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Equitable briefing strategy

We are improving the way we brief counsel to create more opportunities for women and diverse counsel.

We are committed to briefing more women and diverse counsel. We have also set measurable, annual targets for improvement through our Equitable briefing strategy.

Download the strategy:

Equitable briefing strategy
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What is the aim of the strategy?

The strategy will help us develop and apply fairer briefing practices. It will also allow us to lead by example by creating more opportunities for women and diverse groups within the legal profession.

The strategy focuses on six objectives:

We will:

  • achieve equitable briefing targets
  • consider equitable briefing when selecting barristers
  • apply equitable briefing principles when we engage for services
  • promote diversity through training and development opportunities
  • engage with external agencies, stakeholders, and the public to promote diversity
  • monitor and report transparently about our performance.

We know that inequality in the legal profession is longstanding. If we are to drive change, we must strive for equity not just for our clients, but also in the way we operate.

Our targets

By the end of 2025, we want at least 50 per cent of all VLA funded briefing fees to be paid to women counsel.

We are currently working on developing targets for diversity of counsel beyond binary gender.

The strategy has been developed with our vision, values and commitment to diversity and inclusion in mind.

It aligns with commitments under our:

  • Cultural diversity and inclusion strategy 2020–23.
  • Reconciliation Action Plan 2019–21.
  • Client-first strategy 2020–23.
  • Gender Equality Action Plan 2021–25.
  • Disability Action Plan 2022–25.

We recognise that many factors can affect unequal briefing practices.

This can range from unconscious biases through to gender barriers. It can also include lack of availability of counsel from diverse backgrounds, particularly in regional areas.

As one of the largest briefers in the state, we are determined to drive change and promote equality and diversity.

It will allow us to better reflect the Victorian community and strengthen connections with our diverse client base.

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