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International Women’s Day 2026

NEWS AND INSIGHTS

International Women’s Day 2026 – Reflections from Women Across the Legal Profession

Celebrate women in law – share these insights on

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Min Yang

Min Yang

EXPERTSDIRECT

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

To mark International Women’s Day 2026, ExpertsDirect invited women across the legal profession to share their perspectives on leadership, career development, wellbeing, and their experiences in law.

This compiled feature brings together reflections from lawyers internationally, offering insights shaped by different cultures, career stages, and areas of practice.

We are grateful to the women who generously shared their time and insights as part of this year’s International Women’s Day campaign.

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FEATURED LEGAL PROFESSIONALS

15

Questions Explored About Women in Law

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SINGAPORE (SG)

Viviene Sandhu

Co-Managing Partner, Clifford Law LLP

Singapore

If lawyers from your country had a “superpower”, what would it be and how does it shape the way women practice law there?

“If lawyers from my country had a superpower, it would be x‑ray clarity. We can walk into any room, any dispute, any chaos, and instantly see the truth beneath all the noise.”

01 / 06

How do you think women lawyers in your country are perceived by lawyers in other jurisdictions? What perception would you love to change?

“Women lawyers from my country are often seen as scarily efficient. The perception I’d change? That our strength comes from acting “like men.” No. We win because we’re strategic, intuitive, and unapologetically women.”

02 / 06

If you could export one cultural value from your country to improve the global legal profession for women, what would it be?

“I’d export our “earn your place” energy where women rise because of skill, not permission.”

03 / 06

If AI removed 50 percent of the admin in your role tomorrow, how would you reinvest that time in your career or wellbeing?

“If AI wiped out half my admin tomorrow, I’d reinvest that time in protecting my wellbeing so I can keep showing up at full power. Less paperwork, more purpose.”

04 / 06

What is one courtroom or workplace norm in your country that would surprise international colleagues?

“How fast we move. In my country, lawyers treat “urgent” like it’s a lifestyle. International colleagues are always shocked that our default speed is… now.”

Kimarie Cheang

Partner, Watson Farley & Williams

Singapore

If lawyers from your country had a “superpower”, what would it be and how does it shape the way women practice law there?

“Resilience in the face of adversity. Women lawyers in Singapore turn obstacles into stepping stones and carry significant responsibility with strength and determination — like a modern-day female Atlas.”

01 / 06

How do you think women lawyers in your country are perceived by lawyers in other jurisdictions? What perception would you love to change?

“Forward-thinking and versatile. She hopes women lawyers in Singapore are seen as trailblazers in embracing and utilising technology in legal practice.”

02 / 06

If you could export one cultural value from your country to improve the global legal profession for women, what would it be?

“Inclusiveness — embracing differences and fostering equality across all backgrounds.”

03 / 06

Where do you believe the legal industry will be in 15 years for women locally and globally?

“AI and sustainability will shape the profession. Young women lawyers will be challenged to practise law more thoughtfully and sustainably for future generations.”

04 / 06

What is one courtroom or workplace norm in your country that would surprise international colleagues?

“Casual conversations about food — whether outside courtrooms or at work — as a universal icebreaker in Singapore’s strong foodie culture.”
NEW ZEALAND (NZ)

Virginia Wethey

Partner, Fee Langstone

Auckland, New Zealand

If lawyers from your country had a “superpower”, what would it be and how does it shape the way women practice law there?

“If New Zealand lawyers had a superpower, it would be pragmatism — a genuine “can‑do” attitude. We’re less interested in legal theatrics and more focused on finding workable, fair solutions. That mindset shapes how women practise law. It encourages collaboration and discourages ego.”

01 / 09

If you could export one cultural value from your country to improve the global legal profession for women, what would it be?

“I’d export New Zealand’s emphasis on substance over status. Our legal culture tends to value sound judgment, practicality and credibility more than hierarchy or display. That creates space for women to be taken seriously earlier in their careers, without having to behave in traditionally masculine ways.”

02 / 09

What is one courtroom or workplace norm in your country that would surprise international colleagues?

“The understated formality of our courts — no wigs, less ritual, and an expectation of practical, cooperative advocacy — often surprises international lawyers.”

03 / 09

Where do you believe the legal industry will be in 15 years for women locally and globally?

“Female lawyers have made significant progress in New Zealand over the past 15 years, with women now accounting for more than half of all law graduates and junior legal roles. As this cohort moves through the profession, we should see a corresponding shift at the senior end. Within the next 15 years, I would expect gender parity to be the norm in partnership, with women comprising at least 50% of equity partners in most firms.”

04 / 09

How do you think women lawyers in your country are perceived by lawyers in other jurisdictions? What perception would you love to change?

"I think women lawyers from New Zealand are often seen as competent, hard-working and refreshingly low‑ego — but we're often underestimated. There can be an assumption that if we’re pragmatic and collaborative, we’re less tough or less ambitious. The perception I’d love to change is that seriousness equals aggression. In reality, NZ women lawyers are quietly formidable: we get results without posturing, and that’s a strength, not a weakness."

AUSTRALIA (AU)

Sarah-Jane MacDonald

Accredited Family Law Specialist, MacDonald Law

Queensland, Australia

How do you think women lawyers in your country are perceived by lawyers in other jurisdictions? What perception would you love to change?

“Australian women lawyers are not simply beneficiaries of progressive policies — we are drivers of structural change, shaping firm strategy, mentoring the next generation, influencing law reform, and building globally competitive practices.”

01 / 06

If you could export one cultural value from your country to improve the global legal profession for women, what would it be?

“Australian lawyers, including women, have a very good ability to advocate for their client’s fiercely, but to remain collegiate with their opposition. This is something I think that international counterparts could improve.”

02 / 06

If you could redesign the legal profession from scratch to work better for women, what’s the first thing you would change?

“Cheaper/free care for children.”

03 / 06

What emerging area of law do you believe will create the most opportunities for women over the next decade?

“Work from home flexibilities.”

04 / 06

Where do you believe the legal industry will be in 15 years for women locally and globally?

"Women run the world. This will only continue."

Rebecca Jancauskas

Director, JGA Saddler

Brisbane, Australia

If you could export one cultural value from your country to improve the global legal profession for women, what would it be?

“Being comfortable admitting we aren’t superhuman, that we can’t do or have it all, and treating others accordingly.”

01 / 02

What is one outdated practice in law you hope will not exist by 2040?

“Time recording!”

02 / 02

What is the kindest thing another woman in law has ever done for you?

"Demonstrating that career and family can be juggled and that it's natural for a working mother to feel they're doing a poor job with both."

Gezime Vasic

Legal Practice Manager & Special Counsel, Shine Lawyers

Melbourne, Australia

How do you think women lawyers in your country are perceived by lawyers in other jurisdictions? What perception would you love to change?

“I would say hard working and maybe not hands on in home life. This is far from the case, it is about being present, organised and efficient. When I am at home I focus on spending time with the kids and arranging activities to meet their needs and desires. You really have to ensure you manage your time well. It is not always perfect but I love my children to bits and I am passionate about the work I do as a lawyer.”

01 / 10

If you could export one cultural value from your country to improve the global legal profession for women, what would it be?

“I think one of the values would be to have fun and enjoy the ride. Women in the legal profession think hard work, focus and discipline will lead to success but I think it is about being passionate and enjoying the work you do.”

02 / 10

Where do you believe the legal industry will be in 15 years for women locally and globally?

“I see greater equality at the leadership level in the legal industry. You see it more and more over time.”

03 / 10

What emerging area of law do you believe will create the most opportunities for women over the next decade?

“Greater access and use of AI to make it easier, faster and streamline the incredible work that we do in different areas of the law.”

04 / 10

If lawyers from your country had a “superpower”, what would it be and how does it shape the way women practice law there?

"This is an interesting question as I feel as a mother of three and a lawyer who managers a team, I would say my superpower as a woman is to multitask and think fast on my feet. I always say that it feels like I am juggling multiple balls in the air and I wouldn't want it any other way."

Danielle Snell

Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell

Melbourne, Australia

If lawyers from your country had a “superpower”, what would it be and how does it shape the way women practice law there?

“Multitasking. I have found women in law here particularly litigation have an impressive capacity to efficiently apply their time across many tasks in one day!”

01 / 14

How do you think women lawyers in your country are perceived by lawyers in other jurisdictions? What perception would you love to change?

“Women in Australia I believe are highly regarded, this has always been my impression, although I think there is a perception (rightfully so) that there are not as many women in leadership law positions.”

02 / 14

If you could export one cultural value from your country to improve the global legal profession for women, what would it be?

“Authenticity – that is to truly care about your clients and show them that.”

03 / 14

Where do you believe the legal industry will be in 15 years for women locally and globally?

“I believe it will be full of even more diverse perspectives and experiences of women at the top level as well which will add such value to the modern practice of law and to the client experience.”

04 / 14

What is one courtroom or workplace norm in your country that would surprise international colleagues?

"Use of Australian slang in court!"

Rebecca Sorgiovanni

Director, Soul Legal

Perth, Australia

If lawyers from your country had a “superpower”, what would it be and how does it shape the way women practice law there?

“Our superpower is our multicultural classless society which gives us greater ability to empathise with others and understand and analyse problems in shades of grey. Seldom is anything only capable of a single interpretation. We are self aware, self reflective and open minded.”

01 / 08

If you could export one cultural value from your country to improve the global legal profession for women, what would it be?

“Multiculturalism as it teaches us to value the perspectives of diverse people and minorities. Women are still often relegated to the position of a minority and seen as ‘other’ in a similar way to other ‘minorities’.”

02 / 08

Where do you believe the legal industry will be in 15 years for women locally and globally?

“I hope to see more women in leadership roles shaping the agendas in boardrooms and political forums. I encourage women to explore their political agency.”

03 / 08

What is one courtroom or workplace norm in your country that would surprise international colleagues?

“More women on the bench, more ability to ‘appear’ remotely.”

04 / 08

If you had a billboard outside the High Court, what message would you put on it for women entering the profession?

"You belong here. Your voice matters. There is meaningful change happening, for you to contribute to."

Phoebe Pitt

Principal Solicitor, Mills Oakley

Adelaide, Australia

Where do you believe the legal industry will be in 15 years for women locally and globally?

“I truly believe that in 15 years, here in Australia the women in law will outnumber men, as we see more and more capable and intellectual women coming through the ranks of our law schools.”

01 / 07

If you could redesign the legal profession from scratch to work better for women, what’s the first thing you would change?

“I would make it the norm to leave when you need to leave – without apologies – to enable the ubiquitous work and family life balance to reach equilibrium. To be fair, this is something I wish for, for both women and men with families in our profession.”

02 / 07

If AI removed 50 percent of the admin in your role tomorrow, how would you reinvest that time in your career or wellbeing?

“Both – with the needle shifting between the two as a day by day proposition.”

03 / 07

What is one outdated practice in law you hope will not exist by 2040?

“The perception that women are the soft, warm ones. I hope that for my children’s generation, the thought won’t even cross their mind that female lawyers are seen to be any different character- or strength-wise than their male counterparts.”

04 / 07

If lawyers from your country had a “superpower”, what would it be and how does it shape the way women practice law there?

"Often in the courtroom I look at the bar table and see all women there! I love nothing more than a room full of smart, courageous, impressive women arguing across the bar table - especially if it's before a female Judge as well!"

Kate Waterford

Special Counsel, Maliganis Edwards Johnson

Canberra, Australia

If lawyers from your country had a “superpower”, what would it be and how does it shape the way women practice law there?

“Australia is renowned for our ‘no worries, mate’ culture, and our irreverence, combined with gritty, practical courage. We prize getting things done, and we value substance over style. We are not afraid to laugh at ourselves or our leaders. We combine down-to-earth problem solving with a fearless, bold approach to challenges.”

01 / 14

How do you think women lawyers in your country are perceived by lawyers in other jurisdictions? What perception would you love to change?

“Our informal, first-name, and non-hierarchical workplace style is sometimes mistaken for casualness by international standards, but the reality is quite different. The Australian legal landscape is a sophisticated common law system, operating under complex regulations that demand top-tier professionals to be exceptionally disciplined, analytical, and deeply committed to integrity. I would love to see changed any remaining perception that excellence and vulnerability are opposing qualities. Australian women lawyers prove daily that these actually enhance each other.”

02 / 14

If you could export one cultural value from your country to improve the global legal profession for women, what would it be?

“Flexibility isn’t a perk — it’s the norm. Talented legal professionals have lives outside work, and remote appearances, flexible hours, portfolio careers, and parental leave for all are now mainstream. The profession doesn’t need more burnout — it needs sustained investment in the human side of law and wellbeing across an entire career.”

03 / 14

What is one courtroom or workplace norm in your country that would surprise international colleagues?

“The relative accessibility of our bench and bar would surprise some international lawyers. Our local judges are engaging in community life in normal ways, living as part of the community rather than as a removed elite. I am aware of local female judges picking up their kids at daycare after finishing their day in court, making friends at local public mothers groups, and turning up in their trackie daks at community football events.”

04 / 14

If you had a billboard outside the High Court, what message would you put on it for women entering the profession?

"You belong here."

Heidi Schweikert

Director, Schweikert Harris

Brisbane, Australia

If lawyers from your country had a “superpower”, what would it be and how does it shape the way women practice law there?

“A comprehensive understanding of the client’s business, the dispute and how to get to the best answer for the client, as opposed to ‘winning’. The best answer is very rarely a lengthy, expensive hearing.”

01 / 12

How do you think women lawyers in your country are perceived by lawyers in other jurisdictions? What perception would you love to change?

“I think female lawyers in Australia are perceived as hard-working, highly intelligent and tough. I’d like to see more understanding that emotional intelligence is possibly the most valuable tool we have.”

02 / 12

If you could export one cultural value from your country to improve the global legal profession for women, what would it be?

“Australians love a good fight for the underdog! A sense of fairness and equality for every human being.”

03 / 12

Where do you believe the legal industry will be in 15 years for women locally and globally?

“I believe the smartest among us will lead the discerning use of technology with a deep understanding of emotional intelligence to achieve the best outcomes for clients. I also believe this will make more time for our children and ourselves.”

04 / 14

If you had a billboard outside the High Court, what message would you put on it for women entering the profession?

Understand history - never lose sight of where we have come from. Let that understanding direct your contribution to where we are going, as women, as lawyers, as a community and as human beings.

Caroline Callegari

Associate Principal, Sharrock Pitman Legal

Melbourne, Australia

If lawyers from your country had a “superpower”, what would it be and how does it shape the way women practice law there?

“Multitasking. I have found women in law here particularly litigation have an impressive capacity to efficiently apply their time across many tasks in one day!”

01 / 14

If lawyers from your country had a “superpower”, what would it be and how does it shape the way women practice law there?

“Women in Australia I believe are highly regarded, this has always been my impression, although I think there is a perception (rightfully so) that there are not as many women in leadership law positions.”

02 / 14

If you could export one cultural value from your country to improve the global legal profession for women, what would it be?

“Authenticity – that is to truly care about your clients and show them that.”

03 / 14

Where do you believe the legal industry will be in 15 years for women locally and globally?

“I believe it will be full of even more diverse perspectives and experiences of women at the top level as well which will add such value to the modern practice of law and to the client experience.”

04 / 14

What is one courtroom or workplace norm in your country that would surprise international colleagues?

"Use of Australian slang in court!"

12

FEATURED LEGAL PROFESSIONALS

15

Questions Explored About Women in Law

DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT

Celebrate women in law – share these insights on

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