Freehills is dedicated to providing guidance and support for all of the firm’s female employees and partners. Highlighting this commitment, Women at Freehills was created  in September 2004. Women at Freehills is an initiative with the primary goals of:

• retaining our talented female lawyers in roles that meet their expectations, and
• increasing the proportion of women in the partnership.

Sponsored by the firm’s CEO, Women at Freehills has four key focus areas which are embedded in Freehills’ strategic plan.
These are:

• developing women lawyers
• encouraging inspirational role models
• building capabilities, and
• creating and maintaining a supportive work environment.

A Steering Committee made up of senior partners and organisational development experts guides the work of the initiative, and is supported by working groups in each of Freehills’offices.
 
Some of the achievements of Women at Freehills include:

• coaching and mentoring programs
• a generous parental leave policy
• a supportive work environment that embraces flexible work practices
• programs  to assist mothers in balancing work and family life
• in-home emergency childcare
• flexible work tools
• new parental leave tools, and
• private parenting rooms.

Achieving success in this important area is a long-term goal that requires ongoing dedication and support, and as a firm we are committed to remaining an employer of choice for women. As an organisation we value diversity and recognise that gender diversity within the firm enriches our organisational culture, bringing with it the benefits of different perspectives, experiences, ideas and leadership styles.  

Employer of choice for women

Freehills has received formal recognition as an Employer of Choice for Women by the Australian Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA), in acknowledgement of the firm’s commitment to supporting and enhancing the career experiences of women within the organisation.

According to EOWA, the Employer of Choice for Women acknowledgement ‘…recognises organisations who address the barriers women face in the workforce and who demonstrate they have policies and practices that support women across the organisation and that these have had a positive outcome for both women and the business.’ EOWA has highlighted Freehills’ exemplary approach towards enhancing the career experience of women in their workplace and the firm’s ongoing commitment to assisting women in maximising their potential.

The recognition as an Employer of Choice for Women also acknowledges the firm’s commitment to attracting, retaining and developing the very best people. The many achievements and continual improvements the firm makes to support female employees within the Women at Freehills initiative is evidence of this ongoing commitment.