Emerging Lawyers graduate: 14 new specialists for regional Victoria

Fourteen Emerging Lawyers have graduated from the first Emerging Lawyers Program, marking an important milestone for access to family violence and family law support across Victoria.

Over 18 months, the early-career lawyers completed specialist training with Women's Legal while working in community legal centres across Victoria. 

Together, the Emerging Lawyers delivered more than 2,700 legal services and helped 3,000 people access legal support.

As they gathered to celebrate the end of their training, the Emerging Lawyers reflected on how the program helped them build confidence, develop trauma-informed practice skills and understand the importance of listening and building trust with people experiencing family violence. 

Many also highlighted the value of working in regional communities, where access to specialist legal support can be limited, and the difference local legal help can make.

The Emerging Lawyers Program was created to help address workforce shortages in family law and family violence practice while growing the next generation of community lawyers.

As these graduates move into the next stage of their careers, they take with them specialist legal skills, trauma-informed practice knowledge and a commitment to improving access to justice in communities across Victoria.

Congratulations to all 14 graduates on this significant achievement. We are proud to have been part of their journey and look forward to seeing them continue to support communities across Victoria throughout their legal careers.