Equity Starts Here

We are thrilled to share the first edition of Footnotes, a series of articles created by the Legal ID Publications team. Each month, we will be focusing on a different topic.

In our inaugural edition, ‘Equity Starts Here,’ we introduce our committee, outline our goals for the year, and share what’s ahead. You will also find some industry resources on equity in Australia. 


What is Legal ID?

Legal ID is more than just an initiative – it is a movement dedicated to reshaping the legal landscape into one that truly reflects the diversity of society. As part of the Monash Law Ambassador Program, Legal ID stands for Inclusion and Diversity in the legal field, ensuring that individuals from all cultural backgrounds and gender identities have equitable opportunities to enter into the legal industry and have thriving careers in it.

Founded on the belief that representation strengthens our legal system, our team works to break down barriers that have historically limited access to legal education and careers. We understand that the legal profession has often been perceived as exclusive, dominated by certain groups, and difficult for underrepresented individuals to enter into. Legal ID is here to challenge that and provide education on the alternate pathways into the legal industry. Through advocacy, education, and active community engagement, we seek to empower future legal professionals to pursue their ambitions with confidence and support.

What is our purpose?

We aim to have the important conversations where students and aspiring legal professionals can engage with mentors, industry experts, and established lawyers who champion diversity and have faced adversity to get to where they are. We recognise that visibility matters, so we aim to highlight success stories, share insights, and provide resources for overcoming systemic challenges in the field. We aim to create podcasts that further amplify voices that deserve to be heard, featuring honest conversations about inclusion, fairness, and the future of the law.

Legal ID, however, is not just about talking - it’s about acting. We work towards creating engaging workshops for law students and high school students, along with structured networking opportunities. Additionally, we will have articles and podcasts released monthly for our publications, also known as Footnotes. These endeavour to cover all things identity and equity, revolving around monthly themes – starting with our June theme being Pride Month. By the end of 2025, our goal is to establish a strong and sustainable platform that provides lasting support for individuals who might otherwise struggle to gain footing in legal spaces and empower more women, gender-diverse individuals, and people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue a career in law.

The legal industry should reflect the diverse society that we live in. With the right guidance, awareness, and commitment to change, the legal field can become more inclusive and representative of the people it serves. Legal ID aims to stand at the forefront of that mission, fostering a legal community where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the chance to thrive.

Together, we are shaping a better, more equitable future in law.

Tools for change

While Legal ID gears up for our upcoming events, here are some resources to keep you informed and connected to the legal industry in the meantime.

Diversity and Equity CharterLaw Council of Australia

This Charter unveils the core principles that reflect the Australian legal profession’s commitment to diversity and equality. It is grounded in values of justice, integrity, excellence, and overall respect for the individuals that underpin the profession. The web page also lists organisations in the legal industry which have adopted the Charter.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal ProfessionThe Law Society of New South Wales

This document outlines why inclusion matters, the value of diversity in the legal profession, and how organisations can advocate for these beyond the borders of their respective firms.

There are also various legal associationsdedicated to offering support and community for members.

  • African Australian Legal Network

  • Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA)

  • Australian Italian Lawyers Association (AILA)

  • Disabled Australian Lawyers Association (DALA)

  • Filipino Australian Lawyers Association (FALAW)

  • French Australian Lawyers Society (FALS)

  • Hellenic Australian Lawyers (HAL)

  • LIVOut

  • Melbourne Catholic Lawyers’ Association (MCLA)

  • Muslim Legal Network (MLN)

  • North American Australian Lawyers Alliance (NAALA)

  • Tarwirri

  • Victorian Christian Legal Society (VCLS)

  • Victorian Women Lawyers (VWL)

Written by Akshat Nayak and Ai-Vy Nguyen

Edited by Ai-Vy Nguyen

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Queering the Curriculum - Why Legal Education Must Reflect LGBTQ