The offensive joke found in an elevator at Melbourne’s largest barrister chambers has drawn strong reactions from women in the legal profession, highlighting the inappropriate nature of the incident. The notice called for men to nominate themselves for the “men in law awards,” with categories such as “most woke male counsel” and “best virtue signaling,” mimicking Lawyers Weekly’s Women in Law Awards website.
The response from women in the legal field was swift, condemning the behavior as “unacceptable,” “gutless,” and a reminder of the ongoing issue of sexism in the profession. Various women’s associations, including the Women Barristers Association (WBA), Australian Women Lawyers (AWL), and Victorian Women Lawyers (VWL), expressed their concerns and commitment to addressing diversity and inclusion challenges within the profession.
Experts and legal professionals emphasized the need to champion gender equality in the legal profession and confront such incidents to create lasting change. The incident serves as a reminder of the persistence of sexism in the legal field, despite significant strides towards equality and inclusion.
While incidents like this may be seen as jokes, they contribute to the culture of institutions and have real-world consequences. It is crucial to continue celebrating women in law and promoting initiatives that advance gender equality and diversity in the profession. The incident also underscores the importance of addressing such issues and not tolerating discriminatory behavior in any form, especially in a professional setting.