Gender equality in action – working flexibly in Chambers

Support for flexible work arrangements is part of our Gender Equality Action Plan and commitment to creating a more equitable workplace.

Flexible work enables Danielle Lamovie and Iresha Siriwardana to balance their careers as criminal law advocates in Victoria Legal Aid Chambers with their family and caring responsibilities.

Iresha is balancing work the care of two children, one of whom more recently has gone through a health issue.

Iresha says she’s had the flexibility of having open and honest discussions with her management team.

‘I've never felt that working part time has been a disadvantage. It's just a different dialogue that I have with those who seek to brief me.’

For Danielle, working flexibly means that she can be more present to her family.

‘I realise that even as children are growing older, you still need to be around and be present - and kids appreciate that,’ says Danielle.

I find I’m able to balance my life a bit better and I enjoy my work a bit more. I've been sick less. And I've generally just felt better.’

Being a criminal law advocate does involve long trials and very intense matters.

Danielle says this can mean dropping everything literally and just working every day and then coming home and working at nights as well.

‘I find that the best way to balance is not to do too many [trials] back-to-back. I find that in Chambers that's acknowledged and you get time to decompress and do different types of matters in between.’

Having the flexibility to work part-time has enabled both Iresha and Danielle to continue their career progression.

Iresha says she’s also cognisant it’s not a treadmill that she constantly needs to run.

‘I feel there is the flexibility to recognise what I need here and now – and it’s ok when I can’t take any more. But in a few more months I may be in a position to take on more and progress. So I'm grateful for that longevity that the organisation given me.’

More information

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