Her story

Ashleigh is a Barrister at the Victorian Bar.

Without mentioning your job title, how would you describe what it is you do now (whether at home, work, in the community, etc.)?

I represent legal interests both in and out of Court, and I am duty-bound to be brave in doing so!

What are the first three words you think of when you hear the word ‘diversity’?

Strength, progress, justice.

What do you think it will take to develop truly diverse thinking within the legal industry?

In my view, we as a profession must avoid placing limitations on people because of their social or personal characteristics; where underrepresentation is a problem, we should not simply accept it as natural or inevitable, but should interrogate what structural changes are required to rectify it.

What was your main driver to enter the legal industry?

Even as a child, I perceived lawyers as robust and fearless: traits I admired and wanted to cultivate in myself. I also wanted to make a positive impact. It was the only path I ever really contemplated.