Research into Australia’s legal profession highlights persistent barriers to senior roles, despite women making up most lawyers.
— Women’s growing representation in Australia’s legal profession has yet to translate into equal representation in its leadership. Research published in 2026 highlights the gap between entering the profession and reaching positions of influence.
The International Bar Association’s Australian study found that women accounted for 58% of lawyers in responding organisations, but 45% of those at senior levels. National figures cited in the report put women at 30% of barristers and 16% of Senior or King’s Counsel. These figures cover the profession broadly, rather than criminal law alone.
An analysis published by Law Society Journal in March 2026 examined the workplace practices contributing to this imbalance. Researchers and practitioners identified long-hours expectations, unequal access to significant matters and limited access to influential professional networks as barriers to advancement.
Caring responsibilities can make those barriers harder to overcome. Flexible working arrangements need support in everyday practice, including access to substantial work and promotion for lawyers who use them. Mentoring can help, alongside senior colleagues actively recommending women for opportunities and leadership roles.
In courtroom-based fields such as criminal law, access to advocacy experience is particularly relevant. Victoria Legal Aid’s criminal trial briefing framework encourages consideration of women and diverse barristers and supports junior barristers developing trial experience.
There are signs of progress. In April 2026, the Law Council of Australia announced that both targets under its Equitable Briefing Policy had been met for the first time. Reporting participants recorded women receiving 32% of briefs and 31% of fees in 2024–25. The Council also flagged declining reporting participation, reinforcing the need for broader accountability.
Recognition of women leading practices can also make career possibilities more visible. Melbourne criminal defence lawyer Emma Turnbull, who established Emma Turnbull Lawyers in 2011, was included in Australasian Lawyer and NZ Lawyer’s Elite Women 2026 list. Her recognition offers one local example of female leadership in criminal defence.
Turnbull commented “the wider task is to make progression more accessible across the profession. Transparent promotion criteria, fair allocation of work and flexibility that carries no career penalty are practical areas for attention. Progress needs to be measured in who receives opportunities, who advances and who remains in the profession over time.”
About Emma Turnbull Lawyers
Established in 2011, Emma Turnbull Lawyers is a Melbourne criminal defence law firm representing clients across Victoria. The firm’s practice focuses on criminal defence and intervention order matters.
Website: emmaturnbull.com.au
Contact Info:
Name: Jessica Welsh
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Organization: Emma Turnbull Lawyers
Website: https://emmaturnbull.com.au/
Release ID: 89208662
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Source : Women Are the Majority in Law but Remain Underrepresented in Leadership
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