Diversity & Inclusion

JWS is committed to equal opportunity for our lawyers and staff and we have an active Gender Equality Network to champion gender equity initiatives within the firm.  We have also adopted the Law Council of Australia's Equitable Briefing Policy for Barristers. The Policy establishes a target for adoptees to brief women barristers in at least 30% of all briefs and at least 30% of the value of all fees. This is because we recognise the firm’s broader impact, in achieving gender equity in the legal profession.

We have an active First Nations and Reconciliation Network that champions First Nations issues within the firm. We focus on deliverables encompassing employment and career pathways, retention and professional development, education, increased cultural awareness, pro bono opportunities and supplier commitments. Our ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) sets out measurable goals and actions to advance reconciliation within our sphere of influence.

We are proud to have a culturally and ethnically diverse workforce, including across our partnership. Our Cultural Diversity & Religious Affiliations Network raises awareness of the importance of eliminating racial discrimination in our workplace, our client organisations and broader community. We regularly spotlight key dates of significance to raise awareness and education across the firm.

The inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people at JWS is critical to our firm’s identity, our clients and our community. As a corporate sponsor of Pride in Law, our JWSPride+ Network regularly collaborates to promote education and awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and rights in our profession.

The inclusion of people living with disability and improving accessibility, means JWS seeks to provide opportunities for meaningful employment and is committed to removing barriers within our workplace and to our services. We are a Bronze member of the Australian Disability Network and provide pro bono support to organisations in disability advocacy and justice. Our Disability & Accessibility Network champions disability inclusion across our workforce.

The importance for our people to balance family and caring responsibilities with their career, means JWS offers various types of support to families and carers, including flexible working arrangements. We also offer an in-house coaching program for our people going on, and returning from, parental leave.

We are continually evolving and adapting our approach to diversity and inclusion and place the utmost importance on the personal and professional wellbeing of our employees. JWS champions mental and physical health and safety, via our Wellbeing Network and partnership with Mental Health First Aid Australia – including accredited mental health first aiders across each of our 6 offices.