Three new Canberra-based senior associates all of whom are women, two of whom are pregnant, were recently appointed in leading Australian law firm, Mallesons Stephen Jaques, proving it is possible to be female, a mother and have a thriving legal career.

Becoming a senior associate is a significant achievement in any lawyer’s career and shows the firm’s willingness to embrace change and provide female employees with flexible working arrangements.

Penny Smith, Louise Rafferty and Tracey Fitzpatrick, the three new appointees, have full access to the firm’s extensive Continuous Legal Education programme and will attend the firm’s conference in the Hunter Valley for senior associates in November.

Louise, in Dispute Resolution, is pregnant and already has a 2 ½ year old daughter. After maternity leave she is likely to return in a part-time capacity.

Tracey, in Property & Investment, is currently 20 weeks pregnant and already a mother of two boys aged 5 and 8 ½ years. Tracey currently works part-time, Monday to Friday, 9am to 3.30pm.

Penny, also in Dispute Resolution, has no children, however she became engaged on the weekend. Should she decide to have children in the future, she will also benefit from Mallesons Stephen Jaques’ flexible work practices including job share arrangements.

“Our appointments are a really positive sign for female solicitors within the firm. To have more senior women who have families and are being promoted – shows that Mallesons Stephen Jaques takes the work/life balance seriously and it proves that it is possible to have a career as a lawyer and a family,” says Louise.

“Mallesons has shown its flexibility in understanding the difficulties of working mothers,” says Tracy, who is currently embracing the firm’s willingness to support flexible working hours.

John Topfer, partner in charge of the Canberra office, welcomes the latest appointments saying, “Our culture is based on meritocracy - Penny, Louise and Tracey have been promoted because of their ability. These women will further enhance the management of our client and practice teams.”