Our Submission

DWL's primary submission is that the proposed reforms can have significant implications for social justice, policy formation and leadership as it could compromise the pipeline of diverse talent entering into the legal profession and disproportionately affect the representation of diverse individuals at the decision-making tables.

In DWL's view, the proposed reforms:

• convey the impression that certain degrees, including law, have lower social utility than STEM courses;

• result in an increased financial burden for law and humanities degrees which could give rise to deterring prospective students (in particular low socio-economic status applicants, many of whom are likely to comprise diverse women) to pursue such degrees thereby deepening existing structural barriers;

• have a further disenfranchising effect on prospective diverse female women law students and those who may have otherwise pursued career paths that are oriented around social justice, and assisting other diverse women in the community;

• do not account for legal qualification as an enabler of leaders in public and private sector institutions alike, including its ability to elevate diverse women into positions of responsibility. This can stifle the development of an intersectional approach towards leadership positions;

• in imposing financial deterrents to potential applicants, undermine the development of critical skills that are cultivated in the course of studying law degrees including analytical and interpersonal skills; and

• fail to recognise the value and utility of law graduates in assisting the Australian community with navigating the societal upheaval that will result from issues such as technological disruption of various industry sectors and climate change.

Our Recommendations

In its submission, DWL included a number of recommendations and drew upon case studies exploring the views of certain DWL members.

DWL's key recommendations include:

1.     to undertake reviews into whether graduates of STEM related disciplines provide higher public returns or contributions compared to law and humanities graduates and whether, as a result of the proposed reforms, graduates from STEM related disciplines will be more "job-ready" when compared to law and humanities graduates.

2.     to undertake reviews into whether critical functions of the legal profession, including legal aid organisations and community legal centres, will receive the necessary funding and support to fill human resources gaps arising from the proposed funding reforms.

3.     to ensure that support and investment in higher education is accessible specifically for low-socioeconomic status applicants studying law and humanities degrees.

4.     that comprehensive policy, prioritising increased transparency and accountability, should underpin these reforms, including the need to explore what it means to be ‘job-ready’ and the fluidity of the average Australian’s career, the numerous jobs they may hold over their lifetime, and the increasing emphasis on transferable skills rather than hard qualifications.

5.     implementation of greater transitional protections during a period of economic recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Beyond the utility of the practical legal knowledge gained from law degrees, the unique ability to devise innovative solutions to issues of justice and accessibility in the law which are made available to those with legal qualifications is vital to ensuring representative leadership in Australia.

— Diverse Women in Law

We want your feedback!

DWL is keen to receive your feedback on our policy submission and contribution towards policy issues that impact diverse women more broadly. If you are a diverse woman, wanting to study law or studying law, or identify as an ally of our cause, please feel free to contact us to have your say at dwlpolicy@gmail.com.