The engagement and retention of women in our firm is a business critical issue which we are actively managing.
King & Wood Mallesons (formerly Mallesons Stephen Jaques) appointed its first female partner over 25 years ago - one of the very first Australian firms to do so. Today, 25% of our Australian firm is owned and managed by women, and we are actively working to build a firm and a partnership which is sustainably gender-balanced. Our goal is to fully reflect the clients we serve and the communities of which we are part - as quickly as possible.
Within our gender diversity and flexibility strategies, we continue to implement policies and practices which enable our staff to achieve their full potential, irrespective of their gender or carer responsibilities (or any other difference). For instance, we offer qualifying staff who are primary carers between 14 and 18 weeks’ paid parental leave - amongst the best available in our industry.
Our Engaging Women Program, launched in 2007, embodies our ongoing commitment to achieving gender diversity and inclusion in all parts of our firm. In 2012, we were recognised again as an Employer of Choice for Women by EOWA - the sixth consecutive year.
The Engaging Women program supports the career advancement of participants, through the sharing of experiences, insights and ideas between our partners and staff, our clients, and community members. It comprises activities and events throughout the year in each of our Australian centres and in Hong Kong and is open to women and men. These provide an opportunity for our staff to hear from and interact with high profile and successful leaders - particularly women - in business as well as public and non-profit sectors.
Some of the impressive and inspirational individuals we have been priveldged to host and learn from recently are shown below.
National events calendar