Diversity & Inclusion

At JWS, we are committed to building a culture that fosters inclusion through diverse thinking, strong collaboration and growth for our people, clients and communities.

We know that an equitable and inclusive workplace drives innovation and delivers better commercial outcomes. Most importantly, it allows everyone we work with to feel valued and respected for who they are.

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.

Our Diversity & Inclusion strategy is focused on building awareness, inclusion and action in several key areas. Our recent 2023 firm-wide D&I Survey identified that:

39.7% identify with a cultural background other than Australian
7.3% identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community
8.5% live with some form of disability
33.7% have caring responsibilities
68% utilise flexible working arrangements

We also currently have 33% females in our partnership and are on track to reach 35% by 1 July 2027.

Gender equality

JWS is committed to equal opportunity for our female talent, and we have an active Gender Equality Network to champion gender equity initiatives within the firm. We are on track to reach our target of 35% female partners, by 1 July 2027. We are also a signatory to the Law Council of Australia’s Equitable Briefing for Barristers policy, requiring that we brief female barristers in at least 30% of all briefs in the financial year. This is because we recognise the firm’s broader impact, in achieving gender equity in the legal profession.

First Nations and reconciliation

JWS has a ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which sets out a measurable goals and actions to advance reconciliation within our sphere of influence. Our deliverables encompass employment and career pathways, retention and professional development, education, increased cultural awareness, pro bono opportunities and supplier commitments. We also have an active First Nations Reconciliation Network to champion first nations issues within the firm.

Cultural diversity and religious affiliations

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.

LGBTQIA+ inclusion

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.

Disability and accessibility

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.

Families and carer inclusion

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 - including their partners/people leaders.