultural diversity within people of Chinese descent, featuring William Ah Ket, the first barrister of Chinese descent in Australia. To support this exhibition, click here.

Next Thursday on 21 February 2019, the AALA is extremely excited to host the Honourable Anne Ferguson at our Mentoring Program launch at Herbert Smith Freehills. If you have not registered to attend this free event, you can sign up here.

Keep an eye out for our future events celebrating other Asian cultures and festivities and bringing the conversation of cultural diversity in the legal profession to the front.

To stay in the loop and show your support for cultural diversity in the legal profession, become a member of the AALA here. Membership is open to all who support our cause and we encourage all people of various cultures and backgrounds to join the conversation.

Victorian AALA Mentoring Program Launch

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 23:04:41 GMT

The Victorian AALA is pleased to have our annual Mentoring Program Launch on 21 February 2019, featuring our guest speaker The Honourable Chief Justice Anne Ferguson.

RSVP now as this is an event you would not want to miss out on! Register at http://aala.org.au/event-3253397

Student Internship with the County Court Commercial Division (VIC)

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 22:07:20 GMT

We are delighted to inform you about an exciting opportunity exclusive to AALA Victorian members.

The Commercial Division of the County Court of Victoria is offering a one week internship, hosted by Commercial Division Judicial Registrars Sharon Burchell and My Anh Tran.

They are former commercial barristers of Asian background who were appointed as Judicial Registrars of the Commercial Division of the County Court of Victoria in what is believed to be the first job share of a judicial officer position in Victoria. They are passionate about increasing cultural diversity in the legal profession and see providing opportunities and mentoring to lawyers and law students as a means to achieving this end.

This internship would involve shadowing the Judicial Registrars and Judges of the Commercial Division, and their associates, in trials, interlocutory hearings and mediations, as well as observing them in chambers and registry work.

The internship is scheduled to take place in mid-late May 2019. Arrangements for the internship are flexible and it may take place over one week, or one day per week over 5 weeks on mutually convenient dates.

This opportunity is open to AALA student members or recent law graduates who are members of the AALA. For law students, it would be most beneficial to students who are in the third year and above of the undergraduate LLB or second year and above of the JD or Graduate Entry LLB and have completed the Civil Procedure unit. An interest in civil litigation or alternative dispute resolution would be preferred, but is not essential.

If you are interested, please send your CV and cover letter to vic@aala.org.au. Applications close at 4 pm on 19 April 2019.

Please contact vic@aala.org.au if you have any questions. Thank you.

AALA (QLD) social event - Single Asian Female play

Reimen Hii — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 07:29:03 GMT

AALA (QLD) is excited to have secured a limited number of tickets for our AALA members to Michelle Law’s sell-out comedy, Single Asian Female, at La Boite Theatre on Friday 8 March 2019. Following a blockbuster season at the Belvoir in Sydney, and stellar reviews by The Australian and The Guardian, the show returns to La Boite where it first debuted.

Join us before the show as we will also be providing refreshments at the Roundhouse Bar at La Boite Theatre.

LIMITED tickets available so secure yours now by registering at http://www.aala.org.au/event-3249414!

Former AALA President Reynah Tang interviewed by the Croation National Television network for a documentary on Australian multiculturalism

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 02:53:27 GMT

Former AALA President Reynah Tang and other prominent culturally diverse Australian community leaders, lawyers, politicians, academics, business people and others, including Hong Lim, Pookong Kee, Cam Nguyen, Waleed Ali, Andrew Jakubowicz, Shereen Hassan, Jen Tsen Kwok, Zed Seselja, Andrew Bushnell, and Sayed Rahmatullah Hussainizada are interviewed by the Croation National Television network for a documentary on Australian multiculturalism, Promised Land by journalist Dragan Nikolic. An engaging perspective on how modern multicultural Australia is tracking with diversity viewed from without (commentary in Croation, but all interviews in English) . See the full documentary at: https://magazin.hrt.hr/482109/zasto-su-melbourne-i-drzava-victoria-multikulturalne-meke

President of the NSW Court of Appeal, the Hon Justice Margaret Beazley AO accepts the role of NSW Governor from the NSW Premier on Sunday.

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 07:53:42 GMT

The President of the NSW Court of Appeal, the Hon Justice Margaret Beazley AO, stated that she was "very honoured" to to be appointed the Governor of NSW following the resignation of former Governor retired General David Hurley, who was announced as Australia's next Governor-General. Read the full story https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-13/new-nsw-governor-margaret-beazley/10711986

AALA VIC MEET AND GREET 2018

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 11:07:37 GMT

AALA held its End of Year Meet and Greet with keynote speaker Minal Vohra S.C. on Thursday 6 December 2019. Minal spoke thoughtfully and humorously about the challenges of arriving in Australia during the White Australia Policy and the hope she now feels in witnessing greater cultural diversity in not only the legal profession but also Victoria's ski slopes. She provided great insight into how experiencing and understanding difference makes us better lawyers and using our culturally diverse qualities to benefit our clients.

AALA Victorian President Daniel Nguyen also introduced the recently elected Victorian Committee and congratulated William Lye OAM S.C. and Cam Truong S.C. for their recent appointments as senior counsel.

There was a great turnout and a festive buzz in the air.

Many thanks to Baker & McKenzie for hosting the event and being one of AALA’s major sponsors.

#culturaldiversity #aala #eoy2018' #aalaeventsmelb

Victorian barristers take silk road to smash 'bamboo ceiling'

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 11:27:25 GMT

Great article in the AFR inspired by William Lye QC and Cam Truong QC becoming silk! https://www.afr.com/business/legal/victorian-barristers-take-silk-road-to-smash-bamboo-ceiling-20181203-h18oag?btis

Congratulations to William Lye and Cam Truong on their appointment to senior counsel

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 10:25:14 GMT

The AALA wishes to congratulate William Lye and Cam Truong on their appointment to the inner bar. Both are AALA members who have formerly served on the AALA's committee. We wish them both a successful path ahead as silks.

The Chief Justice of Victoria, Anne Ferguson in announcing the appointment of new silks, including AALA's William Lye SC and Cam Truong SC stated that: “ideally, the composition of all levels of the legal profession would reflect the gender, cultural and ethnic diversity of Australian society.” Her Honour also stated that: “although there is a long way to go in this regard, we are edging forward to greater diversity and the Senior Counsel appointed today are part of that.”

https://www.supremecourt.vic.gov.au/for-the-media/media-releases/announcement-of-senior-counsel-for-victoria-2018

Court Advocacy Series: Written Advocacy with the Hon. Tony Pagone QC

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 22:00:00 GMT

The Hon. Tony Pagone QC presented on the topic of written advocacy in the first instalment of the Court Advocacy series run by the Victorian Asian Australian Lawyers Association and Maurice Blackburn on 28 November at the Maurice Blackburn offices.

His Honor said he was happy to see the formation of AALA. He also said that it's important to promote greater cultural diversity in the legal profession because it gives the community greater confidence in the administration of justice.

Far from it being a “boring speech by a boring chap” who practices in tax law, as His Honor self-deprecatingly suggested, it provided very interesting and practical insights on the importance of and how to go about establishing trust, writing for the reader and framing issues. Be sure to check out the relevant chapter in His Honor's splendid book “Tax Disputes” – we’ve been assured by His Honor that the presentation is much better in its written form. We look forward to the next part of the Court Advocacy series. #aala #mauriceblackburn #culturaldiversity #advocacy

Congratulations William Lye OAM & Cam Truong

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 03:44:00 GMT

The AALA extends its congratulations to our very own William Lye OAM (immediate past National Vice President and current Victorian Committee Member) and Cam Truong (former AALA Secretary) on their appointments today as Senior Counsel in Victoria by Chief Justice Ferguson.

AALA VIC branch president re-elected to the 2018-2019 Victorian Bar Council Committee

Sat, 24 Nov 2018 00:58:42 GMT

The AALA would like to congratulate the Victorian President of AALA, Daniel Nguyen, who was recently re-elected to the Victorian Bar Council Committee for 2018-2019.

More information about his profile can be found in the link below : https://www.vicbar.com.au/public/about/governance/bar-council

AALA Vice-President stands for LIV Council

Sun, 28 Oct 2018 22:21:25 GMT

If you are a member of the Law Institute of Victoria, please support our very own Vice-President, Molina Asthana, in her bid to be re-elected to the LIV Council at the upcoming elections.

Molina's statement can be viewed here.

LIV Wellbeing Program: Diversity and Inclusion - 30 October 2018

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 05:55:04 GMT

The Law Institute of Victoria will be holding a workshop on diversity and inclusion in workplaces as part of its Wellbeing Program. Details of the event are as follows:

Tuesday 30 October 2018
1 - 2pm
LIV Lecture Theatre, 470 Bourke Street, Melbourne
FREE for all to attend

Further details are available on the LIV website.

AALA & Monash Law: Panel on pathways outside of top-tier commercial law firms , the AALA and the importance of cultural diversity

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 10:24:42 GMT

On Tuesday evening 16 October 2018, Daniel Nguyen (Victorian President of AALA), Kerry Truong (Victorian Secretary of AALA) and John Leung (barrister) spoke on a panel about career pathways outside of top-tier commercial law firms, the importance of cultural diversity in the legal profession and the AALA’s role in promoting greater cultural diversity in the law.

The Q&A session was thought provoking and the law students raised issues concerning the collection of cultural background data as well as how a person born overseas might go about maintaining their cultural traditions whilst adapting to Australian culture.

Many thanks to Monash Law Faculty for holding and sponsoring the event with AALA which was held at Monash Law Chambers. Law students are encouraged to support and join the AALA (for a small fee of $10) via http://www.aala.org.au/membership-application

AALA MEMBER RUNNING IN LIV COUNCIL ELECTIONS (VICTORIA)

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 09:56:19 GMT

Dear Members,

As many of you would know, the elections for the Law Institute of Victoria are underway. One of our members, Zubair Mian is seeking election this year.

If you are an LIV member, we encourage you to support diversity in the LIV council and consider voting for our member. A brief introduction is as below.

Zubair Mian

I am humbled, privileged and honoured to be seeking re-election to the LIV Council having been elected for a three year term in 2015.

I Graduated from Melbourne University in1985, was admitted to practice in 1986, and member of the LIV since my admission. I am an experienced commercial litigator at Mian Phillips & Co, the firm I established in 1988 after a two year stint as employee solicitor.

I believe Strong leadership is essential in representing LIV member’s interest.I understand the issues and concerns faced by practitioners on a daily basis. My diverse experience gained over decades of Legal Practice, inspires me to represent you with compassion, sincerity and conviction. I believe some values are worth fighting for. LIV members must always come first and receive value for money, paid through their membership fees. After all, The LIV is a Member based organisation. It has moved too far to the right and has been operating as a business in recent times rather than representing the interest and welfare of its members. Member’s health & wellbeing is of utmost importance. I am a strong advocate for cultural, ethnic and gender diversity in the Legal Profession. I am passionate about improving conditions for young lawyers; assisting new graduates find work experience and employment in their chosen profession to gain experience and to progress in their carrier. I currently serve as:-

· LIV Council/Board member, I am on Committees including, LIV Executive committee as 5^thExecutive, Bail review, building working Group, Committee overseeing Investing Building sale proceeds, Diversity, Access to Justice, LIV Awards, Membership and various other Committees;

· President, of ESLA Inc. since 2012;

· Founding member and Vice President of AALA Asian Australian Lawyers Association, Inc. (AALA) until 2017, President Vic AALA until October 2018 AGM and now Committee member, www.aala.org.au;

· Registered Mentor with LIV & AALA;

· LIV Council Liaison for Northern Suburbs Law Association (NSLA) & MPLA.

For more information, please visit LIV's website at : https://www.liv.asn.au/About/Council-Governance/LIV-Council-Elections

Congratulations to Chin Tan's appointment as the incoming Race Discrimination Commissioner

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 06:19:12 GMT

The National President and Committee of AALA congratulates former VMC Commissioner on his appointment as Australian Human Rights Commission's new Racial Discrimination Commissioner. We look forward to working with Chin Tan, who is a lawyer, to seek cultural diversity outcomes in our legal profession.

To read the official announcement on the AHRC website, please click here.

AALA 2018 Annual General Meeting

Sat, 06 Oct 2018 10:38:18 GMT

The AALA recently held its 2018 Annual General Meeting in Melbourne, broadcasting live in different cities, including Brisbane, Perth and Sydney.
It would not have been possible without the generous sponsor of Corrs Chambers Westgarth Lawyers.
Congratulations to all committee members recently elected, or re-elected.
Looking forward to a new year of exciting events, collaborations and new opportunities, onwards and upwards!
#aalaeventsmelb #culturaldiversity

2018 AALA Branch Meetings and National AGM

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 02:00:00 GMT

The 2018 AGM of the AALA will be held on Thursday 4 October 2018 at 6.30pm AEST / 4.30pm AWST.

Branch Meetings for each of the AALA State Branches will be held immediately prior at 5.30pm AEST (4.00pm AWST for the WA Branch Meeting).

For more information and to register for the Branch Meetings and AGM, please click on the relevant link below:

Materials for the 2018 AALA AGM are available below:

Notice of AGM

AGM Proxy Form

AALA Executive Committee Nomination Form

Please refer to the relevant Branch Meeting pages above for the relevant proxy form and Branch Committee nomination form.

Litigation Workshop: What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Reimen Hii — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 09:11:29 GMT

The Queensland Asian Australian Lawyers Association branch is holding its inaugural Litigation Workshop on Thursday morning 8 November 2018. Tea, coffee, and a light breakfast will be provided.

The topic will be “What to Do When Things Go Wrong”. What do you do when:

the day before a contested hearing you learn that your opponent has briefed a barrister that acted for your client 6 months ago on a direct access brief?
you go to receive a civil judgment and the judge has unexpectedly ruled against your client
your client is sentenced to an actual term of imprisonment and the corrective services officers start to circle?

The Workshop will be delivered by a panel of barristers from a range of experience and practice areas. It is designed to give lawyers within the first 5 years of practice practical advice and tips they need when practising in litigation.

Date: Thursday 8 November 2018
Venue: Baker McKenzie, Level 8, 175 Eagle Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Time: 7.15am for a 7.45am start
Cost: Free for AALA members, $10 for practitioners, $5 for students

For further details and to register go to www.aala.org.au/event-3068023.

Registrations are essential as spaces are strictly limited.

Winners of 2018 William Ah Ket Scholarship announced

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 10:00:00 GMT

The co-authors of a paper on what parity in cultural diversity looks like are the winners of this year’s William Ah Ket Scholarship.

The paper, by Kelvin Ng and Ming Kalanon, looked at cultural diversity by focusing on Asian Australians in the legal profession. The paper discusses the need and business case for cultural diversity, before focusing on how cultural diversity is measured.

The paper was chosen by a panel of judges: The Hon. Justice Margaret Beazley AO, President of the New South Wales Court of Appeal; His Honour Judge Joshua Wilson, of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia; Professor George William AO, Dean of UNSW Law; and Patrick Ibbotson, partner and Chairman of Maddocks.

Kelvin and Ming, who are graduate lawyers at Norton Rose Fulbright, will each receive $3,000 for their winning paper.

Chuan Jun Yeap, a lawyer at Marshalls+Dent+Wilmoth Lawyers, and Gisela Nip, a lawyer at Clayton Utz, were each awarded $1,000 as runners up. Chuan Jun’s paper highlighted the impact of unconscious bias and disproportionate gender representation in the legal profession. Gisela’s paper examined the consequences of a lack of cultural diversity on Australian company boards.

This year marks the second year of the William Ah Ket Scholarship, an initiative by the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA). The scholarship is named after William Ah Ket, who in 1904 became the first Australian barrister of Chinese origin.

The winner of the William Ah Ket Scholarship was announced at a ceremony held tonight in the Sydney office of Maddocks, who is the sponsor of the scholarship. William Ah Ket was an articled clerk at Maddocks in 1903.

AALA vice-president William Lye, OAM, congratulated the winners of this year’s scholarship.

‘The scholarship honours the career of William Ah Ket by asking junior members of the legal profession and law students to think deeply about diversity and equality in the law and the way the law deals with equality and diversity.

‘This year’s papers were outstanding as they tackled major issues that William Ah Ket confronted as a solicitor and then a barrister and that we as a profession and as a wider community continue to grapple with today.’

Maddocks partner and chairman Patrick Ibbotson said the firm was proud to be supporting the scholarship.

‘Maddocks takes great pride in leading the discussion within the legal profession about how we can encourage greater diversity and equality within our own places of work and the greater community.

‘We are proud that such an important legal figure as William Ah Ket began his legal career with Maddocks more than 100 years ago and that we are able to honour his contribution to the profession in this way.’

"Stress Management the Eastern Way" Collaboration between AALA and Peace Lab, proudly sponsored by Bank of Melbourne

Sun, 16 Sep 2018 11:51:14 GMT

The "Stress Management The Eastern Way" workshop was held last Thursday, 13 September in conjunction with R U OK day. This workshop is a collaboration between AALA and Peace Lab, proudly sponsored by Bank of Melbourne.

The main discussion was about mental health issues in the legal profession from the framework perspective of Neuroplasticity whereby the nature of lawyers' work have cultivated the negativity bias of the brain. "Non Doing" was also discussed reflecting the studies of ancient Chinese Taoism.

This is one of AALA's first initiatives in focusing on wellbeing. The workshop was a great success, and was well received by our attendees. There were also lucky draw gifts generously provided by Bank of Melbourne. #aalaeventsmelb #culturaldiversity

The William Ah Ket Scholarship Award Ceremony 2018 (NSW)

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 02:31:36 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association is proud to invite you to attend the announcement of the winner of the William Ah Ket Scholarship 2018.

We are delighted that The Honourable Justice Margaret Joan Beazley AO, President of the Court of Appeal, New South Wales will provide the keynote address at the award ceremony on 20 September 2018.

The scholarship, sponsored by Maddocks, where William did his articles in 1902, will be awarded to the author who produces the most outstanding research paper on an issue related to equality, diversity and the legal profession or law.

We will have the opportunity to hear a speech by the winning author summarising their research paper.

Finger food and drinks will be served.

To register, please click here.

Stress Management the Eastern Way - Mindfullness for Lawyers

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 05:14:20 GMT

Annual William Lee Address NSW: Barriers and Enablers

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 23:39:05 GMT

The NSW Committee of the Australian Asian Lawyers Association hosted the annual William Lee Address on 28 August 2018. The Address was hosted by sponsor Baker McKenzie at the new Barangaroo office, welcoming our members to the territory of the Gadigal of the Eora Nation.

Opened by Baker McKenzie Partner, Richard Gough and NSW Committee President Kingsley Liu, the night welcomed over 40 guests to listen to the esteemed panel:

Juliana Warner, Managing Partner Herbert Smith Freehills
BJ Kim International Program Manager Environmental Defenders Office
Ken Nguyen, Partner Ashurst
Julie Chai, CEO Asian Leadership Project and D&I specialist

William Lee was the first Asian barrister admitted in the jurisdiction of NSW. Australian-born of Chinese heritage, Lee’s journey was defined by ambition and resilience. In commemoration of his legacy, the theme of this year’s Address was ‘Courage and Determination.’ Juliana Warner opened with: “in order to be inclusive, you need to think ‘inclusive.’ We need to be inclusive and culturally sensitive to differing leadership and communication styles.” Warner recalled an experience within Herbert Smith Freehills that certainly had a few heads nodding in approval, “we had a matter with a firm based in Singapore. We found our teams were not communicating and the process was strenuous. As a measure, our office engaged in cultural training- it helped us communicate better with the firm and progress our matter. We were able to organise a series of caucuses that promoted peer-to-peer communication…Cultural training was a revelation. I felt so bad about how I put my team mates in such a culturally uncomfortable position.”

Julie Chai was welcoming of this cultural training. Chai works across numerous firms to improve engagement, retention and development of Asian-Australian talent, and enhance culturally sensitive D&I practices. Commenting on this, BJ Kim observed: “it is a two-way street. There is a certain amount of unconscious bias in society, but minorities have also adopted these biases. We have to stop apologising for being in the room. And this applies to all minorities. It doesn’t come easily and organisations need to provide support, like mentoring and policy implementation. But people also need to consider making the themselves more resilient through for example counselling and coaching services.” Ken Nguyen, passionate about leadership, had this tip to rising lawyers: “exhibit your confidence. Embrace different leadership styles as you learn. Embrace your individualism.” Incorporating intersectional feminism, Warner closed with, “we need to help ourselves. There are things we can do to take charge ourselves- such as, building our self-confidence in an appropriate way and learning skills.”

Reflecting on his career progression into partnership, Nguyen found that, unfortunately, racial profiling and cultural micro-aggressions do not stop. But, what is changing is society’s intolerance- we are no longer dismissive of a casual racist remark, a taunt or a stereotype. Ken’s own stories sparked a dialogue within the audience, welcoming a series of reflections from practitioners within commercial, public and in-house sectors. The audience were also keen to hear from the panel about how individuals and firms can strategically respond. Reflecting on her own career story, Chai emphasised the importance of networking and made a distinction between sponsorship and mentorship. The AALA audience welcomed these strategies that provide a wide landscape for individual trail blazers and offices to work together in promoting intersectional harmony.

This is where the value of the AALA is realised. The objective of the AALA is to provide a safe environment to confront the issues of racism and intolerance. By engaging with the uncomfortable, the AALA fosters a meaningful dialogue and inspires action. The Committee is extremely thankful to our audience and members and we hope to have you at our upcoming events:

The William Ah Ket Scholarship Award
20 September 2018
6 – 8 pm
Maddocks, Sydney
Commercial Law in the Asian Century: Is Western Sydney Ready?
15 November 2018
6 – 8 pm
Western Sydney University, Parramatta

The AALA acknowledges and respects that the event was hosted on the land of the Eora Nation. The NSW Committee pays our respects to the Traditional Owners both past and present.

Barangaroo is named after a power Cammeraygal woman who is a key figure in local Aboriginal culture and community. To learn more, visit: https://www.barangaroo.com/see-and-do/barangaroo/aboriginal-culture

AALA & ILAQ inaugural cultural awareness training seminar

Reimen Hii — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 12:22:53 GMT

Asian Australian Lawyers Association Queensland (AALA) and Indigenous Lawyers Association of Queensland (ILAQ) warmly invites you to attend its inaugural cultural awareness training seminar where a panel of esteemed and experienced Indigenous lawyers will be providing an introduction into Indigenous cultural awareness training aimed at legal professionals.

The CPD will be held on 20 September 2018 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at:

Law Society House
Level 2, 179 Ann Street
BRISBANE QLD 4000

Registrations are now open at: http://www.aala.org.au/event-3048033

ILAQ and AALA are committed to advancing cultural and linguistic diversity in the legal profession. This is a rare opportunity for those working in the law to assist participants to gain an insight into Indigenous cultural diversity and from a general, historical, and social perspective which can be used to improve their own practices and gain better outcomes for Indigenous clients.

The event is free for AALA and ILAQ members. We are also pleased to invite members to register non-member guests to attend this event at a nominal cost. Registrations are essential as spaces are limited.

ABC Radio National History Listen - William Ah Ket story (11am, Tuesday 28 August 2018)

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 00:50:38 GMT

The ABC Radio National History Listen is airing the William Ah Ket story at 11am tomorrow.

Tune in to hear from William’s family members, Dr Sophie Couchman (Public Historian) and Reynah Tang (Immediate Past President of AALA) about Australia’s first Chinese barrister.

The William Ah Ket story will also be available on the ABC Listen app and on the website after the story has aired: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/the-history-listen/william-ah-ket:-the-first-chinese-australian-barrister/10155706

WLA Funding Grants for Women's Leadership Development

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 06:28:35 GMT

Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) is administering a national initiative to support the development of female leaders across Australia’s legal sector.

The initiative is providing women working in the sector with grants to enable participation in a range of leadership development programs.

The leadership development programs are part-time and delivered nationally via WLA’s blended learning model. Scholarship funding is strictly limited and will be awarded based on a set of selection criteria being met.

Expressions of Interest
Find out more and register your interest by completing the Expression of Interest for here by 7 September 2018.

SPECIAL ADVANCED SCREENING - CRAZY RICH ASIANS (WA)

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 04:30:08 GMT

The WA Branch of the AALA, along with the Piddington Society and the Asian Business Alliance, are proud to invite to you a special advanced screening of Crazy Rich Asians on Wednesday, 29 August 2018.

It will be a great night to enjoy the current #1 box office hit and to also raise funds (with all proceeds going to the Piddington Society Justice Program).

The details are as follows:

Venue: Belmont Reading Cinemas, Knutsford Avenue & Fulham Street in Belmont

Date: 29 August 2018

Time: 6.30pm sharp

To book tickets for the night, go to https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=417819&.

AFR: Law firms test their cultural diversity in landmark survey

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 02:49:00 GMT

The Australian Financial Review has recently reported on the world's first study into cultural diversity within the legal profession. Over 6500 lawyers at eight major law firms were sent surveys, with another three law firms conducting their own internal surveys.

The article noted that "cultural diversity as an issue was about 15 - 20 years behind gender diversity".

To read the article, please click here.

Movie screening - Crazy Rich Asians (VIC)

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 12:50:27 GMT

AALA members are invited to view the screening of Crazy Rich Asians on 5 September 2018 commencing at 5.45pm at Palace Cinema Como, The Como Centre, Level 1, Cnr Toorak Rd and Chapel St, South Yarra.

The Asian Australian Foundation’s Gathering Circle will be holding a fundraiser movie night to Crazy Rich Asians which is based on the worldwide bestseller of the same title by Kevin Kwan. It is the first major Hollywood production (directed by Jon M Chu) to have an all Asian cast in 25 years including 3 Asian Australians (Chris Pang, Ronny Cheng and Remy Hii).

It will be a fun night of networking over drinks and canapés and a panel discussion prior to the movie. All ticket proceeds will go towards a grant to PANDA in addressing Perinatal-Postnatal Anxiety & Depression sufferers in Australia.

The event is fabulously sponsored by Jeanswest Corporation, SILC Group and Charter Keck Cramer.

To book tickets for the night which will be on 5 September 2018 commencing at 5.45pm at Palace Cinema Como, The Como Centre, go to https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=410072&

Annual William Lee Address 2018 (NSW)

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 00:41:20 GMT

On behalf of the AALA's New South Wales Branch, we invite you to attend our Annual William Lee Address 2018.

The event has been named in honour of the first barrister of Chinese descent to be admitted to the NSW Bar

The event will take the form of a panel presentation and a Q&A session with audience members, followed by drinks and networking. We are delighted that the AALA has secured the following distinguished guests as panellists:

Kenneth Nguyen Partner, Ashurst;
Juliana Warner Managing Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills;
B J Kim International Program Manager, EDO;
Julie Chai CEO, Asian Leadership Project;

and as moderator

Richard Gough Partner, Baker Mckenzie;

The address aims to provide a forum in which to further explore the current challenges and concerns in promoting Asian cultural diversity within the legal profession.

Please RSVP by clicking here.

2018 CIArb Australia Business Lunch - 10 August 2018 (VIC)

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 07:35:56 GMT

AALA members are invited to attend the 2018 CIArb Australia Business Lunch featuring Guest Speaker, Alan Oxley. To be held at the RACV Club, Melbourne, the lunch will be attended by distinguished guests including The Hon Martin Pakula, Attorney General of Victoria, members of the judiciary, institutes and commercial enterprises. As seats are strictly limited, be sure to register on time.

For more information and to register, please click here.

Australasian Lawyer - How to overcome diversity challenges in law

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 03:54:00 GMT

Australasian Lawyer has recently published an article on overcoming diversity challenges in the legal profession. The article references research from the AALA as well as the upcoming Women in Law Summit.

To read the article, please click here.

Australian Women Lawyers Conference (NSW)

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 09:09:47 GMT

AALA members are warmly invited to attend the 7th National Australian Women Lawyers Conference on 25-26 August 2018 at the Sofitel Wentworth Sydney.

The AWL Conference will be the highlight conference for the year for all female and male practitioners, leaders and senior professionals across the Australian legal sector who support the advancement of women lawyers.

The theme for the AWL Conference is ‘Investing in the Future’. This theme will capture current issues of innovation and technology and the law, including the utilisation of innovation and technology as an essential tool for new and senior lawyers in the furthering of diversity and inclusion, quality leadership, best practice, flexible work options, the achievement of policy and law reform, and attainment of access to justice.

The AWL Conference will be launched at a formal Welcome Reception at 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Friday 24 August with the Honourable Mark Speakman SC (Attorney General of New South Wales) and Fiona McLeod SC (Immediate Past President of the Law Council of Australia) as speakers. The prestigious Australian Women Lawyers Award will be presented at a Gala Dinner at 6:30pm on Saturday 25 August featuring speaker Tanya Hosch (General Manager Inclusion & Social Policy of the AFL).

Further details are available at: https://aomevents.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/australian-womens-laywers-awl-2018/awl18/ExtraContent/ContentPage?page=1.

'An Introduction of the Korean Judicial System' presented by Judge Yun-Kyung Bae

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 11:41:37 GMT

The AALA and Asian Law Centre invite you to 'An Introduction of the Korean Judicial System' presented by Judge Yun-Kyung Bae.

Date: Monday 30 July 2018
Time: 1 - 2pm
Venue: Room 608, Level 6, Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton, 3053
Registration: here

All welcome. Please forward this information to those who may be interested.

The seminar introduces Korea's legal system briefly in comparison with the Australian legal system.
The seminar covers the organisation of the judiciary and composition of the court, and introduces recent changes in the legal training and appointment of judges.

It also explains some features of trials, which is the jury trial system in criminal trials and the operation of the ADR in civil trials.

Speaker: Judge Yun-Kyung Bae, Seoul Central District Court, Korea

Judge Bae is a Judge in Seoul Central District Court in Korea. She completed a Bachelor of Economics and a Master of Laws at Seoul National University, as well as completing the course at Judicial Research & Training Institute of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Korea. She was initially appointed a Judge in 2007 at Seoul Central District Court. She is a visiting scholar at the Melbourne Law School under the Overseas Training Programme of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Korea (August 2017 – August 2018). In this Programme, Judge Bae focuses on study on Competition Law, especially the amendment of Australian Competition Law regarding Concerted Practice.

Kind Regards,

Asian Australian Lawyers Association

Congratulations to Divesh Patel

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 00:28:14 GMT

Congratulations to our National Treasurer Divesh Patel, who is now a Partner at Johnson Winter & Slattery.

A previous study conducted by the AALA in 2015 showed that only 3.1% of partners in Australian law firms were Asian Australians. For more information about cultural diversity in the legal profession, you can see our infographic.

AALA and HSF co-hosted part 3 of the CEO series : ENGIE

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 10:31:21 GMT

On 7 June 2018, Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) and Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) jointly held the third of its CEO series, featuring CEOs of Australian companies to explore their views on the importance of cultural diversity in the workplace.

On the panel of speakers were:

Corinne Ong, CEO of ENGIE Services in Australia and New Zealand,
Lawrence Kim, General Counsel at ENGIE Australia and New Zealand, and
Andrew Chan, Head of Legal for ENGIE Services in Australia & New Zealand,
Our very own Kerry Truong, a Melbourne-based lawyer and AALA Victorian Branch Secretary, led the panel discussion about ENGIE’s efforts to leverage the power of cultural diversity amongst its workforce.

The ENGIE speakers shared their experiences and obstacles faced in the younger years of their careers.

We heard that ENGIE as a company seeks for their staff to represent the community that they serve.

It was interesting to note that in relation to hiring a culturally diverse team, ENGIE was interested in having a culturally diverse team but moreover, ENGIE was focused on having a diversity of mindset within its company and saw benefits to this.

AALA thanks the ENGIE panel of speakers and Kerry Truong for their work in preparing the excellent discussion on the night.

AALA would also like to extend its thanks to HFS for its collaboration and hosting the event at its offices.

The AALA and Melbourne Law School Asia Law Centre co-hosted Judge Takemura's presentation

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 10:28:49 GMT

On 4 June 2018, Asian Australian Lawyers Association and Melbourne Law School Asia Law Centre co-hosted Judge Yuri Takemura’s presentation on “Expert Evidence in Australia and Japan”. The event was well attended by members of the AALA, and students and representatives from Melbourne University.

Judge Takemura is from Yokohama District Court in Japan. She was a visiting scholar at the Melbourne Law School under the Overseas Training Programme of the Supreme Court of Japan (June 2017 – June 2018). The programme provides judges with an opportunity to gain insights on the administration of justice through comprehensive research on foreign jurisdictions.

Judge Takemura provided a very detailed and informative comparative analysis between how legal practitioners and our courts deal with expert evidence in Australia and Japan. The analysis included the advantages, the limitations and suggestions to improve the processes in Japan.

Judge Takemura has been a strong supporter of AALA during her stay in Melbourne, and has often participated in events organised by the AALA. The AALA wishes her well and all the best with her future endeavours upon her return to Japan.

AALA Queensland Official Launch

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 07:08:48 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association is proud to officially launch our Queensland branch.

Our patron, the Honourable Michael Kirby, flew into Brisbane last evening to deliver a keynote speech and ring in this new chapter for our organisation. Our launch was hosted by our national sponsor, Baker McKenzie, who put on a sensational event for us.

Partner Aleisa Crepin opened the proceedings and celebrated the longstanding partnership between Baker McKenzie and AALA.

Our hosts for the evening, the Baker McKenzie team with Mr Kirby:

As part of our launch, we also held a panel session that discussed Asian Australian leadership in the Australian legal industry - what it looks like and, perhaps, what it could look like. Our panel comprised:

Laina Chan | Barrister and Director of the Society of Construction Law Australia (SoCLA);
Associate Professor Ann Black | Expert in the legal cultures of Asia at UQ and co-author of Law and Legal Institutions of Asia: Traditions, adaptations and innovations (Cambridge University Press 2011); and
Nicholas Ng | President of the Queensland Branch of the AALA, Partner at Allens, and Board member of the Infrastructure Association of Queensland.

The panel was joined by Mr Kirby (who provided incredible commentary and responses to the reflections of our panel speakers), and was chaired by our National President, Tuanh Nguyen (Director, PwC).

We'd also like to introduce the committee for our Queensland Branch: (left to right) Tuck Chung (Baker McKenzie), Stephanie Tang (Allens), Leila Galung, Anand Shah, Nicholas Ng (Qld President and Partner, Allens), Catherine Chiang (Qld Secretary) and Brydon Wang (AALA National ExCo Member).

Thanks again to our national sponsor, Baker McKenzie.

We'd also like to thank our event sponsor, Leo Cussen:

Perth lawyer spearheads new network for Asian business

Tue, 29 May 2018 07:42:28 GMT

Lawyers Weekly has recently reported on the launch of the Asian Business Alliance, an alliance of a number of local Asian business councils, chambers and associations in Western Australia.

Peter Le, the president of the WA branch of the AALA, is the group's inaugural chair.

For more information, please click here.

Cultural Diversity in the Workplace: CEO Series - Part 3 with ENGIE

Sun, 27 May 2018 23:00:00 GMT

This year, Herbert Smith Freehills, in collaboration with the AALA, are hosting a series of events with CEOs of Australian companies to explore their views on the importance of cultural diversity in the workplace. These events will be held in Herbert Smith Freehills’ Melbourne office.

The third of these events will be held on the evening of Thursday 7 June and will feature Corinne Ong, CEO of ENGIE Services in Australia and New Zealand. Lawrence Kim, General Counsel at ENGIE Australia and New Zealand, and Andrew Chan, Head of Legal for ENGIE Services in Australia & New Zealand, will also be joining Corinne on the panel. Kerry Truong, a Melbourne-based lawyer and AALA Victorian Branch Secretary, will lead the panel discussion about ENGIE’s efforts to leverage the power of cultural diversity amongst its workforce. The panel will also discuss the wider importance of such issues for Australian businesses and the legal profession in Australia.

We are pleased to invite you to join us for this event. This is a unique opportunity to hear from leaders in the business world about diversity issues facing Australian businesses and the legal profession.

To register click here

We hope you can join us!

AALA and Asian Law Centre: Judge Yuri Takemura - Expert Evidence in Australia and Japan

Wed, 09 May 2018 23:00:00 GMT

Expert Evidence in Australia and Japan

Co-hosted by the Asian Law Centre and the Asian Australian Lawyers Association Inc.

Date: Monday 4 June 2018
Time:5.30pm - 7.00pm
Venue: Room 920, Level 9, Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton, 3053
Registration here

All welcome. Please forward this information to those who may be interested.

Complex cases often require expert knowledge to achieve appropriate resolution in the eyes of the parties and society. But it is challenging for judges who don't have specific expertise or experience in the relevant field to decide those cases. For ordinary civil cases requiring expertise,parties in Australia bring experts to the court and the cases are resolved by examining their opinions. On the other hand,in Japan, the courts appoint experts and solve those cases based on their opinions. This seminar will focus on how ordinary civil cases which need expertise are resolved in Japan and highlight the differences in ways of thinking of solutions for these cases between Australia and Japan

Speaker:

Yuri Takemura is a Judge in the Yokohama District Court in Japan. She received the degree of Bachelor of Laws from the Faculty of Law, Osaka University in 2009, and the degree of Juris Doctor from the Osaka University Law School in 2012. She passed the National Bar Examination in 2012 and completed a year-longcourse of practical legal training as a legal apprentice in 2013. She was appointed a Judge in 2014 and dealt with civil cases at the Yokohama District Court from 2014 to 2017. She is a visiting scholar at the Melbourne Law School under the Overseas Training Programme of the Supreme Court of Japan (June 2017 – June 2018). This programme provides judges with an opportunity to gain insights on the administration of justice through comprehensive research on foreign jurisdictions.

Asian Australian Foundation Oration Dinner (Melbourne)

Wed, 09 May 2018 08:05:15 GMT

Invitation to the inaugural Asian Australian Foundation Oration dinner (www.aafoundation.org.au) on Tuesday 5 June 2018 at 6.30pm at the Pavilion room at the Victorian Arts Centre

The Asian Australian Foundation (AAF) was founded in 2015 and is a philanthropic community foundation that connects Asian Australians bringing together their resources and knowledge for public good, to shape a dynamic Asian philanthropic presence in Australia.

AAF’s mission is to enable and promote collective giving in the Asian Australian community in order to “Give Voice and Inspire Change” on issues that matter by building bridges across community.

Past grants made by the AAF include:

Enable provision of ten scholarships to bright young students in the Western suburbs (many of whom are of Asian heritage) facing difficult and disadvantaged circumstances. This support has enabled and given each of the recipients hope for their future in education and employment through our partnership with Western Chances. (www.westernchances.org.au)
Help address addiction and mental health through support and funding to Firststep (www.firstep.org.au) for a Case Management and Wellbeing Program
Enable Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic - www.arcvic.org.au) to provide specific workshops targeting the Asian Australian community that aim to provide an avenue for people to learn more about mental health and anxiety disorders in a supportive and safe environment and overcome the stigma associated with mental health. Such workshops also seek to work with parents to assist them identify anxiety in children and the support available
Spearhead a project to raise awareness of perinatal anxiety and depression amongst the Asian Australian community through our partnership and support of PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (www.panda.org.au) which supports women, men and families across Australia to recover from post and antenatal depression and anxiety, a serious illness that affects around 100,000 Australian families every year

This year, the AAF is launching the Asian Australian Foundation Oration dinner. The Oration will showcase and celebrate the contribution and impact of significant leaders of Asian heritage to Australia, communities and the world.

The Asian Australian Foundation Oration will be delivered by Dr. Tim Soutphommasane, Race Discrimination Commissioner.

The topic will be: “ The challenges for diversity in an environment of increasing populism. Where does Australia sit in this spectrum and how should Asian Australians show leadership in embracing such challenges.”

The dinner will also be an opportunity for networking, and to witness the awarding of grants to organisations that the AAF is supporting and has supported.

It will be a meaningful and inspirational night on Tuesday 5 June 2018 at 6.30pm at the Pavilion room at the Victorian Arts Centre.

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association is putting together a table for the dinner. If you would like to attend, please contact Ms Tuanh Nguyen at tuanh.nguyen.aala@gmail.com to register your interest.

Details and bookings can also be made directly by 10 May 2018 if you wish to book your own table at:

https://www.trybooking.com/UUSZ
or
https://www.trybooking.com/365533

HKABA Young Professionals Event - 2nd May 2018

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 00:57:16 GMT

AALA encourages its members to register for the HKABA Young Professionals Event on 2nd May 2018.

For more information, please see click here. Registrations to Gary Cheung at garcheung1080@gmail.com

Recent statistics on cultural diversity

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 04:20:48 GMT

The Victorian Bar has released "The State of the Victorian Bar" survey, which includes diversity statistics for the Victorian Bar.

In particular, the statistics reveal 15% of surveyed members were born overseas, 37% had at least one parent born overseas, and 9% spoke a language other than English at home. The most common of those languages were Greek, Italian, French, German and Hebrew.

To read the survey reports, please click here.

Further, the Australian Human Rights Commission has recently released its updated report "Leading for Change", which follows its previous report released in 2016.

The report finds, for instance, that only 1.6% of Chief Executives in Australia have an Asian cultural background, compared to 21% of the Australian population that has an Asian cultural background.

The report includes statistics from the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (at pages 16-17, 20 and 28).

To read the report, please click here.

New York Times - In a Proudly Diverse Australia, White People Still Run Almost Everything

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 04:05:48 GMT

The New York Times has recently published an article on the lack of cultural diversity in Australian Parliament.

To read the article, please click the link below:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/10/world/australia/study-diversity-multicultural.html

Applications for the Dual Identity Leadership Program are closing soon (21 February 2018).

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 07:04:04 GMT

The Dual Identity Leadership Program is as an initiative of the Vietnamese Community in Australia - Victorian Chapter, funded by the Victorian Government, and aims to support young Vietnamese and other Asian Australians between 18-35 years old who are interested in understanding their dual heritage, enabling their leadership, and making a difference in the community. The program explores a range of themes including leadership styles, self awareness, history, diaspora and identity and belonging.

For more information and to apply, see https://lnkd.in/feAMcMe

Congratulations

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 22:03:50 GMT

The AALA would like to congratulate member Arvind Dixit on his recent promotion to Partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth. According to research conducted by the AALA in 2015, Asian Australians accounted for only 3.1% of partners in Australian law firms.

The AALA also wishes to congratulate member Tim Wong and his team at Luxottica for being nominated as finalists for the Lawyers Weekly FMCG Lawyer of the Year and FMCG Team of the Year awards respectively. More details about the Lawyers Weekly 2018 awards can be found here.

The AALA further wishes to congratulate Suresh Rajkumar Senathirajah and Minal Vohra on their appointment as Senior Counsel for Victoria late last year. Suresh and Minal join a small but growing number of Asian Australian silks. Research conducted by the AALA in 2015 revealed that, of some 6160 barristers in Australia, only 94 were Asian Australian - and of that 94, only 7 were Senior Counsel.

In a previous speech by Dr Tim Soutphommasane, Race Discrimination Commissioner, to the AALA, Dr Soutphommasane noted that "invisibility" of Asian Australians in leadership positions creates cultural assumptions and stereotypes about Asian Australians, which contributes to the issue of unconscious bias. The AALA therefore believes promoting the achievements of Asian Australian lawyers is an important part of promoting cultural diversity in the law. If you know of any Asian Australians that have made notable recent achievements, please let us know at info@aala.org.au.

Research on culturally diverse leaders in the legal profession (Melbourne)

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 10:18:31 GMT

The AALA committee has been contacted by Amy Choi, a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney, who is conducting research on culturally diverse leaders in the legal profession.

Ms Choi is seeking participants in Melbourne to be interviewed for her research. The interviews will be kept confidential, and the identity of the participants and their firms/organisations will be kept anonymous. It is anticipated that the interview will take approximately 1 hour.

The participant criteria are as follows:

- Working in the legal profession

- 'Emerging leader' such as Senior Associate or Senior Legal Counsel

- 'Senior leader' such as Partner, Barrister, Judge or Head of Legal Counsel

- Has an Asian cultural background (this includes Central Asia, such as Indian or Sri Lankan). They can either be a 1st generation migrant or born in Australia (2nd and subsequent generation).

The AALA would encourage members who meet the criteria to participate in the research. Studies such as this one play an important role in advancing cultural diversity in the profession.

For more information and to express your interest in participating, please click here.

ABC Radio - William Ah Ket scholarship honours Vic's first Chinese barrister

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 22:00:00 GMT

The AALA's inaugural William Ah Ket Scholarship was featured on ABC Radio's AM program.

The report features comments from:

Paul Ah Ket, grandson of William Ah Ket
William Lye OAM, barrister and national Vice President, AALA
Patrick Ibbotson, Chairman, Maddocks
K. Thomas Abraham, winner of the inaugural William Ah Ket Scholarship
Jenny Wood, distant relative of William Ah Ket

Click here to listen to the excerpt.

Winner of the first William Ah Ket Scholarship announced

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 10:00:00 GMT

A solicitor in a Victorian government agency is the first winner of the William Ah Ket Scholarship, a $5,000 prize named after the first barrister of Chinese heritage in Australia.

K. Abraham Thomas has won the scholarship for his paper Affirmative Action in Piercing the Bamboo Ceiling within the Australian Legal Profession.

Mr. Abraham's paper considers the ‘bamboo ceiling’ in the legal profession and whether affirmative action is an adequate means to alleviate any inequalities, ultimately concluding that it would be preferable to harness ‘The Medici Effect’ (developed by Frans Johansson in his 2006 book of the same name) to ensure diversity of thought.

Mr. Abraham, who is of Indian heritage, was admitted in 2015 and is ‘passionate about law and its interaction with society’.

The winner was announced tonight at a ceremony in Melbourne.

The judging panel for this year’s scholarship was:

Michelle Dixon, CEO, Maddocks
Dr Tim Soutphommasane, Race Discrimination Commissioner
The Hon. Michael Kirby, AC, CMG, Former Justice of the High Court of Australia
The Hon. Chief Justice Wayne Martin, AC, Chair of Judicial Council on Cultural Diversity

Chief Justice Martin said each of the essays on the shortlist were very interesting.

‘Each was very thorough and reflected a great deal of research and thought. In my view, each would have been a worthy winner of the scholarship.’

The William Ah Ket Scholarship is an initiative by the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) designed to highlight the contribution of William Ah Ket and to encourage debate about issues related to equality, diversity and the law.

The scholarship is sponsored by Maddocks, the law firm where William completed his articles in 1903.

William joined the Victorian Bar in 1904, becoming the first Chinese barrister to practise in Melbourne

AALA vice president William Lye, OAM congratulated Abraham on winning the $5,000 scholarship.

‘The quality of entries this year was outstanding, but it was Abraham’s paper that stood out,’ he said.

‘This year was the inaugural year for the William Ah Ket Scholarship and our aim is for this to grow into a prestigious legal scholarship.’

For further information, contact Maddocks Communications Manager Jason Silverii on 03 9258 3509 or at Jason.silverii@maddocks.com.au.

AALA members running in LIV Council elections (Victoria)

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 03:07:31 GMT

Dear Members,

As many of you would know, voting for the Law Institute of Victoria elections are now open. Two of our members, Molina Asthana and and Sam Pandya, are seeking election this year.

If you are an LIV member, we encourage you to support diversity in the LIV council and consider voting for our members. A brief introduction to each candidate is below.

Molina Asthana

Our National Executive Committee member Molina Asthana is standing for the LIV Council elections. She is currently serving (since January 2017) on the Council on a casual vacancy and has been working on many of these issues including better services for members by LIV, preventing increased cost of practicing certificates, creating a link between the Australian and Asian legal sectors, better access for Australian lawyers overseas and vice versa, and creating greater diversity in the legal fraternity.

Molina is a practitioner having significant experience in two legal jurisdictions, having practiced in India for 7 years and over 11 years in Australia. She also has both significant private sector and Government law practice experience.

Molina is also the Deputy Chair of the International Law Section of the LIV and the President of the Victorian Chapter of the International Law Association and sits on numerous community and other boards.

Molina was a finalist in the 'Access to Justice Category of the LIV awards in 2016 and am a recipient of various other awards including the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence - Service Delivery for Community Services 2014 and the VMC Multicultural Award (as Victorian Convenor of the organisation Asian Australian Alliance) 2016.

Through her charity work with various not-for profits she has been active in lobbying for changes in the law. She would be keen to champion the interests of overseas practitioners, government lawyers, women practitioners and advocate for greater cultural diversity in the profession and cultural training for judges.

Sam Pandya

Sam has been an LIV Councillor for the last 3 years and is seeking re-election for the Council for another 3-year term.

Sam is an AALA member and a lawyer of Indian heritage. Sam represents a growing segment of the increasingly diverse LIV membership, the legal profession and the community as a whole.

Sam has a strong passion for and commitment to Diversity and Inclusion within the legal profession in Victoria and nationally. He is Chair of the LIV’s Diversity Taskforce and work very closely to support and promote gender, cultural and LGBTI diversity initiatives, associations and from a policy perspective.

Sam has this year been appointed to the Law Council of Australia’s Equal Opportunity Committee and is currently working with the LCA on an initiative to collect ethnic and cultural diversity data on a national level, to build on the work the AALA has undertaken in this space.

Voting is currently open and closes on 8 November 2017.
To vote, please visit the LIV's website at: https://www.liv.asn.au/CouncilElections

Reflections on the AALA/WBA Diversity Event

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 22:23:03 GMT

On 9 October 2017, the AALA and Women Barristers Association hosted the diversity event "Diversity- my experiences in the law" which included a unique opportunity to hear from Tuan Van Le (Executive Direction, Dispute Resolution of the ATO), Rochelle Castro (Principal at RC & Co Lawyers) and Judicial Registrar Tran of the County Court to provide their insights and experiences of working in the law.

‘Oh he’s one of those Asian lawyers’

‘Aren’t you going to be intimidated? You’re so small!’

It is hard to believe these comments are familiar to the esteemed lawyers that joined us to share their experiences and insight about diversity in the law as part of Herbert Smith Freehills’s Diversity Week.

Rochelle recalled the bewildered expression on her client’s face when she introduced herself as the principal solicitor at her firm. Registrar Tran highlighted (with amusement) the erroneous use of male pronouns in correspondence addressed to her and emphasised that gender discrimination is not always obvious.

When asked for tips for younger professionals in practice areas or in roles with a lack of diversity, Tuan answered ‘whatever you do, do it well’. His response may be a return to the Asian stereotype of ‘working hard’ but as Judicial Registrar Tran highlighted, such attribute should be championed, regardless of its ethnic roots.

Our panelists demonstrated that achieving diversity at senior levels is possible and in fact, even favorable. It was clear that our panelists had to overcome gender and ethnic barriers to reach their position. For young practitioners, we are not only grateful for their perseverance to stand for who they are but we were also inspired by their passion and strive for diversity in the legal profession.

William Ah Ket Scholarship

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 13:42:51 GMT

The William Ah Ket Scholarship is an annual prize open to all lawyers admitted to practice in Australia and with up to five years post admission experience.

The $5000 scholarship is designed to foster the development and promotion of cultural diversity in the legal profession.

The scholarship is named after William Ah Ket, the son of Chinese migrants who was admitted to practice in Victoria in 1903. William completed his articled clerkship at Maddock Jamieson (now Maddocks) before signing the Victorian Bar roll in 1904. He practised as a barrister until his death in 1936.

William is believed to be the first person of Chinese background to practise as a barrister in Australia.

The William Ah Ket Scholarship has been devised by the Asian Australian Lawyers Association and is proudly sponsored by Maddocks.

WILLIAM AH KET

‘William Ah Ket did not ever sit on the Bench, though he would have been a very competent judge. He was a phenomenon at the Victorian Bar, a full-blooded Chinese born in the north-east of Victoria. He was a sound lawyer and a good advocate.’ – Sir Robert Menzies, barrister and Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister.

The story of William Ah Ket is a significant one in the history of the Australian legal profession.

William was born in the Victorian country town of Wangaratta in 1876, the son of Mah Ket, who arrived from Canton during the gold rush, and his wife Hing Ung.

Fulfilling his father’s wishes, William studied law at the University of Melbourne. While there he won a prize of 40 pounds from the Supreme Court in 1902. He served his articles under Richard Cross of the firm then known as Maddock & Jamieson (now Maddocks) in 1903.

He joined the Victorian Bar in 1904, reading with Stewart McArthur – who later went on to be a Supreme Court judge – and became the first Chinese barrister to practise in Melbourne. He is also believed to be the first Chinese barrister to practise in Australia.

William was well regarded as a barrister. He specialised in civil law and acquired a considerable reputation as a negotiator of settlements.

A report in the Victorian Bar News of Winter 1984 records that he enjoyed “an excellent general practice” and “was recognised as an able cross-examiner with a superb command of language”.

However, as Sir Robert Menzies, who was a friend and practised with Mr Ah Ket in Selbourne Chambers, observed “[a] certain prejudice among clients against having a Chinese barrister to an extent limited his practice”.

Despite this, between 1905 and 1928, he appeared before the High Court on at least 12 occasions. This included a number of cases, Bishop v Chung Brothers, Potter v Minahan and Ingham v Hie Lee, that involved challenges to legislation that discriminated against those of Chinese origin. Indeed, as his daughter Toylaan noted in a paper on her father, this was an issue that he was passionate about, having been involved in forming a committee to agitate against the Immigration Restriction Act 1901 and the unreasonable conditions imposed, such as the infamous dictation test.

William was a member of the Chinese Empire Reform Association of 1904 and the Anti-Opium League of Victoria, organisations which supported modernisation and social reform among Chinese at home and abroad. He was also a delegate to the first interstate Chinese convention held at Melbourne in 1905 and was co-founder and president of the Sino-Australian Association, considered to be the first Australian-Chinese club.

He visited China in 1912-13 as the delegate of the Victorian Chinese Chamber of Commerce to participate in the election of overseas Chinese to the new parliament of the Republic. He was also the acting consul-general for China in 1913-14 and in 1917.

William died on 6 August 1936.

THE WILLIAM AH KET SCHOLARSHIP

The William Ah Ket Scholarship is an annual scholarship of $5000 to be given to the young lawyer who produces the most outstanding research paper in the field of equality, diversity and the law.

An initiative of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association and sponsored by law firm Maddocks, the scholarship is designed to recognise the historical contribution of William Ah Ket to the legal profession as the first Asian Australian lawyer in Australia.

The William Ah Ket scholarship is aimed at lawyers with no more than five years post admission experience.

To apply for the William Ah Ket scholarship, lawyers will need to submit an unpublished paper of no more than 10,000 words (including footnotes, appendices and tables) on a topic dealing with equality, diversity and the law, by 1 November 2017.

In 2017, the judging panel for the William Ah Ket Scholarship will be:

·         Michelle Dixon, CEO, Maddocks
·         Dr Tim Soutphommasane, Race Discrimination Commissioner
·         The Hon. Michael Kirby, AC, CMG, Former Justice of the High Court of Australia
·         The Hon. Chief Justice Wayne Martin, AC, Chair of Judicial Council on Cultural Diversity

You can download an application form here.

For more information, please email scholarship@aala.org.au

Seeking volunteer administrative assistant

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 02:00:00 GMT

The Executive Committee of the AALA is seeking expressions of interest from members to volunteer to assist with the day-to-day administration of the AALA, including membership, administration and corporate secretarial tasks. The role will involve providing administration assistance to the AALA National Secretariat and Treasury, which are key parts of the organisation and its Executive Committee.

The AALA National Secretariat is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the organisation and providing general administrative support to the national Executive Committee. Specific duties include:

coordinating meetings, including meetings of the Executive Committee, and annual and other general meetings – preparing agendas (set by the President and Committee members) and taking minutes for Committee meetings; and
perform duties or functions as required under legislation and rules pertaining to incorporated associations and not-for-profit organisations, and the AALA Constitution – including recording, maintaining and making accessible relevant registers, minutes, securities and other relevant books and documents.

The AALA Treasury is responsible for the day-to-day membership administration and the finances of the organisation, including sponsorship and membership administration relating to events. Specific duties include:

liaising with prospective and current members about membership and responding to membership queries;
assisting with processing membership applications and renewals; and
perform duties or functions as required under legislation and the AALA Constitution relating to membership and finances.

You will be assisting and working under the guidance of the Secretary and the Treasurer to assist to discharge the above tasks, responsibilities and duties.

Individuals interested in applying for the role will need to demonstrate excellent organisation and time-management skills, attention to detail and be able to work autonomously and proactively.

To apply, please send your CV and a short covering letter to info@aala.gov.au.

Asian Australian Lawyers Association Executive Committee Supports Marriage Equality

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 12:30:23 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) stands for and celebrates diversity and equality in Australia. Our members come from all walks of life and our doors are open to lawyers and other members in the legal community no matter their race, creed, gender or sexual orientation. The AALA Executive Committee stands with the Law Council of Australia; the Human Rights Law Centre; our patron, the Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG; and numerous other legal industry luminaries and organisations in Australia, and unanimously affirms that freedom from discrimination is a fundamental human right.

Many of our leaders within the Asian Australian community support this change for good because it will greatly enhance the lives of the LGBTIQ community, some of whom are integral members in the AALA. Our Vice-President and current Acting President, William Lye OAM, recently stated in his acceptance speech at the Australian Law Awards 2017 that, as beneficiaries and champions of diversity in Australia, we must press on for equality for all.

The Yogyakarta Principles, a set of human rights principles relating to sexual orientation and gender identity developed in Asia, clearly state that sexual orientation is integral to an individual's dignity and goes to our shared humanity. Similarly, the Supreme Court of India recently held that "discrimination against an individual on the basis of sexual orientation is deeply offensive to the dignity and self-worth of the individual. Equality demands that the sexual orientation of each individual in society must be protected on an even platform."

Accordingly, the AALA Executive Committee considers our support for marriage equality to flow from a shared value of inclusion that seeks to enhance the dignity of our own members. A change in the law to allow same-sex marriage is the right public policy outcome that will allow two people (regardless of gender) to make a strong and recognised commitment, strengthening the institution of marriage and making our society more inclusive.

The AALA Executive Committee is comprised of leaders from different cultural backgrounds and of many creeds. But on this issue of inclusion and progress we are unanimous: it’s time for change. The AALA Executive Committee encourages all those in the Asian Australian and legal communities to consider their support for marriage equality and vote 'yes' if they so choose in the upcoming postal survey.

William Lye OAM - Barrister of the Year 2017

Tue, 05 Sep 2017 12:16:50 GMT

Congratulations to AALA Vice President and acting President William Lye OAM who was awarded both the Barrister of the Year 2017 Award and the Lawyers Weekly Excellence Award 2017 (top gong for the night) at the recent Australian Law Awards. Members of the AALA National Executive Committee were on hand to celebrate this incredible achievement with William.

Executive Committee Member Brydon Wang (Allens) represented the Queensland Branch and flew into Sydney for the Awards ceremony. Here's his social story on Storify of the incredible night.

William Lee Address - 13 September 2017

Wai Kaey Soon — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 01:27:10 GMT

The Annual William Lee Address, named in honour of NSW's first barrister of Chinese descent, will be held at the Law Society of NSW, 170 Phillip Street, Sydney, on 13 September 2017 from 6:00pm.

There will be a panel of distinguished speakers - Lee-May Saw, Vice President of Australian Women Lawyers and Immediate Past President of the Women Lawyers Association of NSW; Professor Andrew Lynch of the University of NSW and The Hon. Melissa Perry, Judge from the Federal Court of Australia.

Registration and other details can be found in the link to the flyer below:

Cultural Diversity in the Law (Final)

Cultural Diversity and the Legal Profession - Western Sydney University 7 September 2017

Wai Kaey Soon — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 01:17:49 GMT

Amrita Goel of the AALA NSW Committee will be speaking at the University of Western Sydney in Parramatta on Cultural Diversity and the Legal Profession on 7 September 2017 from 5:30pm.

Details of the event, including registration can be found here: https://www.daretoknowpublications.com/community-event-2017

Queensland Event: Thursday 7 September - Engaging China

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 03:45:53 GMT

ENGAGING CHINA: Reflections on lessons from four decades of legal and professional engagement with China

The Queensland Branch has invited Mark Day to speak on his observations on the differences in legal practice from his 40 years of legal and professional engagement with China. Our free knowledge session will be held at Level Twenty Seven Chambers on Thursday 7 September 2017 at 6pm (for a 6:30pm start).

The session will cover:

Exploring the cultural & legal trends in Chinese commerce
Guanxi: doing business in China - networking and cultural IQ
Q&A session

Find out more on the event and our speaker, Mark Day, here.

AALA & WBA Diversity Event- Register Now!

Sun, 13 Aug 2017 09:31:58 GMT

The AALA and the Women Barristers Association are proud to host a panel of esteemed speakers to speak on their experiences of diversity in the law.

Our speakers Judicial Registrar Tran of the County Court; Tuan Van Le, Executive Director, Dispute Resolution at the ATO and Rochelle Castro, Principal at RC & CO Lawyers will share their experiences of diversity in the law and provide their insight as to how best to improve diversity in our profession.

This is a unique opportunity to hear from the leaders in our profession and forms part of Herbert Smith Freehill's Diversity Week.

The event is open to AALA and WBA members. We are also pleased to invite members to register non-member guests to attend this free event.

The event will be followed by networking and drinks.

Click here to register http://aala.org.au/event-2631205

AHRC event 10 August 2017

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 02:47:34 GMT

AALA members are encouraged to register and attend an event being held by the Australian Human Rights Commission 'Cultural Diversity in the Professions' this Thursday 10 August 2017 at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

Click the link below to register:

http://ecomms.corrs.com.au/rv/ff0031d8f8bb5108532d4272404b806cdb95606f

Distinguished Professor Frank H. Wu (UC Hastings): The Changing Face of Law - A Global Perspective (Sydney and Melbourne)

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 02:00:00 GMT

Frank H. Wu, author, law professor, former law school dean, and head of the prestigious non-profit Chinese American membership organisation the Committee of 100, has written widely about reform of legal education and disruption within the profession.

The AALA, Women Lawyers Association of NSW and Victorian Women Lawyers are proud to welcome the Distinguished Professor Wu to Sydney and Melbourne where, in two special presentations hosted by King & Wood Mallesons, he will:

talk about opportunities for global law firms in an increasingly international and transnational practice environment, with an ascendant Asia embracing rule of law;

consider changes in the structure of the leading law firms, as competition compels the development of new models for delivery of professional services; and

consider how best to include people of diverse backgrounds to achieve better client services and realise ideals of a democratic society.

When
Sydney: Wednesday, 16 August 2017, 5.45pm for 6.00pm start
Melbourne: Friday, 18 August 2017, 12.45pm for 1.00pm start

Where
Sydney: King & Wood Mallesons, Lvl 61, Governor Phillip Tower, 1 Farrer Pl, Sydney
Melbourne: King & Wood Mallesons, Lvl 50, Bourke Place, 600 Bourke St, Melbourne

Registration
Free to attend for AALA, VWL members and invited guests only; please RSVP below.

RSVP Sydney

RSVP Melbourne

Proudly hosted by

The Asian Experience in America and What it Means for Australia: Professor Frank Wu and Perth Guest Speaker Julian Sher

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 02:52:30 GMT

Join us for an informative and exciting session hosted by Charmaine Tsang, Partner at Lavan Legal, with Professor Frank H. Wu and Julian Sher presenting their personal and professional insight into multiculturalism, assimilation and equal opportunity. This is an event not to be missed and there will be drinks and networking after.

FRANK H. WU, author, law professor, former law school dean, and head of the prestigious non-profit Chinese American membership organisation the Committee of 100, has written widely about reform of legal education and disruption within the profession.

JULIAN SHER brings with him a wealth of experience to his present role as the inaugural Director of Professional Programs at Curtin University, where he is responsible for creating strong interactions between the law school and all levels of the profession as well as the judiciary. Julian is also a former Partner and Partner in Charge of Corrs Chambers Westgarth’s Perth office.

Registration

Free to attend for AALA members and invited guests only; RSVP below by 14 August 2017.

http://www.aala.org.au/event-2624906

Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards 2017

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 07:34:29 GMT

The AALA is pleased to see a number of Asian Australian Lawyers make the list of finalists for the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards 2017 across a broad range of categories.

Among the finalists, AALA Vice President William Lye OAM is one of four finalists for Barrister of the Year. We congratulate William on his nomination and wish him the best in the finals.

Special Event: Prof. Frank H Wu - The Asian Experience in America and What it Means for Australia

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 04:18:27 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association, in partnership with the University of Melbourne, is proud to be present: The Asian Experience in America and What it Means for Australia presented by Distinguished Professor of Law at University of California Hastings, Frank H Wu.

Prof.Wu, author, law professor, former law school dean, and head of a prestigious non-profit Chinese American membership organization, will discuss Asian immigration to the United States over 150 years. Using historical examples, social science, personal stories, and humour, he will explain how Asian Americans have achieved success and continue to fight for equal opportunity.

He will consider both models of assimilation and multiculturalism. His presentation will explain race relations in America and offer comparisons to Australia.

He will also engage in dialogue about how democracy and diversity can work together as ideals.

Date	Thursday, 17 August 2017
Time	6.30pm - 7.30pm
Location	Theatre G08, Ground Floor
	Melbourne Law School
	185 Pelham Street, Carlton

For more information, please contact info@aala.org.au.

Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association Event - The Inaugural Victorian HAL Oration

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 06:47:11 GMT

Dear Members,

The Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association is hosting the Inaugural Victorian HAL Oration at the Monash University Law Chambers, 555 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne on Friday 4 August 2017. The Honourable Geoffrey Nettle, Justice of the High Court of Australia, will deliver the Oration on the topic of “Some Hellenic Contributions to the Law”.

AALA members are warmly invited to attend. To register for this event, please visit: https://www.trybooking.com/291928

For more information contact Andrew K Panna QC at akpanna@vicbar.com.au or call (03) 9225 7643 or Elefteria (Teri) Konstantinou teri@vicbar.com.au or call 9225 8794

2017 VIC AALA launch with His Honour Magistrate Raj Malhotra

Wed, 31 May 2017 10:45:18 GMT

On 31 May 2017 the AALA Victorian Branch in conjunction with Monash University Law Chambers held an event to celebrate the launch of the Victorian Branch, the appointment of his Honour Magistrate Raj Malhotra and the recent awarding of the Medal of the Order to William Lye OAM, an AALA founding member and our current National Vice President.

Tuanh Nguyen, our National President introduced the members of the Victorian Committee. They are: Zubair Mian (President), Kerry Truong (Secretary), John Arthur, Kylie Chow, Angela Lee, Ian Nathaniel, Daniel Nguyen, Jenny Si and Jing Zhu. Tuanh noted that we have came a long way since our inception in 2014, with the total amount of members expanding to 650 in total.

Magistrate Malhotra spoke of his life journey, growing up in a migrant family of Indian origin in suburban Perth leading to him being an advocate and finally, as a member of the judiciary.

His Honour noted that his path was not without struggle: it had not always been easy to fit in at school as the only person of Indian origin. He described with humour that he often transitioned between different groups of students and could at different points be friends with the cool kids, smart kids, athletic kids, musical kids, South-East Asian kids and others.

He said that his parents strongly believed in higher education being key to a successful career and this was part of why he chose to study law.

Magistrate Malhotra graduated from the University of Western Australia and commenced practice in 1997. He worked in a small law firm following graduation and it was through this experience that he discovered his love for advocacy.

Prior to joining the bench, he had held various positions including Crown Prosecutor for the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions in Western Australia, a Senior Prosecutor at the Environment Agency in the UK, Manager of Prosecutions and Investigations at the Department of Transport in Victoria, Managing Principal Solicitor and Special Counsel at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office, General Counsel and Director of Regulatory Services for the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation. Prior to his appointment he was a fulltime member of the Adult Parole Board.

His Honour shared three essential tips to having a successful career: be resilient and persevere, be an active participant in networking, and participate in mentorship.

Dr Weiping He as representative for Monash University Law Chambers gave thanks to the AALA for our collaboration and to Magistrate Malhotra as guest speaker. She conveyed the University’s admiration and support for the AALA’s efforts in promoting cultural diversity in the legal profession, and welcomed future collaboration between Monash University and AALA.

Event Announcement - AALA Western Australia Branch Launch

Tue, 23 May 2017 08:15:20 GMT

The AALA was formed in 2013 to promote cultural diversity in the legal profession. The AALA also provides education, mentoring and networking. The Western Australia branch of the AALA will be officially launched on Wednesday 5th July 2017 between 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Perth. For more information, please contact Peter Le at peter.le@dentons.com

International Bar Association Annual Conference 2017 (NSW)

Sun, 21 May 2017 23:25:03 GMT

Dear Members,

The Annual Conference of the International Bar Association will be held this year in Sydney from 8 to 13 October 2017. The annual conference is a central event of the international legal community’s calendar.

What will the IBA Annual Conference 2017 offer you?

Access to the world's best networking and business development event for lawyers - attracting over 6,000 individuals in 2016 representing over 2,700 law firms, corporations, governments and regulators from over 130 jurisdictions
Gain up-to-date knowledge of the key developments in your area of law which you can put into practice straight away - view the live programme to see the sessions available
Build invaluable international connections with leading practitioners worldwide, enabling you to win more work and referrals
Receive world-class professional development opportunities - CLE/CPD
Acquire a greater knowledge of the role of law in society
Be part of the debate on the future of the law

To register and for more information, please click here to visit the IBA website.

The 2nd Annual Asian Australian Leadership Summit 2017 (NSW)

Sun, 21 May 2017 23:22:12 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association is proud to partner with Liquid Learning for The 2nd Annual Asian Australian Leadership Summit 2017 taking place on July 19th & 20th at Rydges World Square, Sydney. This is Australia’s only dedicated professional development event specifically designed to develop Asian Australian leaders. Through anecdotal case studies from inspiring Asian Australian leaders and expert advice from diversity and cross-cultural specialists, this event will equip Asian Australian leaders with the tools they need to overcome the barriers on the path to leadership.

Speakers at this event will include:

· Tien-Ti Mak, Innovation Partner and Chief Technology Officer, Australia Post

· Yung Ngo, State General Manager (NSW,ACT,VIC,TAS) and Chair of the Cultural Diversity Leadership Employee Action Group, Westpac

· Hui Cheng Tan, Head of Financial Planning and Analysis, Microsoft

· Ken Woo, Partner, PwC

· Grace Bacon, Head of International Segment, ANZ Private, ANZ

· Leon Doyle, Partner and Head of Experience Design, Deloitte

· Peter Chun, General Manager, Products and Investments, Colonial First State

· Gamini Martinus, Assurance Partner, Ernst & Young

· Cheng Lim, Partner, King and Wood Mallesons

· Warren Bingham, Executive Chairman, MedTech International Pty Ltd Vice President, Asia Pacific, Clinical Genomics

· Swati Dave, Non-executive Director, Asia Society Australia, Former Executive General Manager, Enterprise, National Australia Bank

· As well as 7 other leaders

AALA members are warmly invited to attend and will receive 10% off the standard rate. If you are a AALA member, you should have received an email with details about how to obtain the discounted rate when registering. For any queries in relation to this event, please contact us at info@aala.org.au.

CIArb Australia - International Arbitration Course (VIC)

Thu, 18 May 2017 05:54:20 GMT

Dear Members,

Due to the success in Brisbane 2015 and Perth 2016, CIArb Australia will be conducting the Introduction to International Arbitration course in Melbourne on Saturday, 17 June 2017. AALA members are warmly invited to attend.

The Hon Justice Clyde Croft of the Supreme Court of Victoria will be a special special guest speaker. He will be joining other prominent practitioners for the day-long course which carries a pathway to Associate member status of CIArb.

For further details and how to register, click here https://www.ciarb.net.au/training/introduction-to-international-arbitration-2017/

AALA, Tarwirri - Indigenous Law Students and Lawyers Association of Victoria and Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association – Cultural Diversity in the Legal Profession

Wed, 17 May 2017 10:48:06 GMT

This panel discussion on Cultural Diversity in the Legal Profession was held at the Law Institute of Victoria on 17 May 2017 as a collaboration between AALA, Tarwirri Indigenous Law Students and Lawyers Association of Victoria and Hellenic Australia Lawyers Association for Law Week.

The guest panellists were:
-          Kareena Gay, President of Tarwirri Indigenous Law Students and Lawyers Association of Victoria,
-          Tuanh Nguyen, President of Asian Australian Lawyers Association; and
-          Maria Barbayannis, Vice President and Victorian Chapter Chair of Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association.
Maneka Siva Nathan from Arnold Bloch Leibler acted as moderator.

The panel shared their experiences of entering the legal profession and explored the current challenges to increasing cultural diversity in the legal profession.

The panel speakers held, at times, contrasting perspectives which reflected their experience from different cultural backgrounds - Indigenous Australian, Vietnamese Australian and Greek Australian.

Kareena spoke of previously feeling guilty for being offered a place at law school as an Indigenous Australian when other students from a non-Indigenous background lost out. She later made peace with this, realising that it was simply the way the system worked to increase the attendance at university of Indigenous Australians.

Tuanh spoke about her experience of having to work harder to overcome the initial preconceptions that people have of you because you look of an Asian background or have a non-Anglo name. Tuanh also referred to research whereby people with a non-Anglo name are less likely be hired by a potential employer in comparison to someone with an Anglo name who otherwise have the same skills and experience.

Maria said that her family had changed their name so that it sounded more Anglo when they migrated to Australia in about the 1940s. She has since changed her name back. She felt that the discrimination experienced by European migrants was probably not as strong or harsh as that experienced by non-European migrants and was somewhat surprised to hear of the discrimination against job applicants with non-Anglo names since this was not her experience.

Kareena said that Indigenous people had come a very long way, the first ever Indigenous person having been appointed to the judiciary about 1 to 1.5 years ago. She noted that this year would be 50 years since the 1967 referendum to amend the Australian Constitution, which gave the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Indigenous Australians and recognise them in the national census.

Tuanh referred to research findings contained in the AALA Cultural Diversity Report that of a pool of 1,057 judges in Australia, only 8 were of an Asian Australian background. This is clearly not representative of the general population nor the community. Maria said that she did not think the Greek community faced the same problem as there are already a number of members of the judiciary being of Greek heritage. Maria commented that this may be due to the fact that significant Greek immigration to Australia occurred earlier in time and it would take some time before the judiciary would have more people of Asian Australian background.

There was a strong discussion about whether affirmative action was a good or bad model to undertake within the legal profession. Tuanh opined that it can be detrimental, especially where a person is put into a position not due to their merits but in order meet a quota. Kareena agreed and said that we need to adopt meaningful ways of achieving cultural diversity.

AALA announces launch of Western Australia branch

Thu, 11 May 2017 11:20:42 GMT

The AALA National Executive Committee is pleased to announce that it has formally approved the establishment of a Western Australia Branch Committee. This is an exciting step in the development of the AALA as a truly national body for representing Asian Australian lawyers. Peter Le, President of the WA Branch Committee, said: "The WA branch is excited to be a part of the Association and is looking forward to making a valuable contribution to the Association and the advancement of cultural diversity in the law and the legal profession."

Details of the WA branch launch will be announced shortly.

Tarwirri and AALA present: Cultural Diversity in the Legal Profession panel discussion - 17 May

Thu, 11 May 2017 07:00:00 GMT

Tarwirri-Indigenous Law Student and Lawyers Association of Victoria, in conjunction with the Asian Australian Lawyers Association are proud to present a panel discussion on Cultural Diversity in the Legal Profession.

The panel will share their experiences entering the legal workforce and provide a personal perspective on this important issue. Through different cultural perspectives, the panel will explore the modern challenges to increasing cultural diversity and the way forward to a legal profession which is reflective of the wider community that it represents and serves.

SBS News: Raj Malhotra appointed as Magistrate in the Court of Victoria

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 07:10:21 GMT

SBS has recently reported on the appointment of Raj Malhotra to the Magistrates' Court of Victoria.

The article references AALA's cultural diversity report, and also quotes AALA Committee Member Molina Asthana:

It's a very proud moment for us Indians to see this cultural diversity in the legal profession.

We have been working on this diversity issue in the legal profession through the Asian Australian Lawyers Association and this is a step towards piercing the 'bamboo ceiling.' A very welcome step indeed

To read the article, please click here.

Prime Minister releases statement on multiculturalism

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 22:17:50 GMT

The Prime Minister has recently released a statement on multiculturalism in Australia entitled "Multicultural Australia: United, Strong, Successful".

The AALA welcomes the statement, which reaffirms the Australian government's commitment to supporting multiculturalism in Australia.

To view the Prime Minister's media release, please click here.

To view the news article on SBS's website, please click here.

Scholarship for 2017 International Bar Association Annual Conference

Tue, 14 Mar 2017 04:58:23 GMT

Dear Members,

The Asia Pacific Regional Forum are offering a scholarship to attend the 2017 International Bar Association Annual Conference in Sydney in October 2017.

The scholarship will be awarded to young lawyers who wish to participate in the Annual Conference, but who may face financial difficulties in doing so. Applications are open to all qualified lawyers age 35 and under.

The deadline to submit applications is Sunday, 7 May 2017. For full scholarship information and application criteria, please go to: http://www.ibanet.org/Committees/Divisions/Sydney-2017-Scholarship-Programme.aspx.

For a list of all 2017 Annual Conference scholarships, please go to: http://www.ibanet.org/Committees/Divisions/APRF-Scholarship.aspx.

CLE Event: Business with the Dragon - Enforcing Contractual Obligations in favour of Australian clients in China (NSW)

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 03:46:43 GMT

Dear Members,

Join the AALA NSW Committee, fellow members and special guest speaker barristers Nigel Cotman SC and Wilson Chan, in a discussion of how to create contracts for Australian clients doing business with Chinese entities which are, ultimately, enforceable in China. This event is useful for any practitioner who may have clients doing business with a Chinese entity and want both a familiar litigation environment, in the event of contractual disputes, and an enforceable result in China.

6:00pm – 7:30pm 27 March 2017
Proudly hosted by Clayton Utz
1 Bligh Street, Sydney
Free Registration – Limited to 100 places

For more information and registration details, please click here.

Victoria's Multicultural Policy Statement

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 02:00:00 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) congratulates the Victorian Government on the release of Victoria's Multicultural Policy Statement: Victorian. And proud of it. The Policy Statement is an encouraging demonstration of the Victorian Government's efforts to support cultural diversity and inclusion in Victoria.

The AALA is committed to promoting cultural diversity and welcomes continued engagement by the Government on this issue.

Auckland Inter-Pacific Bar Association Annual Conference, 6-9 April 2017

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 21:58:49 GMT

AALA members are warmly invited to attend the IPBA Annual Conference in Auckland from 6-9 April 2017.

Current indications are that the Auckland conference should attract more than 800 lawyers from around the world, who work in or have an interest in business law in the Asia-Pacific area. This number is based on over 1100 registrants at the Hong Kong conference in 2015 and 975 in Kuala Lumpur in 2016, and the enthusiasm of attendees at the Kuala Lumpur conference for coming to New Zealand. This will be one of the biggest international business law conferences ever held in New Zealand.

If you are interested in attending, please let us know by sending us an email at info@aala.org.au. If there is sufficient interest from AALA members, members may be entitled to a discount on the standard conference fee.

For more info about the conference, please click here.

For Lawyers: Strategies to develop a social media presence (Qld)

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Looking for last-minute CPD points? The Asian Australian Lawyers Association will be holding a free knowledge session on Thursday 23 March 2017 at the Queensland Law Society House on how to grow your professional presence on LinkedIn and Twitter. This session is open to all lawyers and law students.

The session will cover:

Legal issues
what to be aware of

LinkedIn
what you can be doing to up your LinkedIn game

Twitter
deep dive + practical component

Date	Thursday 23 March 2017
Time	5.30pm: drinks and nibbles
	6.00pm: knowledge session
Venue	Queensland Law Society
	179 Ann Street
	Brisbane Qld 4000

To register for the event, please click here. We hope you can join us.

Please contact info@aala.org.au or tweet at @OrgAALA for more information.

UNSW Law Society Event - Smashing the Bamboo Ceiling Panel (NSW)

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 01:55:22 GMT

Dear Members,

The UNSW Law Society will be hosting a panel discussion on "Smashing the Bamboo Ceiling" on 20 March 2017. Kingsley Liu, President of the AALA NSW branch, will be one of the panellists.

This event is not organised by the AALA, however AALA members are warmly invited to attend.

For more details and to register for the event, please click here.

Congratulations to Raj Malhotra on his appointment to the Magistrates Court

Thu, 02 Mar 2017 00:32:08 GMT

The AALA congratulates Raj Malhotra on his appointment to the Magistrates Court of Victoria.

A study by the AALA in 2015 found that Asian Australians only accounted for around 0.8% of the judiciary, despite accounting for around 9.6% of Australia's population. The AALA supports a culturally diverse judiciary and legal profession which is reflective of our community.

To view the official media release for the appointment, please click here.

NPR: Asian Last Names Lead to Fewer Job Interviews

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 11:51:55 GMT

NPR has recently published an article on unconscious bias in Canada. The article quotes a study which found that job applicants with Asian names were 28% less likely to be called for an interview.

A similar study conducted by the Australian National University in 2010 found that in Australia, a person with a Chinese name needed to submit 68 per cent more applications to obtain the same number of interviews as a person with an Anglo-Saxon name.

To read the article on NPR's website, please click here.

Her Honour Magistrate Urfa Masood: Reflections from the Bench

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 01:00:00 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) and Muslim Legal Network (MLN) are proud to present an evening with Her Honour Magistrate Urfa Masood, Victoria's first female Muslim Magistrate, at 6.00pm on 1 March 2017, at Baker & McKenzie, Level 19, 181 William Street, Melbourne.

Join us as we celebrate Her Honour's first year on the bench, and as she shares her experiences and reflections on her journey and appointment to the Court.

The evening is free for AALA and MLN members, however registrations are essential. Non-members can purchase their tickets through the AALA website.

The AALA and MLN are committed to advancing cultural diversity in the legal profession. This is an excellent opportunity to meet, network and engage in this important issue with friends and colleagues.

Event sponsor:

Event Invitation - CIArb: Current Issues in International Arbitration (VIC)

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 07:29:06 GMT

Dear Members,

On 28 February 2017 the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators will be hosting conversation and Q & A between several of Australia's leading arbitrators and arbitration practioners, featuring Dr Michael Pryles AO PBM, international arbitrator and in conversation with leading arbitration practitioners, Bronwyn Lincoln and Andrew Stephenson. The participants will be introduced by John Arthur, CIArb Australia Victorian State Convenor and Councillor.

This event is not organised by the AALA, but AALA members are warmly invited to attend.

Date: Tuesday, 28 February, 2017

Time: 5.30 pm - 7.00 pm (proceedings will commence 5.45 pm sharp)

Venue: Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Level 25, 567 Collins Street,
Melbourne VIC 3000

RSVP: By no later than Friday, 24 February 2017

For more information and registration details, please click here.

Congratulations to Vice President William Lye on receiving Australia Day Honours

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 22:45:10 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association congratulates William Lye OAM, one of the AALA’s founding members and the current National Vice President, on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2017. William was awarded this highly regarded award for his service to the law, to business and to the promotion of cultural diversity.

William joins a number of legal luminaries to have received awards on Australia Day, including High Court judge Stephen Gageler AC and Victorian Governor Linda Dessau AC.

We are very proud of this achievement and the recognition of William’s continuing service to the law and the promotion of cultural diversity.

Congratulations!

Event Announcement (NSW) - Lunar New Year Cocktail and Dinner

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 03:22:25 GMT

Dear Members,

Join us as we celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Rooster! All NSW members of the AALA are invited to attend.

The theme of this year's dinner is "What our members want for 2017". In addition to our celebrations, the NSW Branch committee will be present to discuss and take questions about the AALA's plans for 2017.

Time: 6:30pm, 11 February 2017

Location: Marigold Restaurant (upstairs), 683-689 George St, Haymarket NSW 2000

Cost: $40 per head.

There is a limit of 60 person (5 tables), so registration is essential.

To register, please click here.

2016 AALA End-of-Year Celebration (Vic)

Fri, 02 Dec 2016 01:00:00 GMT

Celebrate the end of another successful year with the AALA!

Network with fellow members among cocktails and canapes, courtesy of Manchuria Bar, and discuss what's in store for 2017.

AALA members are welcome to bring friends and colleagues.

Tuesday, 13 December 2016
from 5.30pm

Manchuria
7 Waratah Place (upstairs)
Melbourne

RSVP

This event is free for AALA members (PAYG drinks). Guests of members are welcome. Limited to 100 registrations.

AALA NSW 2016 End-of-Year Celebration

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 06:00:00 GMT

Join the AALA NSW Branch as it closes out a successful 2016 in style!

This is a great opportunity to network with like-minded members in an informal setting and discuss the exciting things in store for 2017.

Date:Monday, 5 December

Time:6pm

Where: Palings
Level 1, ivy
330 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000

We look forward to seeing you there!

Please note: this is a FREE event (PAYG drinks) for AALA members only. Limited to 50 guests.

RSVP

Battle of the Bamboo Ceiling (SBS article)

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 03:23:34 GMT

A third-generation Asian Australian’s money is ruled ‘foreign’. An Adelaide-born MP of Asian appearance is asked ‘Where are you from?’. Underrepresented in boardrooms and politics, overlooked despite achievements, Asian Australians are looking for answers – and changes.

The SBS has recently published an in depth article on the Battle of the Bamboo Ceiling.

The article features interviews with several committee members of the AALA.

To read the full article on SBS's website, please click here.

2016-17 AALA Mentoring Program Launch (Vic)

Fri, 28 Oct 2016 00:00:00 GMT

LIV Council Elections

Sun, 16 Oct 2016 05:45:37 GMT

Dear Members,

AALA Executive Committee Member Molina Asthana has been nominated this year for LIV Council Elections. The AALA Committee supports Molina's nomination and is encouraged to see more leadership from culturally diverse lawyers.

For more information about Molina's nomination, please see the flyer below.

2016 Annual General Meeting

Fri, 07 Oct 2016 08:00:00 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association Inc. invites you to its 2016 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM will be held:

Date
Thursday, 27 October 2016

Time
5.30pm (for a 5.45pm start)

Venues*
Corrs Chambers Westgarth - Sydney
Level 17, 8-12 Chifley Square
Sydney NSW 2000

Corrs Chambers Westgarth - Melbourne
Level 25, 567 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

Corrs Chambers Westgarth - Brisbane
Level 42, 111 Eagle Street
Brisbane City QLD 4000

*Please select the appropriate location when registering for the AGM

Please note that the NSW branch meeting will be held immediately prior to the AGM at 5.00pm Thursday, 27 October 2016, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Level 17, 8-12 Chifley Square, Sydney NSW 2000.

Non-members are welcome to attend the AGM but will not be eligible to vote on the items of business.

Members may appoint another Member to attend and vote at the AGM, as the Member’s proxy, by completing a Proxy Form. Completed Proxy Forms must be returned to the Secretary by 5.30 pm on Tuesday 25 October 2016.

Please register your attendance by 5.30pm on Monday, 24 October 2016:

RSVP

Keynote Speaker
The Hon. Adam Searle, MLC
Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council of New South Wales

Following the formal AGM, a keynote speech will be delivered by The Hon. Adam Searle, MLC, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council in New South Wales.

Inquiries

All inquiries should be directed to the Secretary of the AALA, Barton Wu by email to bwu@liv.asn.au or by telephoning (03) 9607 9357.

AALA Committee meets with Jiangsu lawyers delegation

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 00:26:08 GMT

On 20 September 2016, members of the Asian Australian Lawyers Assocation committee met with a delegation of high profile lawyers from Jiangsu province, China. This event was jointly hosted by the AALA and Piper Alderman, and sponsored by Piper Alderman.

The Jiangsu lawyers came from 8 different prefectures in Jiangsu province, and were here for a 2 month exchange program at the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre. AALA President, Tuanh Nguyen, warmly welcomed the delegates and presented the AALA lapel pin as a gift to the leader of the delegation, Jiang Weidong and conferred on each of the delegates Honorary Membership to the AALA. Executive Committee Member, William Lye, made the closing speech and gave the vote of thanks.

This meeting aligns with the AALA's objectives of developing links with Asian legal associations and promoting a mutual understanding of Australian and Asian legal systems.

The AALA thanks Ian Nathaniel, Partner and Chair of Diversity at Piper Alderman for his firm's generous support for this event.

Women and Leadership Australia - Funding Grants For Women’s Leadership Development

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:07:16 GMT

In 2016 Women & Leadership Australia is administering a national initiative to support the development of female leaders across the all industry sectors.

From September 21^st 2016 the initiative will provide women with grants for leadership development. More specifically, grant applications are open for women at three levels. Please click on the preferred program link for details. The deadline for expressing your interest for this funding in your sector ends on December 15^th.

1. Senior management and executive level women leaders can apply for $8,000 part-scholarships to undertake the Advanced Leadership Program

2. Mid-level female managers and leaders can apply for $4,000 part-scholarships to undertake the Executive Ready Program

3. Aspiring talent and emerging women managers can apply for $3,000 part-scholarships to undertake the Accelerated Leadership Performance Program.

Expressions of Interest

To find out more, please complete the Expression of Interest form here.

Should you wish to discuss the initiative in more detail please contact Ian Johnson at the office of the National Industry Scholarship Program, Women and Leadership Australia on 03 9270 9016 or via ijohnson@wla.edu.au.

Development scholarships for women leaders - Women & Leadership Australia

Tue, 23 Aug 2016 08:38:40 GMT

$4,000 scholarships are now being awarded to female leaders across the country to support the nationwide launch of Executive Ready - Women & Leadership Australia's (WLA) new flagship development program for mid to senior level managers.

About the Executive Ready program

Informed by the experiences of hundreds of talented and respected women across all industries, Executive Ready is a leadership accelerator designed to stretch participants and propel them towards executive level performance, behaviours and mindsets. Developed by the country's foremost authority on women leaders and their unique needs, Executive Ready is for women who want to lead more confidently, transform the performance of their team and fully realise their future career/life potential.

The program's content is purpose designed to extend leadership ability in preparation for future advancement. Due to its applied nature and performance orientated outcomes the program is also appropriate for leaders looking to consolidate their current position and independent business owners looking for practical advice and strategy to transform the performance of their staff.

Details about the program can be found on WLA's website at: http://www.wla.edu.au/programs-executiveready.html

Please note: Scholarships cover approximately 40% of the total enrolment fee.

For more information, please contact Nick Williams from WLA at nwilliams@asam.edu.au

Leading for change- A blueprint for cultural diversity and inclusive leadership

Wed, 17 Aug 2016 07:03:11 GMT

On Tuesday 16 August 2016, AALA Executive Committee Members Jing Zhu and Molina Asthana attended “Leading for change- A blueprint for cultural diversity and inclusive leadership” hosted by Corrs Chambers Westgarth. The lunch commenced with an address by Race Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane on the recently launched Blueprint for Cultural Diversity and Inclusive Leadership. The Commissioner explained the reasons behind the Blueprint, including the need to gather facts and statistical data on people of Asian background in the government and senior levels leadership level. He presented a number of stark pie charts from research conducted for the Blueprint indicating that at

ASX 200 CEO’s
Federal Parliamentarians
Federal Ministry
Federal and State Public Service Heads; and
University Vice-Chancellors

there was at most 5% representation from those of non-European backgrounds. These statistics align with the AALA’s own Cultural Diversity Snapshot, released last year looking into the number of lawyers of Asian background at senior levels in law firms, at the Bar and within the Judiciary. This research also showed low levels of representation by those of an Asian background in the senior ranks of the legal profession.

Mr Soutphommasane encouraged setting realistic and meaningful targets, and greater advocacy for cultural diversity, including from senior leaders in the community. He also discussed the concept of a “meritocracy” and that such a concept could only make sense if everyone starts on a level playing ground.

Annette Hughes, Partner and Chair of Diversity and Inclusion Council at Corrs then chaired a panel discussion with Mr Soutphommasane, John Denton, CEO of Corrs and Tasneem Chopra, Cross Cultural Consultant, Author and Curator. Ms Chopra spoke of her own experiences with subtle and casual yet persistent discrimination. She also advocated on the need to have a more culturally inclusive workplace not just because it made good business sense but also as “the right thing to do” because we all live and function in a diverse society.

Mr Denton discussed the importance of not having tunnel vision when it came to diversity. It was important to open up to not just gender diversity but also racial, religious and LGBTI diversity. His view was that in order to create a healthy organisation, we need to respect individuals both in the qualities that make them the same to others but also what makes them unique and different, and celebrate those differences. We should also include those individuals in the goals and ideals of an organisation to drive improvement within the organisation.

Copies of the Blueprint were distributed at the seminar. They can also be accessed at the ARHC website https://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/race-discrimination/publications/leading-change-blueprint-cultural-diversity-and-inclusive

Event Announcement: International Perspectives on Cultural Diversity (25 August)

Mon, 08 Aug 2016 01:16:06 GMT

One in 10 Australians are from an Asian background, yet they are dramatically underrepresented in senior leadership roles in the business sector, making up only one in every 50 executive managers.

The five-part conversation series hopes to tackle this disparity by encouraging Asian Australians to reach for leadership positions and to start the conversation in Australia’s business community about the importance of promoting talented people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

The third Asian Australian Leadership Conversation will be held in Melbourne on Thursday 25th August and the topic for discussion is, ‘International perspectives on cultural diversity’. Join the AALA, DAWN, Westpac and our guest panelists as we explore the issue of cultural diversity in a global context.

Panelists:

Thursday, 25 August
6.30 - 8.30pm

Venue
Westpac
Level 12, 150 Collins Street
Melbourne

Cost
$30.00 for DAWN and AALA members
$50.00 for non-members
$15.00 for students

Multicultural and Social Cohesion Division established in Victoria

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 23:42:03 GMT

The Victorian Government has recently announced the establishment of a new Multicultural and Social Cohesion Division, which brings together the Community Resilience Unit, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, and the Office of Victorian Multicultural Commission.

The AALA welcomes efforts from the Victorian Government to promote multicultural and social cohesion in the community.

For more information, please click here to be directed to the media release on the Victorian Government's website.

Asian Australian Foundation makes inaugural grant to Western Chances

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 23:38:26 GMT

The Asian Australian Foundation has recently made a grant to Western Chances.

The impact of the Asian Australian Foundation's generous grant to Western Chances will be significant in transforming the lives of around five talented and motivated young people facing financial barriers to completing their education.

Financial hardship is a significant barrier to education. Low income families struggle to afford the costs to enable their children to participate fully in secondary education or tertiary studies.

It can cost more than $5,000 to put a child through their first year of a government high school in Melbourne.

These young people supported by the Asian Australian Foundation will be awarded merit based, tailor made scholarships to purchase essential items not provided by schools, including text books, MYKI, laptops, internet and specialist lessons.

Recipients will have the life changing opportunity to remain in education, go on to further education, training and employment and fulfil their potential.

Receiving a Western Chances scholarship provides recipients with belief from an external organisation, and belief from Western Chances's committed donors like the Asian Australian Foundation, that they have potential and are recognised and acknowledged for their talent and motivation.

For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/westernchances/

The Honourable Associate Justice Ierodiaconou's speech on Health and Wellbeing in the Legal Profession

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 07:59:45 GMT

On 20 July 2016, The Honourable Associate Justice Ierodiaconou spoke at the Deakin Law School Alumni Professional Development Event on Health and Wellbeing in the Legal profession. Her Honour's speech mentioned the AALA's works and how she enjoyed the discussions about diversity at AALA events.

To read the full speech, please click here.

Event invitation - Australian and European Refugee Laws (French Australian Lawyers Society)

Fri, 22 Jul 2016 00:59:02 GMT

Dear Members,

On 4 October 2016, the FALS is holding an seminar with a focus on Australian and European Refugee Laws. The event is co-organized and sponsored by Deakin Law School.

This event is not organised by the AALA, but AALA members are warmly invited to attend.

The two presenters are Julian Burnside AO QC a Barrister and Dr Maria O Sullivan, Lecturer at Monash University.

This event will be held on 4 October 2016 at 5.30 pm (for a 6pm start) at Deakin's Melbourne City Centre, 555 Bourke Street, Melbourne.

For more information and registration details, please click here.

Event invitation - Commemorative Evensong to remember the Victims of Nice, Ankara and Istanbul (French Australian Lawyers Society VIC)

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 08:54:27 GMT

Dear Members,

Please see below event invitation from the French Australian Lawyers Society.

Commemorative Evensong to remember the Victims of Nice, Ankara and Istanbul

I would be very pleased if you, or a representative, were able to join us for a Commemorative Evensong on Thursday, 21 July, at 5.10pm at St Paul's Cathedral, to remember those who perished this weekend in Nice, Ankara and Istanbul,and to pray for peace in our world.

During our service, members of the Consular Corps will be lighting candles as a sign of hope. We will be praying for those who mourn loved ones, for the injured and distressed, and for all those committed to the work of peace.

Please would you let our Cathedral Secretary, Hannah Hornsby (hhornsby@stpaulscathedral.org.au) know should you be able to join us.

SBS Radio Interview with Reynah, Kerry and Daniel

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 08:51:03 GMT

SBS Radio has recently interviewed AALA committee members Reynah Tang, Kerry Truong, and Daniel Nguyen on the association's activities and efforts in promoting cultural diversity in the law.

To listen to the interview in Cantonese, please click here.

Event announcement (NSW) - Where the Glass and Bamboo Ceilings Meet in the Australian Legal Profession

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 00:32:52 GMT

Dear Members,

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association and the Womens Lawyers Association of NSW (WLANSW) is pleased to announce its first jointly hosted event, "Where the Glass and Bamboo Ceilings Meet in the Australian Legal Profession".

This event will be hosted by Bartier Perry with guest speaker and expert on unconscious bias, Heather Price of Symmetra.

Time: 5.30-7.30pm

Date: Thursday 11th August 2016

Location: Bartier Perry, Level 10, 77 Castlereagh Street, Sydney

For more information, please click here to view the event flyer. To register, please click here to visit the event page.

Event invitation - Brave New World of Law - Turn disruption into profit (Law Institute of Victoria)

Tue, 12 Jul 2016 07:39:36 GMT

Dear Members,

On Wednesday 20 July 2016 the LIV will be holding an Insight breakfast on the topic Brave New World of Law - Turn disruption into profit.

The event will focus on disruption, innovation and new business models and will provide some of answers to questions including:

How has customer demand impacted the new direction of legal practice?
How do digital platforms enable greater efficiency, return on investment and global market access?
What makes a 'legal entrepreneur' and how can higher education help you become one?
What does flexible work look like and how is it a competitive advantage?
What goes along with being an innovative lawyer, and how can it help bring more business to your firm?

Date: Wednesday, 20 July 2016

Time: 7:00am - 9:30am

Location: RACV City Club, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Registrations by 15 July to register@liv.asn.au

For more information and registration details, please click here.

Victorian Women Lawyers Event - Culturally Sensitive Legal Advice: Family Law and Family Violence

Mon, 04 Jul 2016 00:00:23 GMT

Dear Members,

You are warmly invited to join the Victorian Women Lawyers Cultural Diversity Committee for a panel discussion on how to support women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities who are facing family violence.

The panel will discuss the services available to CALD women and barriers to service and justice. This event seeks to educate legal practitioners about how to provide culturally sensitive legal advice in the family violence context.

The panel will consist of:

Magistrate Noreen Toohey, Magistrates' Court of Victoria

Jane Penberthy, Lawyer, InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence

Jennifer Dawson, Psychologist, InTouch

Adisa Muminovic, Court Support Worker, InTouch

Cost: Free for VWL members, $10 for non-members

For more information and registration details, please visit the Facebook page or view the event flyer.

'Keep doorway open' to diverse lawyers: AALA (Lawyers Weekly)

Sun, 03 Jul 2016 23:50:41 GMT

Kingsley Liu, NSW Branch President of the AALA, was recently interviewed by Lawyers Weekly. To read the full article, please click here.

Asian Australian lawyer James Wang promoted to partner at King Wood Mallesons

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 23:33:43 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association would like to congratulate James Wang on his promotion to partner at KWM.

It is encouraging to see greater cultural diversity in Australian law firm partners. In 2015 the AALA published its Cultural Diversity Report, which revealed that Asian Australians are underrepresented within the senior ranks of the legal profession.

Asian Australian lawyer Chuong Nguyen promoted to partner at Baker & Mackenzie

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 23:25:07 GMT

The Asian Austrailan Lawyers Association would like to congratulate Chuong Nguyen on his recent promotion to partner at Baker & Mackenzie.

Research by the AALA in 2015 revealed that Asian Australian only accounted for 3.1% of law firm partners in Australia, with 6 large firms and 44 medium firms with no Asian Australian partners.

Asian Australian Leadership Summit 2016 (NSW)

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 09:53:36 GMT

Dear Members,

You are invited to register for the Asian Australian Leadership Summit 2016 in Sydney. The Summit is supported by the Diversity Council of Australia.

This event is not hosted by the AALA, but AALA members are warmly invited to attend and will receive a 10% discount on the registration fee (please mention you are an AALA member when registering).

Pre-Summit Workshop 18 July 2016

Summit 19 & 20 July 2016

Post-Summit Workshop 21 July 2016

Diversity in thinking, perspective and experience bring about the creativity and innovation which organisations need to thrive in today’s world, and fuel the future for so many existing and emerging leaders. And yet, as the world enters into the Asian Century, aspiring and emerging Asian Australian professionals remain starkly underrepresented at senior executive leadership levels in Australia.

Leadership is always viewed through a cultural lens, and draws on our individual cultural values. For Asian Australian leaders seeking to step up in their organisation, there can be complex cultural barriers to overcome, from unconscious bias, communication styles and management paradigms to a lack of relationship capital and the so-called ‘bamboo ceiling’. In order to move forward and increase access to leadership opportunities, it is crucial that Asian Australian leaders refine skills and aptitudes and organisations invest in supporting their leadership pipeline.

The inaugural Asian Australian Leadership Summit is the first dedicated professional development event for region’s aspiring and emerging Australasian professionals working across all roles and industries, as well as developing cross-cultural competence from a personal and organisational perspective. Hear from senior Asian Australian leaders from across the region, diversity and cross-cultural specialists, and business and management consultants open up a crucial and exciting discussion and explore the future of Asian Australian leadership.

For more information and registration details, please click here (PDF flyer).

Speech by Race Discrimination Commissioner at the Vincent Fairfax Ethics in Leadership Oration

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 00:17:38 GMT

Dr Tim Soutphommasane, Race Discrimination Commissioner, has recently given a speech at the Vincent Fairfax Ethics in Leadership Oration. The speech addresses the issue of race and cultural diversity.

To read the full speech, please click here.

ACYA Bilingual Language Competition

Wed, 22 Jun 2016 23:11:32 GMT

Members of the AALA are warmly invited to register for the Australia-China Youth Association Victoria Bilingual Language Competition. Please refer to the event invitation below.

The Australia-China Youth Association Victoria Bilingual Language Competition Inc. ('ACYA VIC BLC'), is an autonomous incorporated not-for-profit organisation under the ACYA umbrella.

The Bilingual Language Competition provides a challenging platform for Victorian tertiary students to showcase and improve their Chinese and English communication skills, both linguistic and cultural.

Participants will undertake a preliminary essay writing assessment where they are required to demonstrate their language skills via writing in Chinese and English. Then, five finalists from each level (intermediate and advanced) will subsequently progress to the finale where they are required to provide a public speaking performance in Mandarin and English. Both stages are impartially assessed by academics from our partner universities and influential individuals within the Australia-China community, providing legitimacy and expertise to competition results.

In our inaugural year, ACYA VIC BLC Inc. successfully hosted the Bilingual Language Competition in front of a distinguished audience of over 250 people, including academics, senior representatives from our sponsors and supporting organisations, government officials, as well as the general public.

Competition participation and language acquisition is incentivised through the provision of prizes ranging from a $5000 academic scholarship to a radio interview experience on SBS Mandarin Radio and SBS Cantonese Radio. Coupling this with extensive and diverse media coverage and growing government recognition and support, the public nature of the competition ensures the promotion of language learning and cultural understanding within the wider community.

If you are interested in being part of this life-changing experience, please visit http://www.acyavic-blc.com/ for registration and more information. With more amazing prizes in the store this year, do not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and showcase your language talents. Registration closes 7th July 2016. Terms and conditions apply.

CIArb Asia Pacific Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration Course

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 04:24:41 GMT

CIArb Asia Pacific Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration Course
20 - 28 August 2016

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators has launched the CIArb Asia Pacific Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration Course as a joint venture between the Australia, East Asia and Singapore branches. Supported by global arbitration bodies, the inaugural course will be held in Singapore between 20 and 28 August 2016.

Successful completion offers a pathway to CIArb membership and accreditation that carries a global qualification in the growing practice of international arbitration. Places are strictly limited. For further information and to register visit https://www.ciarb.net.au/training/diploma2016/

AALA Announces Changes in the Executive Committee

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 06:00:00 GMT

Media Release

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new President, Ms Tuanh Nguyen, and would like to thank Mr Reynah Tang for his leadership and tireless efforts over the last 3 years in founding and building AALA.

Mr Tang has recently announced his retirement as President of AALA to take up appointment as a sessional Member at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Ms Nguyen, a Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal and the current Secretary of the AALA, will succeed Mr Tang as President. Succeeding Ms Nguyen as Secretary will be Mr Barton Wu, a Lawyer at the Law Institute of Victoria and a current member of the AALA’s Executive Committee.

The AALA also welcomes to the Executive Committee, Ms Adelyn Koh, Senior Legal Counsel (The General Counsel’s Office) at Ernst & Young, who has been appointed to fill a casual vacancy position on the Executive Committee.

The AALA congratulates Ms Nguyen, Mr Wu and Ms Koh on their appointments.

The AALA thanks Mr Tang for his leadership and significant contribution to the establishment and growth of AALA. As a founder and inaugural President, Mr Tang led the AALA from its humble beginnings to an organisation numbering 450 members across two States. Among his countless achievements and contributions, Mr Tang oversaw the launch of the AALA’s report on cultural diversity in the legal profession, the first of its kind in Australia; the establishment of the AALA’s NSW Branch; the introduction of the AALA’s annual mentoring program; and the appointment of the Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG as the AALA’s first patron.

Ms Nguyen thanked her fellow Executive Committee members for their support and stated that: “Reynah has been an immense guiding figure for the AALA and leaves behind a vast legacy. He has built a strong foundation for the continued growth of the AALA and the achievement of its objectives. I am truly honoured to become President of the AALA and excited to continue the significant work that Reynah has done in promoting cultural diversity in the law and advancing Asian Australian representation in the upper echelons of the legal profession.”

In addition to Mr Tang’s appointment as a sessional Member at VCAT, fellow AALA member, Mr David Kim, a barrister with Foley’s List, has also been appointed a sessional Member at VCAT. The AALA congratulates Mr Tang and Mr Kim on their appointments.

Ms Nguyen also applauded the Victorian Attorney-General, the Hon. Martin Pakula MP, on the appointments and for his commitment to ensuring that our courts and tribunals are more reflective of the diversity in the community they exist to serve.

Contact: Ms Tuanh Nguyen, President M: 0438 831 906

About AALA

The AALA was formed in 2013 to promote Asian cultural diversity in the Australian legal profession, provide advocacy and support to its members and develop links with Asian legal associations. AALA has more than 450 members hail from more than fifteen countries in Asia and, between them, speak more than 20 different Asian languages and dialects.

Follow the AALA on Twitter at @OrgAALA or subscribe for updates on our website: aala.org.au.

Event invitation - Immigration Law Seminar (French Australian Lawyers Society)

Fri, 17 Jun 2016 08:48:30 GMT

The French Australian Lawyers Society (Inc) (FALS) would like to invite you to the Immigration Law Seminar presented by Hammond Taylor at:

The Trust Bar (back room)
405 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
from 5.30 pm (for 6pm start, sharp) to 7.30 pm
on Thursday 23 June 2016

TOPIC:Work visas – a guide for HR, in-house counsel, managers and employees

PRESENTERS: James Hammond and Jackson Taylor

Jackson Taylor has worked in the migration advice profession for more than 8 years, principally providing advice to corporate clients on Employer Sponsored visas and all aspects of immigration compliance. Prior to entering the migration industry Jackson was a recruitment consultant in the IT sector and developed a passion for understanding and supporting businesses’ needs. Jackson has worked with a range of corporate clients across all industry sectors from start-ups to multinationals, including some of the largest users of sponsored visas in Australia. He has advised a number of overseas businesses on the immigration requirements to offer services in Australia and establish local entities.

James Hammond is a Melbourne based lawyer specialising in Australian immigration law. He has practised immigration law for 10 years, including 5 years in his own practice. He is experienced in and can assist with all Australian immigration matters including visa and sponsorship applications, appeals and advice. His clients include national and multi-national companies in the following industries: engineering, construction, hospitality, ICT and manufacturing. He also assists skilled professional, trades and business people from all over the world to migrate to Australia under Skilled, Employer Sponsored and Business Skills visa categories.

Wine and finger food will be served.

There will be a formal seminar for 45 minutes, with an additional 15 to 20 minutes for questions. Guests are welcome to stay and network after the seminar.

All lawyers and students with an interest in Australian immigration law are welcome to attend, so please feel free to invite any others who you think may be interested. The event is $30.00 to non FALS and FACCI members.

To register or for more information, please click here.

ACOLA Report - Australia's Diaspora Advantage

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 00:08:25 GMT

The Australian Council of Learned Acadamies (ACOLA) has recently released a report on Australia's potential for building transnational business networks with Asia, with a particular focus on Chinese and Indian business.

The ACOLA report references findings from the AALA's 2015 cultural diversity report.

To read the full report, please click here.

Improving the bench mark - Law Institute Journal

Fri, 10 Jun 2016 09:12:05 GMT

The LIV Journal has recently published an article by Barton Wu on the importance of a diverse legal profession in a multicultural society. To read the article on the LIV's website, please click here.

Barton is an LIV legal policy lawyer and member of the AALA executive committee.

Muslim Legal Network Event: Legal Profession Iftar Dinner

Fri, 10 Jun 2016 08:08:58 GMT

Dear Members,

The Muslim Legal Network invites you to the inaugural Legal Profession Iftar Dinner. The keynote speaker for the night will be His Honour the Chief Magistrate of Victoria Peter Lauritsen, and the guest speaker will be Her Honour Magistrate Urfa Masood, who is the first Muslim Magistrate in Victoria.

This event is not hosted by the AALA, but AALA members are warmly invited to attend.

For more information, about the event, please click here.

AALA Presents: Vincent Shin - My Story

Fri, 03 Jun 2016 07:00:00 GMT

Growing up in difficult family circumstances, Vincent Shin has beaten all odds to graduate with honours from his law degree and become Australia’s first ever in-house school lawyer. Vincent’s is an incredible story of triumph over the adversity that so many migrant families and their children have come to experience in Australia.

The AALA is proud to present a screening of Vincent's short biographical documentary. You will also get the chance to hear directly from Vincent himself about his fascinating story and work.

What:Vincent Shin – My Story
When:Tuesday, 21 June 2016
5.30pm
Where:Baker & McKenzie
Level 19, 181 William St
Melbourne

Drinks and canapés to be served.

Event sponsor:

The AALA would like to thank Baker & McKenzie for their very generous support of the event.

Sterotypes blocking minority lawyers from partnership

Thu, 05 May 2016 06:33:43 GMT

Lawyers Weekly has recently recently published an article on the dangers of cultural and racial stereotyping, following the AALA's inaugural William Lee Address panel discussion earlier this week.

To read the full article, please click here.

Event invitation - Asian Australian Alliance Conference (VIC)

Mon, 02 May 2016 04:54:49 GMT

Asian Australian Alliance (AAA) is organising its Inaugural Conference titled and themed:

Race, Identity, Advocacy - Where do Asian Australians belong?

This will be a structured panel style conference which will address this problem. Where mainstream society has accepted the "bamboo ceiling" as a major barrier, this conference will look at the "bamboo ceiling" in the context of the following scenario:

As Asian Australians, there is a perception and stereotype in society that the community has achieved a lot of success economically, socially and professionally. This may be true to a certain extent, but it is also a myth in other ways. Asian Australians make up nearly 10% of Australia's population, however, there is a lack of representation in mainstream decision making roles (political, corporate, media, not for profit and academic sectors). The other major problems is that even within the gender equality debate, Asian Australian women are not necessarily included, but the greater movement and cause has overshadowed this fact. Within the broader Australian LGBTIQ movement, there is a lack of connection and involvement of Asian Australians and the issue of discrimination in terms of race remains. The Asian Australian youth, the future, need to understand, be mentored and be empowered to take on more leadership roles as well as learn how to push the envelope.

The purpose of this upcoming conference is to address this scenario via dialogue, consultation and outcomes as well as formally launch the Asian Australian Alliance as a national body.

This event is not hosted by the AALA, but AALA members are warmly invited to attend.

Please note: The AAA is offering FREE entry to the first 20 AALA members to RSVP

Date: Saturday May 7, 2016

Time: 9:00 - 18:00

Venue: Room G08, Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne

Cost: $30, Students and Seniors $15. Please rsvp to Erin Chew on asianaustralianalliance@outlook.com

Check updates on www.facebook.com/AsianAustralianAlliance

Event announcement - Legal, operational, and cultural challenges of doing business in China (VIC)

Sun, 01 May 2016 23:25:23 GMT

You are warmly invited to attend our next seminar on 12 May 2016 (Melbourne). Arie Schreier, COO of PTL Group, will speak on the practical challenges of doing business in China from a legal, operational and cultural perspective.

Mr Schreier has over 20 years of management experience with companies and diplomatic missions throughout Asia, Australia and South America. He has spent the last 11 years managing operations for foreign companies in China.

Mr Schreier’s practical insights will be valuable for anyone who is interested in doing business in China or with China.

Date: 12 May 2016

Time: 5:30pm

Location: Law Institute of Victoria, 470 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Cost: $10 for AALA members, $30 for non-members

To register, please click here.

To obtain the member price, please login before registering for the event. For more information, please contact us at info@aala.org.au.

Are you looking to make a difference?

Fri, 29 Apr 2016 06:10:02 GMT

Then why not get more involved with the Asian Australian Lawyers Association and help us in the drive to promote cultural diversity in the legal profession. Due to an overseas relocation, a casual vacancy has arisen on the AALA Executive Committee (until the next Annual General Meeting to be held in August/September). The Executive Committee, which meets monthly, provides governance and oversight of the activities of the AALA. In addition, Executive Committee members are expected to get involved with our sub-committees (membership, events, professional development, international relationships and social media/e-marketing) or other ad hoc programs (eg. proposed William Ah Ket Scholarship). While meetings are held at the Law Institute of Victoria, teleconference facilities are available for members who are interstate or work in suburban or regional areas.

If you want to get involved, please send your CV (not more than 3 pages) and a short statement (not more than 250 words) about what you would bring to the AALA, to our secretary at tuanh.nguyen@aala.org.au by 5pm on Friday 13 May 2016. If you have been involved in AALA committees or similar work for other associations, that will be considered favourably. You should also indicate whether you would nevertheless be interested in joining one of our subcommittees in the event you are not appointed to the Executive Committee.

Appointment of Ms Urfa Masood to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria

Fri, 29 Apr 2016 04:40:09 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) condemns the bigoted tirades published on social media, as referred to in The Age today, criticising the appointment of Ms Urfa Masood to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.

Attorney General Martin Pakula’s appointment of Ms Masood to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria is a step in the right direction towards greater cultural diversity in the Courts and ensuring the judiciary is reflective of the community it serves.

The President of the AALA, Reynah Tang, said:

“The Magistrates’ Court of Victoria handles a large volume of cases each day. Ms Masood’s appointment will provide greater diversity of understanding in dealing with matters from an Australian community that is increasingly multicultural and multi-faith. This is critical for social cohesion.”

The AALA warmly congratulates Ms Masood on her appointment.

Elevating our presence! Sessions with Richard Lawton

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:37:53 GMT

Elevating our presence!

In a span of three weeks, AALA members were coached by Master Voice and Presentation Coach, Richard Lawton – gaining invaluable tips on how to elevate our presence, physically and by using our voice.

We learned how to keep calm in high pressure situations by standing tall regardless of height, taking up powerful poses including hands on hips, standing with feet slightly apart and maintaining stillness.

We developed an awareness of high and low status body language. Members discovered their own default power pose and received effective feedback from Richard and each other. The sessions were highly interactive with demonstrations, practices, presentations and the voluntary sharing of success stories by participating members at each session. For those who missed out, Richard will return in the latter half of the year.

SBS Radio Interview - Molina Asthana

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:25:22 GMT

AALA Committee Member Molina Asthana recently appeared on SBS Radio discussing the topic of the 'bamboo ceiling'. Molina says that “diversity is better represented in America, in judiciary and legal profession … but if we talk about Australia things are different and diversity in judiciary and legal workplace is far less”.

To listen to the interview in Hindi, please click here.

SBS Radio Interview - Reynah, Kerry and Daniel

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 08:24:07 GMT

SBS Radio recently interviewed Reynah Tang, Kerry Truong and Daniel Nguyen in Cantonese in relation to the development of the AALA. To listen to the Cantonese interview, please click here.

Harmony Day 2016 - it's time to dismantle the cultural ceiling

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 08:18:39 GMT

The Diversity Council of Australia has recently published a blog post on Harmony Day 2016 and the need to crack the cultural ceiling.

To read more, please click here.

AALA NSW networking event featuring Benjamin Law

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 02:00:00 GMT

AALA NSW NETWORKING EVENT
WITH BENJAMIN LAW

The NSW branch of the AALA is proud to present its first ever networking event, featuring special guest speaker Benjamin Law.

Join the AALA NSW Committee, fellow members and Benjamin in a discussion about diversity, in particular Asian cultural and LGBTIQ identity, in Australia.

Refreshments are provided. Please RSVP as limited places are available.

Wednesday, 6 April 2016
6.00pm - 7.45pm

Venue
King & Wood Mallesons
Governor Phillip Tower
Level 61, 1 Farrer Place
Sydney

Cost
FREE - RSVP required

GUEST SPEAKER:
Benjamin Law
Benjamin Law is an author and journalist. He is best known for his books The Family Law, a family memoir published in 2010 (now a popular TV series), and Gaysia: Adventures in the Queer East, a journalistic exploration of LGBTIQ life in Asia.

As a journalist, he has contributed to publications including Frankie, The Australian Financial Review, The Saturday Paper, The Monthly, The Courier-Mail and its Qweekend supplement, Griffith Review, Fairfax Media's Good Weekend magazine, The Big Issue and Crikey.

CO-HOSTS:
Katrina Rathie
Partner in Charge, King & Wood Mallesons, Sydney

Kingsley Liu
President, AALA NSW

SA Law Society Journal - The call for Asian Cultural Diversity in the Legal Profession

Tue, 15 Mar 2016 00:12:21 GMT

An article by Jing Zhu and Helen Tung, executive committee members of the AALA, has recently been published in The Bulletin, the journal of the Law Society of South Australia.

To read the article, please click here. The article appears on pages 22-23 of the journal.

If you are a legal practitioner in South Australia and would like to get involved with the AALA, please contact us at info@aala.org.au.

Resolution Institute (Vic) - An introduction to arbitration

Wed, 09 Mar 2016 22:48:11 GMT

Event invitation

Dear Members,

Join internationally renowned arbitrator, Neil Kaplan CBE QC SBS as he explores - the history of international arbitration - advantages and disadvantages of the procedures involved - the UNCITRAL Model Law, the basis of arbitration law in countries around the world, including Australia.

This event is not hosted by the AALA, but AALA members are warmly invited to attend.

Date and time
Wednesday 16 March
5.30pm Registration & networking
6.00pm Commencement
7.30pm Close

Venue
Holman Fenwick Willan
Level 41, Bourke Place
600 Bourke Street Melbourne, Victoria 3000

To register for the event, please click here.

Expressions of interest - John Leung's "8 Things You Don’t Know About Me"

Wed, 09 Mar 2016 04:22:47 GMT

The AALA is teaming up with John Leung – Barrister, ukulele enthusiast, soccer goalie and comedian – to bring you special discounted tickets to his first ever solo show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival – “John Leung: 8 Things You Don't Know About Me”.

AALA members save $7 on the normal ticket price (from $22 to $15), and will also have the opportunity to join John and fellow members for drinks after the show.

Only 20 spots available – first in, best dressed!

Best regards,
The Asian Australian Lawyers Association

Tuesday, 12 April
9.45pm (50 minutes)

Venue
The Downstairs Lounge @ The Swanston Hotel Melbourne Grand Mercure
195 Swanston Street
Melbourne

Cost
$15.00 for AALA members

Please do not book through the MICF website, Trybooking or at the door as you will not receive the discounted price.

Optional pre-show dinner and post-show drinks (pay on the night) – details to be advised.

Register

VWL Cultural Diversity Committee – Seeking Members

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 02:05:27 GMT

The Victorian Women Lawyers is now seeking new members to join its Cultural Diversity Committee.

The Committee works to improve access to the law for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD backgrounds), by:

researching the areas of law in which CALD women may face difficulties obtaining information or assistance;
undertaking projects to inform women from CALD backgrounds about their legal rights; and
working with and in support of other organisations that deliver legal services and assistance to women from CALD backgrounds.

If you are interested in joining the Committee, please get in touch with the Committee's Co-Chairs, Julia Wang (julia.r.wang@gmail.com) and Elva Zhang (elva.j.zhang@gmail.com).

Law Institute Journal (Victoria) on cultural diversity issues

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 22:39:21 GMT

This month's Law Institute Journal (March 2016) features several articles on the topic of cultural diversity. In particular, two of those articles refer to the AALA, highlighting the AALA's continuing advocacy for diversity in the legal profession.

To read more, please click on the links below:

Cultural Diversity Essential for Survival

Opinion - Challenge and Opportunity

Hellenic Australian Lawyers - Health and Wellbeing in the Legal Profession

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 09:19:37 GMT

Dear Members,

The Hellenic Lawyers Association is hosting a panel discussion on 16 March 2016 on "Health and Wellbeing in the Legal Profession".

For more information and registration details, please click here to view the event flyer.

Lawyers Weekly diversity roundtable

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 09:09:31 GMT

AALA President Reynah Tang recently took part in a discussion on diversity in the legal industry with other high-profile members of the profession.

To read the article, please click here.

Australian Italian Lawyers Association Dinner Seminar

Fri, 26 Feb 2016 05:41:28 GMT

Dear Members,

The Australian Italian Lawyers Association is hosting a dinner seminar on 10 March 2016.

Date: 10 March 2016

Time: 7pm for 7:30pm

Venue: University House, University of Melbourne, 112 Professors Walk, Parkville

Tickets: $99

CPD Points: 1

The Hon Justice Tony Pagone of the Federal Court of Australia will introduce The Hon Justice Oberto of the Court of Turin (Italy) who will speak on "The enforcement of Court Orders in European Countries". Attendees will be entitled to 1 CPD point.

This is not an AALA event, but AALA members are warmly invited to attend.

For details on registration, please visit: http://www.trybooking.com/179143

Cultural inclusivity in the legal profession: “This is not Morocco – it’s Australia 2016, isn’t it?”

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 03:20:38 GMT

The LIV has recently published an article on the subject of cultural inclusivity in the legal profession. The article references the Honourable Michael Kirby's speech at the launch of the AALA's NSW branch.

To read more, please click here to visit the LIV's website.

Comedian-barrister jumps between courtroom and stage

Fri, 05 Feb 2016 07:35:22 GMT

Lawyers Weekly has recently posted an article on John Leung, an Asian Australian barrister who will be performing at this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

To read more, please click here to visit the Lawyers Weekly website.

Australia’s shameful bamboo ceiling: Australian of the Year David Morrison pushing for more Asian people in top jobs

Tue, 02 Feb 2016 01:51:08 GMT

Australian of the Year David Morrison has recently spoken out about the discrimination against Asian Australians from advancing to top jobs. According to the news.com.au article, "Gen Morrison says, it’s not only racist, but bad business".

Gen Morrison is chair of the Diversity Council of Australia.

To read more, please click here.

The IBA 2016 Annual Conference Scholarship programme

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 22:31:59 GMT

For members who are interested in attending the International Bar Association’s Annual Conference in Washington, you may be interested to know that there is a scholarship program available for young lawyers.

To find out more about the scholarship, please click here to visit the IBA's website.

Event reminder - Getting the monkey off our backs: Improving diversity and inclusion in the legal sector

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 09:15:18 GMT

Dear Members,

If you have not yet done so, we would encourage you to register for our upcoming panel discussion event on 19 February 2016. This event is hosted in conjunction with Association of Corporate Counsel Australia (ACC).

The event will be an excellent opportunity to hear firsthand from The Hon Robin Scott MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, in relation to the Victorian Government's new multicultural policy statement. The statement is anticipated to be released during Cultural Diversity Week 2016.

For more information and registration details, please click here.

Gordon and Jackson becomes a sponsor of the AALA

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 01:48:05 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association is pleased to announce that Gordon & Jackson, Barristers' Clerks in Victoria, became a sponsor of the AALA from 1 January 2016.

Ross Gordon, Principal Clerk said:

"Our list is diverse in its expertise across all legal practice areas and in the origins and cultural backgrounds of our 162 barristers.

We value opportunities to build strong relationships within our community and accordingly we are delighted to support the goals and aspirations of the AALA.

Australia sees itself as very much a part of Asia and as lawyers are increasingly engaged at national and global levels. We are proud to support the development of our Asian Australian lawyers and we are excited about opportunities for relationship building and connection with our Asian legal colleagues."

President Reynah Tang thanked Gordon & Jackson for its generous support for the association and said:

"The sponsorship reflects the commitment of Gordon & Jackson and its barristers to engagement with Asia, and follows on from their previous sponsorship of one of our events.

With the support of our sponsors, we are hoping to announce some exciting new initiatives this year including a scholarship prize for emerging Asian Australian legal talent.

We look forward to working with Ross and his team as we continue to build our relationships and connections into Asia, and as we strive to advance cultural diversity in the legal profession."

Event - "Getting the monkey off our backs: improving diversity and inclusion in the legal sector" - 19 Feb 2016

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 03:54:24 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) and Association of Corporate Counsel (Australia) presents "Getting the monkey off our backs: improving diversity and inclusion in the legal sector".

Please join us for lunch to welcome the Year of the Monkey, and a panel discussion to consider diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

If you are an AALA member, a special members discount code has been sent to your email address.

Former High Court judge Michael Kirby AC CMG appointed patron of the AALA

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 00:08:43 GMT

The AALA is pleased to announce that former High Court judge Michael Kirby AC CMG has been appointed the patron of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association.

Mr Kirby was the keynote speaker at the launch of the AALA in NSW, and has been an outspoken champion of diversity in the legal profession.

To read the Australasian Lawyer's article on his appointment as patron, please click here.

To read The Australian's article, please click here.

Funding Grants for Women in the Professional Services Sector

Tue, 01 Dec 2015 06:46:49 GMT

Dear Members,

We previously advertised on our blog about grants from the National Industry Scholarship Grant Initiative (NISGI) for women in the professional services sector. Please be advised that the application date has now been extended to 17 December 2015 for AALA members. For more information, please see below.

In 2015 Women & Leadership Australia is administering a national initiative to support the development of female leaders across all sectors.

From October 1 2015 the initiative will provide women in the professional services sector with grants for leadership development. More specifically, grant applications are open to women employed in the professional services sector at two levels. Please click on the preferred program link for details.

Senior Management and Executive level Women Leaders can apply for $12,000 Individual Grants to undertake the Advanced Leadership Program.
Women Managers can apply for $5,000 Individual Grants to undertake the Accelerated Leadership Performance Program.

Expressions of Interest
To request a Scholarship Grant Application Form or additional information please complete the Expression of Interest form.

Should you wish to discuss the initiative in more detail please contact Ian Johnson at the office of the National Industry Scholarship Program, Australian School of Applied Management on 03 9270 9016 or via ijohnson@asam.edu.au

UK High Court appoints judge of Asian background

Thu, 26 Nov 2015 03:06:50 GMT

The UK High Court has recently appointed barrister Bobbie Cheema-Grubb QC as its first Asian female judge. The AALA would like to congratulate her on this historic achievement.

To read more, follow one of the links below:

The Guardian article

Official announcement

Videos from the NSW branch launch

Thu, 19 Nov 2015 04:48:19 GMT

Dear All,

Videos from the launch of our NSW branch are now available to view on YouTube.

To watch the videos, please follow the links below.

Part I - Welcome

Part II - Keynote address

Part III - Vote of thanks

Event invitation - Young Sri Lankan Professionals Xmas Party

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 04:44:00 GMT

Dear Members,

You are warmly invited to attend the YSLP (Young Sri Lankan Professionals) Xmas party on 27 November 2015. This is a free event.

Venue: Katuk Bar (Front Lounge), 517 Chapel Street South Yarra VIC 3141
Date: 27th November 2015
Time: 6:30pm till late
RSVP by 22nd of November at yslp.events@gmail.com

The event is not hosted by the AALA, but AALA members are invited to attend.

Australasian Lawyer interviews the AALA

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 03:10:17 GMT

The Australasian Lawyer recently interviewed AALA President Reynah Tang and NSW branch committee member Edmond Park regarding the recent launch of the NSW branch.

To watch the interviews, please click here.

AALA officially recognised in NSW Parliament

Fri, 13 Nov 2015 05:52:27 GMT

Yesterday, the Asian Australian Lawyers Association and its NSW launch were officially recognised in the legislative assembly of the NSW Parliament.

Mr Paul Lynch, Member for Liverpool, stated that "The AALA plays an important part in the discussion about diversity within the legal profession and the need for diversity to be increased within the senior ranks of the professions".

The full transcript is available on the NSW Parliament's website.

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association launches in NSW

Tue, 10 Nov 2015 03:04:58 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) was formed in 2013 to create greater cultural diversity and understanding within the senior ranks of the legal profession. On 2 November 2015, we welcomed a new chapter with the formal launch of the New South Wales branch held at Baker & McKenzie’s Sydney’s office. Kingsley Liu, solicitor and director of The People’s Solicitors, was appointed President of the NSW branch.

Over 140 people attended the launch, including the Race Discrimination Commission, Dr Tim Soutphommasane, members of the NSW judiciary, members of Parliament, representatives of NSW law schools, peak bodies such as the NSW Law Society, Law Council of Australia, Diversity Council Australia, NSW Bar Association, law firms, leaders of the business community and diplomatic representatives.

We were privileged and honoured to have special guest speaker Mr Michael Kirby, former High Court judge who is an outspoken champion of diversity in the legal profession.

Mr Kirby started by saying that ‘[n]othing happens in this world unless people stand up for themselves.’ He congratulated the AALA for collecting statistics which showed that even though 9.6 per cent of people within the Australian community are of Asian backgrounds, they account for only 3.1 per cent of partners at major firms. The statistics also show that people of Asian backgrounds comprise of only 1.6 per cent of the Bar and 0.8 per cent of the judiciary.

Mr Kirby acknowledged the importance of this research:

‘You only build the future on the basis of the truth of the present. It’s a wonderful thing that these figures are now known and therefore we have to address them and ask “Well, does it matter?” If it matters, “Why has it happened?” And if it’s happened, “What can we do about it?”

Mr Kirby noted the importance of diversity in the law:

“Law is not an ordinary profession… Law is about the values that inform what we do, how we do it and outcomes… therefore it’s more important in law to reflect the diversity of values than it is in just about anywhere else because law is about power … And if values affect the exercise of power, it is very, very important that the diversity of values and the experience of backgrounds should be reflected.’

He made the important point that because the judiciary usually comes from the bar then we will not ‘provide the catching field for the judiciary unless you have more people in the level of partners at legal firms and members of the bar and silks within the bar.’

Dr Tim Soutphommasane gave the vote of thanks to Mr Kirby and highlighted the good work that the AALA is doing in starting the conversation on cultural diversity in the legal profession.

We are delighted with the success of the launch and we are excited to work with the NSW branch in undertaking initiatives and activities to further the objectives of the AALA.

Lawyers Weekly reports on the launch of the AALA NSW branch

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 03:00:13 GMT

On Monday 2 November 2015 the AALA officially launched its NSW branch.

Thank you to all who attended and helped make the event a success. Over 140 people attended the launch, including guest speaker the Hon Michael Kirby.

Lawyers Weekly recently published an article on the launch. To read more, please click here.

LIV welcomes partnership with Asian Australian Lawyers Association

Sun, 01 Nov 2015 23:30:35 GMT

The Law Institute of Victoria is pleased to announce a closer relationship with the Asian Australian Lawyers Association Inc (AALA), with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations. The MOU represents a partnership of mutual interest between the two associations that will provide them both with in-kind support and benefits

CEO of the Law Institute of Victoria Nerida Wallace said:

The LIV has a long tradition over its 156 years of fostering emerging associations of lawyers and of people who work in the law. With the emerging closeness to Asia, this agreement shows a recognition that the practice of law across Australia is moving to meet new and exciting opportunities that engagement with Asia will offer.

President of the AALA Reynah Tang, said:

The LIV has long been a leader in promoting the issue of diversity in the legal profession and played an important role in setting up the Asian Australian Lawyers Association at a time when the issue of cultural diversity was not receiving much attention elsewhere in the legal profession.

This arrangement will formalise the connection between the LIV and the AALA. It will provide us with the resources and moral support that are so important to facilitate vital change in this area. We look forward to the continuing close involvement between our two organisations.

To view the official media release please click here to visit the LIV's website.

Survey - Business Diasporas in Australia

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 23:17:15 GMT

Dear Members,

The 'Business Diasporas in Australia: Maximising people to people links with Asia' project forms part of the Securing Australia’s Future (SAF) program, which is led by the Office of the Chief Scientist. The project examines the role of Asian Australians in facilitating links with Asia, particular China and India.

If you have had experience dealing with those countries (in legal practice or any other business), we would encourage you to complete a survey online about your experience. Your responses will shape recommendations to improve government policy and trade and business practices, with the final report presented to the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Commonwealth Science Council in early 2016.

This is an important piece of research and consistent with the AALA's position on the need to work with Asian Australians to better engage in Asia.

You can access the online survey here in English or 中文

For more information, please click here to visit the website of the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA).

Women's Leadership Scholarship Funding

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 23:20:04 GMT

FUNDING GRANTS FOR WOMEN IN ALL SECTORS

In 2015 Women & Leadership Australia is administering a national initiative to support the development of female leaders across all sectors.

From October 1 2015 the remaining funds of the initiative will provide women in all sectors with grants for leadership development. More specifically, grant applications are open to women all sectors at two levels. Please click on the preferred program link for details.

Senior Management and Executive level Women Leaders can apply for $12,000 Individual Grants to undertake the Advanced Leadership Program.
Women Managers can apply for $4,500 Individual Grants to undertake the Accelerated Leadership Performance Program.

Expressions of Interest

To request a Scholarship Grant Application Form or additional information please refer to the Expression of Interest form. Please note that we need your expression of interest by 30^th November.

Zubair Mian's Nomination Statement for the 2015 LIV Council Elections

Thu, 22 Oct 2015 07:34:55 GMT

For our members in Victoria, voting is now open for the 2015 LIV Council Elections.

Zubair Mian, Vice President of the AALA, is running as a candidate under the Suburban category. We would encourage members to support Zubair, who has a strong commitment to promoting diversity within the profession. Zubair's nomination statement is below.

I Graduated from Melbourne University in 1985 and was admitted to practice in 1986. I am an experienced commercial litigator, principal at Mian Phillips, Lawyers, a boutique practice now in Surrey Hills, I established in 1988.

In 2014 I received Law Institute of Victoria, Certificate of Service Award and in 2015 I was finalist for, The Suburban Solicitor of the Year Award.

I was humbled, privileged and honoured when appointed Councilor and Board Member of LIV in August 2015. If interested, you may view and read my maiden speech to LIV Council at the link below: http://www.liv.asn.au/Practice-Resources/News-Centre/Speeches/LIV-Councillor%E2%80%99s-Maiden-Speech

I believe the Legal profession is going through challenging times. As we navigate through changes brought about by Legal Profession Uniform Law, strong leadership is essential to represent your interests. My diverse experience inspires me to represent you with compassion, sincerity and conviction. My core promise to you, I will not disappoint you.

I am a strong advocate for ethnic and gender diversity in Legal Profession, passionate about improving conditions for Young Lawyers; assisting new graduates find employment and gain experience to further their career progression.

I currently serve as:

Managing partner and Principal, Mian Phillips & Co, Lawyers;

President of Eastern Suburbs Law Association, since 2012;

Founding member and Vice president, Asian Australian Lawyers Association, since 2013;

Registered and active Mentor LIV, AALA and informally since 1995;

LIV Council Representative MPLA.

My contact details as follows:

Zubair Mian
Principal Lawyer
Mian Phillips & Co. Lawyers
422 Canterbury Road
Surrey Hills VIC 3127
Tel: (03) 9888 5885 | Fax: (03) 9888 6066
Email: zubair@mianphillips.com.au
web: www.mianphillips.com.au

Seminar Invitation: The China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), Legal Services & The Regional Context

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 07:37:45 GMT

Dear Members,

On Thursday 29 October, the University of Melbourne's Asian Law Centre and Transactional Law Centre will co-host the seminar “The China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), Legal Services & The Regional Context”.

This event is not hosted by the AALA, but AALA members are warmly invited to attend.

The seminar discusses the impact of ChAFTA on the trade in legal services between China and Australia and locates ChAFTA within the broader regional context. AALA's Treasurer Molina Asthana will a panelist at the event.

Following the seminar, two recent publications from authors at the Asian Law Centre will be launched:

Andrew Godwin and Timothy Howse, Legal Services under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement: Surveying the Landscape (Asian Law Centre Briefing Paper)
Andrew Godwin, China Lexicon (Vantage Asia)

The event will take place at King & Wood Mallesons Level 50, Bourke Place 600 Bourke Street, Melbourne from 5.30pm – 7.00pm.

For more information about the event, please refer to the event flyer.

To register for the event, please click here.

Diversify or be left behind, expert warns

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 19:47:52 GMT

The Australasian Lawyer has recently published an article on the importance of diversity in today's law firms.

To read the article on Australasian Lawyer's website, please click here.

Zubair Mian's maiden speech as LIV Councillor

Mon, 12 Oct 2015 07:50:07 GMT

Zubair Mian, Vice President of the AALA, was recently appointed to the LIV Council. Zubair's maiden speech has now been posted on the LIV website.

To read the speech on the LIV's website, please click here.

Event Reminder - DAWN’s 4th Asian Australian Leadership Conversation

Fri, 09 Oct 2015 07:57:48 GMT

Dear Members,

Please see below event invitation from the Diverse Australasian Women Network. The event is hosted in partnership with the AALA. .

DAWN will be holding our fourth conversation in partnership with the Asian Australian Lawyers Association. We are very excited to have Katherine Teh-White, Managing Director of Futureye and former Senator for Victoria Tsebin Tchen joining us on October 14th to kick start our conversation on the topic:

“Us & Them: What would it take for Asian Australians to feel accepted in Australian society”.

Reynah Tang, President of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association will be facilitating and Dai Le, DAWN’s founder will be MC-ing.

Baker & McKenzie has generously offered to sponsor our fourth conversation. A special thanks to Tuanh Nguyen from Baker & McKenzie. The Event will be held on:

Date: Wednesday, 14th of October 2015

Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start

Where: Baker & McKenzie

19/181 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Please register & buy your ticket here: http://dawn.org.au/events/dawns-4th-asian-australian-leadership-conversation/

The Economist - The model minority is losing patience

Fri, 09 Oct 2015 07:56:35 GMT

The Economist has recently published an article on racial discrimination against Asian-Americans. Amongst the statistics in the article, it was noted that "In 2014, whereas 11% of law-firm associates were Asian, 3% of partners were".

To read the full article, please click here.

On a similar topic, the New York Times recently posted an article on "The Asian Advantage". To read the full article, please click here.

Congratulations to Zubair Mian on his appointment to the LIV Council

Fri, 21 Aug 2015 10:05:48 GMT

The AALA would like to congratulate Zubair Mian on his recent appointment to the LIV Council.

Zubair is also the Vice President of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association.

Please click here to view the announcement from the LIV’s website.

Annual General Meeting 2015

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:06:16 GMT

Dear Members,

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association Inc. (AALA) give notice of, and invite you to, the 2015 Annual General Meeting of AALA.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 8 September 2015 commencing at 5.30 pm (for a 5.45pm start) at the Melbourne office of Corrs Chambers Westgarth, along with a video-conference link to the Sydney offices of Corrs Chambers Westgarth:

Corrs Chambers Westgarth – Melbourne
Level 25
567 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

Corrs Chambers Westgarth – Sydney
Level 17, 8 Chifley
8-12 Chifley Square
Sydney NSW 2000

For the full details of the AGM and to register, please click here.

NSW Mentoring Program Launch Event - 2 September 2015

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 07:10:06 GMT

Dear Members,

For participants in the NSW AALA Mentoring Program, we will be holding a launch event on 2 September 2015. Mentees and mentors are encouraged to attend to meet and network with other members.

Note that this event will be open only to participants in the mentoring program in NSW. Applicant mentees will be contacted and advised of their allocated mentor before the launch date.

If you would like to participate in the mentoring program, you can still apply by completing an application form by no later than Friday 14 August 2015.

BottledSnail - a unique opportunity for a legal actor with asian heritage

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 07:31:54 GMT

Dear Members,

BottledSnail is recruiting acting talent for their next major theatrical production.

BottledSnail Productions is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that creates and supports high quality creative projects within Melbourne. Recognising that a significant number of legal professionals will experience mental illness in their career, BottledSnail works to provide a creative outlet and a way to give back to the community.

If you would be interested in applying, please click here for more details.

Event Announcement – DAWN’s 3rd Asian Australian Leadership Conversation

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 07:32:54 GMT

Dear Members,

Please see below event invitation from the Diverse Australasian Women Network. The event is hosted in partnership with the AALA.

The 2011 census revealed that almost a quarter (24.6%) of Australia’s population was born overseas and 43.1% of people have at least one overseas-born parent. Asian Australians make up almost 10 per cent of the Australian population. In that context why is then that organisations and Government agencies are not reflecting such diversity in their leadership teams? There are growing calls for increasing women in leadership roles across all sectors with quotas or target to achieve the numbers for women in leadership positions. DAWN would like to see the debate to also include cultural diverse leadership.

Please join us for the conversation to be held in Melbourne on September 3rd in partnership with the Asian Australian Lawyers Association.

We are very grateful for the support of Ashurst the Leading International Law firm for hosting the event.

Topic: “A unique resource: What Asian Australians have to offer in leadership context”.

When: September 3rd, 2015

Time: 5.30pm for 6.30pm

Where: Ashurst

Level 26, 181 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

GPO Box 9938, Melbourne VIC 3001

Phone : +61 3 9679 3000

Dai Le – CEO and Founder of DAWN

Guest Speakers:

-Trevor O’Hoy, Executive Chairman, Swisse Wellness and Non-Executive Chairman Redcape Hotel Group

-Cheri Ong, Founding Chair Asian Australian Foundation and Board Member of Multicultural Arts Victoria.

Tickets:

$50 non-members

$30 members (DAWN & AALA Members)

Please register & buy your ticket here: http://dawn.org.au/events/dawns-3rd-asian-australian-leadership-conversation/

Kabo Lawyers joins the Asian Australian Lawyers’ Association

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 07:34:21 GMT

Kabo Lawyers has recently joined the Asian Australian Lawyers’ Association as a corporate member.

The AALA would like to thank Kabo Lawyers for their support for the association and their commitment to promoting cultural diversity in the legal profession.

Kabo Lawyers is proud to support the AALA as a small yet diverse practise where the minority is the majority!

Bar News article on William Lee: First barrister of Chinese descent admitted to the NSW Bar

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 07:35:02 GMT

Bar News, the Journal of the New South Wales Bar Association, has recently published an article by Malcolm Oakes SC on William Jangsing Lee, the first barrister of Chinese descent admitted to the NSW Bar.

To read the article, please click here.

Baker & McKenzie becomes the first corporate sponsor for the AALA

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 07:35:26 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association is pleased to announce that global law firm, Baker & McKenzie, has recently become its first corporate sponsor.

Ms Anne-Marie Allgrove, Chair of the Diversity & Flexibility Steering Group at Baker & McKenzie in Australia, said:

“Baker & McKenzie’s 11,000+ lawyers are citizens of 55 countries and speak more than 75 languages, from Farsi and French to Japanese and Javanese. With 77 offices in 47 countries around the world, diversity has been part of its foundation from the very beginning.”

“The firm is proud to support the Asian Australian Lawyers Association catering to the growing number of Asian Australian lawyers in the legal profession, as well as other lawyers with an interest in Asia. We strongly support the Asian Australian Lawyers Association’s goal in the promotion and facilitation of Asian cultural diversity in the senior ranks of the legal profession.”

President Reynah Tang thanked Baker & McKenzie for its generous support for the association and said:

“The sponsorship reflects Baker & McKenzie’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and follows on from the firm’s support for the launch of our cultural diversity analysis earlier this year.”

“It is a very exciting time for the AALA, with the recent appointment of one of our members to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, the impending launch of the 2015 mentoring scheme and a new directory of members, our expansion into New South Wales and our upcoming ‘leadership conversations’ in association with Diverse Australasian Women’s Network”

CIArb Centenary Celebrations Australia: 23 – 24 November 2015

Thu, 30 Jul 2015 07:46:20 GMT

Dear Members,

You are invited to join distinguished members of government, industry, judiciary, business, media and global leaders of international dispute resolution operating across a number of different cultures and legal systems in celebrating the Centenary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).

The celebrations will be held during Sydney Arbitration Week and will include a Welcome Reception on Sydney Harbour; 3rd International Arbitration Conference (copresented with the Law Council of Australia and the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration) culminating in a Black Tie Gala Dinner with the Hon Robert French AC, Chief Justice of Australia who will deliver the After Dinner Address.

The event is not organised by the AALA, but AALA members are warmly invited to attend. AALA members may register for the event at the CIArb Australia member rate.

For more information about the event, please visit CIArb’s website at: https://www.ciarb.net.au/centenerary/centenary-celebrations/

Chinese Community Council of Australia National Conference 2015

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 09:23:16 GMT

Dear Members,

The Chinese Community Council of Australia will be holding its National Conference 2015 on Saturday, 12 September 2015.

The theme of the National Conference is "Piercing the Bamboo Ceiling". Leaders from various fields including public life, business, community, media, academics and the arts have been invited to speak at the event. The Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Daniel Andrews will be opening the conference and Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner, Dr. Tim Soutphommasane will be one of the guest speakers. AALA President Reynah Tang and committee member William Lye will also be speaking at the event.

This event is not organized by the AALA, however AALA members are warmly invited to attend. For more details about registration, please click here.

Congratulations to Charles Tan on his appointment to the Magistrates' Court

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 02:00:00 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association would like to congratulate one of our members Charles Tan on his appointment as Magistrate to the Magistrates' Court. Mr Tan is Malaysian born with Chinese heritage, and is the first person of Chinese origin to be appointed a magistrate in Victoria. His appointment represents a significant milestone in working towards a culturally diverse judiciary.

To read the official media release, please click here.

Reminder to apply for the AALA Mentoring Program 2015

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 11:24:47 GMT

Dear Members,

If you have not yet done so, we would encourage you to apply for the AALA mentoring program as soon as possible.

The program is open to practicing lawyers at all levels. To apply or to find out more, please click here.

Applications close 24 July 2015 and the program is scheduled to launch for 12 August 2015.

Applications now open for Menzies Foundation scholarships in law

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 00:55:40 GMT

Dear Members,

Please see below information in relation to Menzies Foundation scholarships in law, which may be of interest to some members.

Menzies Foundation scholarships in law

The Menzies Foundation is looking for outstanding law graduates who are shaping up to be the next generation of leaders and looking to do further postgraduate study overseas.

The Menzies Foundation is offering two scholarships for studying commencing in 2016.

The Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Scholarship in Law is for courses of study at UK universities.

The Sir Ninian Stephen Menzies Scholarship in International Law is for courses of study in international law at a prestigious overseas university.

Both scholarships, valued at up to $75,000.

Applications are now open and close on 31 August 2015

To be eligible, applicants must be Australian citizens and hold a 1st class honours degree or equivalent and be planning to continue their career in Australia on completion of their study.

Candidates should not only display academic excellence but also demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and a commitment to and interest in community service.

The funds are to meet compulsory university fees and contribute towards the cost of books, equipment, living and travel.

You can see last year’s winners, Patrick Wall and Andrew Currie, online at:http://menziesfoundation.org.au/scholars/scholars-current

For the full prospectus and to apply:

Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Scholarship in Law: http://menziesfoundation.org.au/scholarships/law

Sir Ninian Stephen Menzies Scholarship in International Law:http://menziesfoundation.org.au/scholarships/international-law

Meeting the Challenges of Cultural Diversity

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 11:26:35 GMT

Last year, Diversity Council Australia published a report entitled “Cracking the Cultural Ceiling: Future Proofing Your Business in the Asian Century”, in which it examined the issue of a bamboo ceiling.

Dr Tom Verghese, founder of Cultural Synergies, has posted on his blog about some breakthroughs that he believes are necessary to overcome the bamboo ceiling. To read more, please click here.

India’s legal market may soon be open to foreign law firms

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 11:27:52 GMT

The Bar Council of India and the Society of Indian Law Firms have recently been in talks with their government about opening up the legal sector to foreign law firms. If the legal sector is opened up to foreign law firms, this may lead to more opportunities for collaboration between the Australian and Indian legal professions.

Related articles can be found on the Times of India website and Australasian Lawyer.

AALA Mentoring Program 2015

Fri, 03 Jul 2015 11:28:50 GMT

Dear Members,

The AALA is excited to announce the launch of the 2015 mentoring program. Applications are now open to participate in the program as a mentee.

For more information and application details, please click here.

If you are a senior legal practitioner and would be interested in becoming a mentor, please contact us atmentorprogram@aala.org.au.

The Federal Lawyer (USA) publishes its latest issue on the theme of “Diversity in the Law”

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:30:29 GMT

The Federal Lawyer, the magazine of the American Federal Bar Association, has published its latest issue on the theme of “Diversity in the Law“.

One of the feature articles specifically addresses the issue of cultural diversity and implicit bias in the legal profession. To read the article, please click here to visit the Federal Bar Association website.

CIArb event invitation – Evidence in International Commercial Arbitrations

Wed, 17 Jun 2015 11:32:34 GMT

Dear Members,

You are invited to join the Victorian Chapter of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Australia) in celebration of the Centenary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The guest speaker is The Hon Murray Gleeson AC, Chief Justice of Australia (1998 – 2008), a Companion of CIArb and Patron of CIArb Australia who will speak on Evidence in International Commercial Arbitrations.

The event is not organised by the AALA, but AALA members are warmly invited to attend.

Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2015

Time: 5:45pm for 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Venue: Clayton Utz
Level 18, 333 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

For more information please click here to view the event flyer.

Survey on the experiences of Asian Australians with racism, prejudice and political action

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 11:33:29 GMT

Griffith University is conducting a short 5 minute survey aimed at understanding more about the experiences of Asian Australian individuals, and the ways in which prejudice, political action and racism affect individuals in Australia. The survey is anonymous and participants will go into a draw to win 1 of 5 $20 Coles Myer gift cards.

The research is not conducted by the AALA, but we would show support for research that aligns with the AALA’s objectives of promoting cultural diversity in the law.

To take the survey, please click here.

Insights from AALA’s first professional development session, ‘A Benevolent Spirit, an Enhanced Career’

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 11:34:54 GMT

On 25 May, the AALA held its first professional development seminar at the stunning Venetian gothic designed Donkey Wheel House. The panel discussion featured ex-lawyer, now property developer, Mr Jason Yeap OAM, and government lawyer and board member, Ms Jenny Taing. The event was chaired by Ms Tuanh Nguyen of Baker & McKenzie, and the panel discussion moderated by Mr Cam Truong from the Victorian Bar. Throughout the evening the panelists provided insights, advice and learnings from their own unique journeys.

One pearl of wisdom shared on the night included Ms Taing’s caution to avoid ‘tokenism’, and to always strive to keep your credibility intact by leading with the contribution you make, and not with your gender, heritage or age. Ms Taing also spoke about the importance of being humble and listening, qualities which have served her well in her capacity as a director on various health and not-for-profit boards, and also in her role as a lawyer. For those looking to join a board in the future, Ms Taing shared how she became a board member of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, which was by initially joining an advisory committee at the hospital and contributing for a few years, before being invited to join the board.

Similarly, Mr Yeap discussed how he was invited to get involved with the National Gallery of Victoria, as a result of the passion he displayed while speaking to former Prime Minister John Howard about refugee matters. Ms Taing observed that a great thing about not-for-profit boards is that you get to work with people that aren’t lawyers, and get exposed to different perspectives, which can help makes you a better lawyer.

Mr Yeap highlighted the important role of sponsorship in career advancement, and explained the difference between sponsorship and mentoring. Personal stories of the role the panelist’s mentors had played in their journeys were shared. When asked how to seek a mentor, Ms Taing shared that the ‘best mentoring relationships come through establishment of a real connection’, which she mentioned she was fortunate to have had with former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser. On the topic of work-life-balance, Mr Yeap advised that he has always strived to balance his life equally between his family, career and community and, although perfect balance has not always been possible, he strives to equally give 1/3 of himself to each.

The panelists acknowledge that different professions have different appetites for diversity, and that the legal profession is still quite conservative. Ms Taing added that, in the boardroom, the conversation is mostly about gender; and felt that it needs to become more sophisticated and look at wider diversity. Interestingly, Mr Yeap told the audience that “the best compliment he can get is that he is a good Australian”.

Both Ms Taing and Mr Yeap encouraged participants to get involved in committees and sub-committees of the AALA and other organisations, to try and make a difference and to be clear on “what the next step is”. Mr Yeap also encouraged the audience of lawyers to use their skills to “advocate without fear”.
The night came to an end with the panelists sharing a tenet for personal and professional fulfillment, which was to display your passion genuinely and to be true to yourself. The audience then had a chance to mingle with panelists and each other, over drinks and delicious food from Kinfolk.

AALA to establish a Sydney presence

Fri, 29 May 2015 11:37:21 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association has recently registered as an Australian Registered Body with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and plans to establish a Sydney presence.

On 26 May 2015, AALA President Reynah Tang and Secretary Tuanh Nguyen met with a group of interested lawyers in Sydney and confirmed there was considerable support for the establishment of a branch.

The intention is to hold an event to launch the Sydney branch before the end of the year. If you are a Sydney based lawyer and would like to get involved, please let us know at info@aala.org.au.

For further details about joining as an AALA member, please visit our membership page.

Event Reminder – A Benevolent Spirit, an Enhanced Career (25 May 2015)

Wed, 20 May 2015 11:39:09 GMT

Dear Members,

If you have not yet done so, we would encourage you to register for the CPD event next Monday, 25th May 2015. The panel will feature guest speakers Jason Yeap OEM and Jenny Taing on enhancing your career with community service and philanthropic endeavours.

Lawyers may claim 1 CPD unit for Professional Skills.

For more information and registration details, please click here. For any enquiries, please contact us at info@aala.org.au.

Event Announcement – A Benevolent Spirit, an Enhanced Career (25 May 2015)

Thu, 14 May 2015 11:40:35 GMT

The Asian Australian Lawyers Association is proud to present its first professional development seminar:

“A benevolent spirit, an enhanced career” – A panel discussion featuring Jason Yeap OAM and Jenny Taing on how to enhance your career with community service and philanthropic endeavours.

Date: Monday 25 May 2015, 5.30 pm, with drinks and finger food following.

Location: The Donkey Wheelhouse (Depot Room), 673 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Suitable for: All lawyers and other professional services

MCLE/CPD Guide: 1.0 point (Professional Skills)

For more information and registration details, please click here.

Research shows that there are economic benefits to reducing or eliminating discrimination

(Past member) — Thu, 07 May 2015 01:44:19 GMT

A recent article on BloombergView has discussed research findings that discrimination has a real cost to economic output.

To read more on BloombergView’s website, please click here.

Congratulations to Sharon Burchell and My Anh

(Past member) — Wed, 06 May 2015 01:48:07 GMT

The AALA would like to congratulate Sharon Burchell and My Anh Tran on their appointment as Judicial Registrars to the County Court’s Commercial Division.

It is encouraging to see more cultural diversity in appointments within the judiciary.

Save the date 25 May 2015 – CPD session with Jason Yeap OAM and Jenny Taing

(Past member) — Tue, 05 May 2015 01:49:55 GMT

Dear Members,

Save the date – 25 May 2015, 5:30pm

We are pleased to announce that we will be holding our first CPD session on 25 May 2015.

The CPD session, “A benevolent spirit, an enhanced career”, will be conducted by speakers Jason Yeap OAM and Jenny Taing on the topic social awareness and philanthropy.

Further details will be published to the AALA website shortly. If you have not yet done so, we would encourage you to follow our blog to keep updated on our latest news and events.