# Women Are the Majority in Law but Remain Underrepresented in Leadership

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/women-are-the-majority-in-law-but-remain-underrepresented-in-leadership
- Published: 2026-11-06T09:40:00+07:00
- Author: MarketersMEDIA Newswire

_Research into Australia’s legal profession highlights persistent barriers to senior
roles, despite women making up most lawyers._

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, November 6, 2026 — Women’s growing representation
in Australia’s legal profession has yet to translate into equal representation in
its leadership. Research published in 2026 highlights the gap between entering the
profession and reaching positions of influence.

The International Bar Association’s Australian study found that women accounted 
for 58% of lawyers in responding organisations, but 45% of those at senior levels.
National figures cited in the report put women at 30% of barristers and 16% of Senior
or King’s Counsel. These figures cover the profession broadly, rather than criminal
law alone.

An analysis published by Law Society Journal in March 2026 examined the workplace
practices contributing to this imbalance. Researchers and practitioners identified
long-hours expectations, unequal access to significant matters and limited access
to influential professional networks as barriers to advancement.

Caring responsibilities can make those barriers harder to overcome. Flexible working
arrangements need support in everyday practice, including access to substantial 
work and promotion for lawyers who use them. Mentoring can help, alongside senior
colleagues actively recommending women for opportunities and leadership roles.

In courtroom-based fields such as criminal law, access to advocacy experience is
particularly relevant. Victoria Legal Aid’s criminal trial briefing framework encourages
consideration of women and diverse barristers and supports junior barristers developing
trial experience.

There are signs of progress. In April 2026, the Law Council of Australia announced
that both targets under its Equitable Briefing Policy had been met for the first
time. Reporting participants recorded women receiving 32% of briefs and 31% of fees
in 2024–25. The Council also flagged declining reporting participation, reinforcing
the need for broader accountability.

Recognition of women leading practices can also make career possibilities more visible.
Melbourne criminal defence lawyer Emma Turnbull, who established [Emma Turnbull Lawyers](https://emmaturnbull.com.au/)
in 2011, was included in Australasian Lawyer and NZ Lawyer’s Elite Women 2026 list.
Her recognition offers one local example of female leadership in criminal defence.

Turnbull commented “the wider task is to make progression more accessible across
the profession. Transparent promotion criteria, fair allocation of work and flexibility
that carries no career penalty are practical areas for attention. Progress needs
to be measured in who receives opportunities, who advances and who remains in the
profession over time.”

**About Emma Turnbull Lawyers**

Established in 2011, Emma Turnbull Lawyers is a Melbourne criminal defence law firm
representing clients across Victoria. The firm’s practice focuses on criminal defence
and intervention order matters.

Website: [emmaturnbull.com.au](https://emmaturnbull.com.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Contact Info: 
Name: Jessica WelshEmail: [Send Email](https://send.releasecontact.com/89208662)
Organization: Emma Turnbull LawyersWebsite: [https://emmaturnbull.com.au/](https://emmaturnbull.com.au/)

Release ID: 89208662

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**Source** : [Women Are the Majority in Law but Remain Underrepresented in Leadership](https://news.marketersmedia.com/women-are-the-majority-in-law-but-remain-underrepresented-in-leadership/89208662?rand=206000)

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