Biography
Tamara Walsh is a Professor of Law at the University of Queensland. She is the Director and Founder of the UQ Pro Bono Centre. Her research focuses on the impact of the law and legal; systems on vulnerable and marginalised people including children, people experiencing homelessness, and people who are criminalised.
In Australia, there are more female than male law students. However, once they enter legal practice, women encounter gender-related barriers. Sexual harassment remains common in workplaces. If they become mothers, women will struggle to maintain their place in the profession. Older women are still not well-represented in senior positions, and their management styles may be criticised because they differ from those of men. It is, therefore, important that we continue to support women in law. Furthermore, women significantly outnumber men in areas of law that are typically considered ‘helping’ roles, particularly legal aid and community law. This disparity begins at law school: female students are more likely to volunteer or undertake pro bono work whilst at university. Engaging more male students in pro bono opportunities at university could have a positive impact on the profession, by normalising law as a helping profession and facilitating close mentorship of emerging male lawyers.
photo ©Tamara_Walsh