28 October, 2021 The AALA SA Branch celebrated the end of the mentoring program with food and drinks at Sparkke at the Whitmore on Thursday 28 October 2021. The event was sponsored by Laity Morrow, with Anita Caruso from Laity Morrow in attendance. We had the privilege to hear from our guest speaker, Chris Kwong, who is Executive Adviser & Head of Strategic Initiatives at Australian Red Cross. Chris reflected on his mentoring experiences as a mentor and mentee by sharing three stories about influential mentors in his life. This year was the inaugural mentoring program for the AALA SA Branch. We matched over 20 mentees with a diverse group of mentors: from junior lawyers to senior QCs, spanning private practice and government, and across broad areas of law. Although the mentoring program has officially ended for 2021, we hope the relationships that were formed will continue for many years to come. We look forward to welcoming mentors and mentees again next year as we continue the mentoring program in 2022!

28 October 2021 AALA welcomes the launch of the NSW Law Society's (NSWLS) Cultural Diversity Guidance outlining steps that law firms and legal workplaces can take to become more culturally diverse and inclusive. The Guidance outlines a variety of methods that workplaces can adopt to proactively the culture, practices and policies of a workplace: Commit to cultural diversity Measure cultural diversity Recruit widely and reduce barriers to entry Brief widely and look for opportunities to support cultural diversity in the wider community Develop an inclusive culture Evaluate measures. The NSW Branch President, Marija Gurlica sits on the NSWLS Diversity and Inclusion Committee. As a representative of AALA and a fervent advocate for intersectional diversity, Marija says: A key agenda item for 2021 was to publish a guide that focuses on promoting the conversation of cultural diversity in the legal profession. The 2021 NSWLS President, Juliana Warner attended many Diversity and Inclusion Committee Meetings and was a relentless and passionate driver to have the Guidance drafted and published. Ms Warner was very supportive of the Guidance and kept our project as a key priority throughout the year. The year was challenging and much of our work was completed during the pandemic lockdown, online and of course, with a deadline. The Committee worked diligently and was keen to have a simple Guidance published that could serve as a foundation or 'starting point' to not only begin conversations but help workplaces begin taking action. We hope to only build on the Guidance as the years continue. Iona Luke, a member of AALA and of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at the NSWLS, said: I am proud to see AALA contributing to such an important piece that is championed by the NSWLS. I look forward to seeing AALA continue to support efforts that promote diversity in the legal profession. The AALA National Vice President, Molina Asthana was also interviewed on SBS Radio on the launch of this Guide. Molina says: I welcome the guide as a step in the right direction and hope that it will assist law practitioners and firms in addressing the issue of lack of diversity in the legal profession which is clearly demonstrated by the statistics reported in the Guide. The guidance provided to firms should enable them to implement practical measures but it is equally important that there is a level of accountability attached to the implementation by way of measurable outcomes. The SBS Radio interview can be accessed here. The NSWLS published this Media Release here and the Guidance can be accessed on the NSWLS website or below.

MEDIA RELEASE 27 October 2021 ESTABLISHMENT OF NT BRANCH OF AALA The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) is delighted to announce that a Northern Territory Branch has been established, marking AALA as being a truly national organisation, with State and Territory Branches across Australia. The AALA was established in 2013 with the goal of promoting cultural diversity in the legal profession through a range of advocacy, mentoring, networking and education initiatives. The newly appointed inaugural committee for the NT Branch has been described by the National AALA President, Mr Kingsley Liu as “…an amazing and dynamic Committee comprising senior and junior lawyers representing both public and private, as well as community and corporate sectors.” Inaugural President of the NT Branch, Ms Lyma Nguyen, stated, “Australia’s Asian heritage is an enormous asset to this nation – and cultural diversity in leadership needs to be a priority if we are to ensure multi-dimensional perspectives in positions of influence – particularly in the legal profession where that influence has most impact.” (Ms Nguyen is a Darwin based barrister who was awarded the overall winner of the 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian Leadership Awards for 2020.) New members from the legal fraternity in the Northern Territory and supporters of AALA’s vision, alike, including students and academics are most welcome to join us at AALA, or to come along and contribute to our local and national talks, seminars and functions, the details of which will be published from time to time. Website: https://www.aala.org.au To Join: https://www.aala.org.au/membership A copy of this Media Release can be found below.

25 October 2021 The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) is aware that a high-profile commercial organisation has recently undertaken and concluded an investigation into incidences of alleged racism that occurred in its workplace. AALA condemns all forms of racism, whether in the workplace or otherwise, and advocates for the more widespread adoption of policies and practices that discourage such behaviour. AALA extends its sincere support for victims of racism and discrimination, both reported and unreported. Further, AALA supports accountability and substantive consequences for perpetrators and facilitators of racist behaviours. Greater transparency regarding any such consequences would also be welcomed. While it is disheartening to see that racism still exists in the modern workplace, it is also encouraging that these issues are being reported and called out in the mainstream media and otherwise. This discourse confirms that public awareness of issues of diversity and racism is already high. This is an opportune time to seriously look at the issues of cultural diversity and inclusion within workplaces and broader Australian society. The important next step for all of us is to transform what we feel into actions that result in lasting positive change. What AALA is doing to advocate for change AALA is continuing its advocacy efforts: to bring attention to issues of cultural diversity; to provide training and resources to help culturally diverse lawyers reach the senior ranks of the profession; and for all of the profession to be both conscious of diversity and culturally intelligent. Last month, AALA held the second iteration of its flagship National Summit on Cultural Diversity. The Summit provided an opportunity for AALA’s members across the country to meet and contribute to AALA’s advocacy direction. Two of the key panels for the Summit examined how different professions strive towards diversity and discussed practical steps to achieving diversity and inclusion in organisations. These sessions are all available on AALA's YouTube channel and can be freely accessed here. We reproduce some of the most important takeaways below: You cannot fix what you cannot see. Organisations, including Law Societies and Bars, that are serious about creating meaningful change on diversity must collect and leverage data regarding the composition of their workforces and members. Diversity must be systemic, not tokenistic. Diversity should be the case from junior staff all the way to senior levels and must occur across all levels. Beyond a moral imperative, diversity is increasingly becoming a business imperative. A diverse organisation can see things from different perspectives and be more effective, as well as ultimately empathising with Australia’s incredibly diverse population. AALA recognises that the licence for racism is founded in the ongoing occurrence of institutional bias. Much of this has been caused by the historical legislation passed by our parliaments that validated marginalisation and inequitable rights against minority classes. AALA regularly provides submissions to the Australian Law Reform Commission, the UNSW Law Society social justice publication "Court of Conscience" and other institutional bodies. We will continue to do so to proffer improvements and to raise awareness that ultimate responsibility lies with decision-making and redress at leadership level. What AALA can do for organisations AALA has developed a range of training resources on issues relating to cultural diversity which are available to organisations. These resources are aimed at creating positive change within workplace cultures. AALA is also able to facilitate seminars and training sessions for organisations with senior professionals and leading legal experts. If your organisation is interested in arranging such seminars and training sessions, please contact AALA at info@aala.org.au. Lawyers may be eligible to earn CPD points. What AALA can do for individual members AALA is a community of culturally diverse lawyers and professionals. Many, if not most, of the senior professionals within AALA will have their own experiences of discrimination. Members of AALA experiencing racism or discrimination may contact AALA confidentially any time at membership@aala.org.au. While AALA does not have any formal procedure and cannot intervene in workplace issues, AALA may be able to assist by referring you to a suitable mentor or directing you to helpful resources. Download and access the Media Release here:

In 2021, the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) resolved to launch a new website: a website that truly demonstrates the breadth of work our volunteers do to serve our growing membership and achieve our Founding Objectives. Member-focused growth Since AALA was established, our presence in Australia has grown. In addition to our National Executive, we now welcome eight Branches in Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia and our newest branch in the Northern Territory. As a testament to the advocacy role AALA holds in the legal profession, AALA has also recently announced a new National Patron, Diana Bryant AO; International Patron, the Rt. Hon Lord Justice Rabinder Singh; and, Emeritus Patron, the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG. The Western Australian Branch acknowledges the continuing role of the Hon. Robert French as the WA State Patron; the New South Wales Branch welcomed Ms Katrina Rathie as the NSW State Patron; and, the Victorian Branch celebrates the appointment of the Hon. Gareth Evans AC QC as the VIC State Patron. The new AALA website now has a dedicated page for each Branch explaining how the respective Branch operates, key initiatives and how to join. It also features a page introducing and outlining the tremendous contributions of our Patrons. ' Member-focused engagement Annually, AALA hosts three key national programs, the: William Ah Ket Scholarship, a national research and writing competition in honour of William Ah Ket, the son of Chinese migrants who is believed to be the first person of Chinese background to practise as a barrister in Australia. Mentoring Program, a national program that pairs students and junior practitioners with inspiring, senior practitioners to encourage personal and professional development. Cultural Diversity Summit, a national Summit which welcomes leading international and national speakers, thinkers and practitioners to discuss and forge a new approach to implement real change in the legal profession. These national programs are underpinned by the AALA National Digital Events Series. Launched in 2020 as a response to the pandemic, the Series provides accessible, professional development courses to our Members. Additionally, Members have access to the AALA Blackboard: an online forum that encourages Member-to-Member interaction, providing a forum to share ideas, job opportunities and general support for mental health and wellbeing. The new AALA website now has a page "National Programs and Opportunities" that clearly lists all the national opportunities available to our Members. There is also a "Publications" page that features all the material that has been drafted and/or released for the benefit of our Members such as the Foreign Qualified Lawyers Subcommittee "Frequently Asked Questions Guide." The seamless operation of AALA as a non-for-profit organisation run by volunteers is made possible with the strong AALA Leadership structure: National Executive Committee At the national level, the National Executive Committee includes the National President Kingsley Liu; National Vice-President Molina Asthana; National Secretary Matt Floro; and, the National Treasurer Nai-Yan Yeap, and also includes the President and Secretary of each Branch. Further, the National Executive holds four seats for Executive Committee Members, being John Arthur, Aruna Colombathntri, Olive Go, Sining Wang and Ex-Officio, Immediate Past President Tuanh Nguyen. The National Executive is structured into various Portfolio Subcommittees, all of which are responsible for delivering an exceptional experience to our Members and improving the advocacy and outreach of AALA. As of 2021, the National Executive has 11 Portfolio Subcommittees and each Convenor works closely with the State/Territory Branches of AALA. AALA acknowledges the role of Marija Gurlica, Convenor of the Marketing and Social Media Portfolio Subcommittee in producing the new AALA website and the Secretariat and Governance Subcommittee in drafting and publishing the various National Policies that ensure that AALA remains a legitimate, progressive and transparent association. Branches At the Branch level, AALA operates branches in the following Australian States and Territories: Australian Capital Territory: founded in 2020, Veer Dhaliwal is the Founding ACT Branch President, Rahul Bedi, Founding ACT Branch Vice President, and Macky Markar, Founding ACT Branch Secretary. The ACT Branch has rejuvenated the connection between AALA and our in-house and government colleagues, already earning a reputation for hosting many engaging and fun social events! New South Wales: the Immediate Past President of the NSW Branch is Wai Kaey Soon, who was the elected successor of Kingsley Liu (the current National President). Currently, Marija Gurlica serves as the first female President of the NSW Branch, and David (Bobby) Chong is the NSW Branch Secretary. The NSW Branch has three Subcommittees, the Student Subcommittee, the Foreign Qualified Lawyers Subcommittee and the Data and Policy Subcommittee. In 2019, the NSW Branch launched the Diversity Series as a demonstration of its commitment to intersectional diversity. Queensland: the Queensland Branch is infamously known for its fun, Member-exclusive movie and culture nights. Currently, Anand Shah serves as the QLD Branch President and Vernon Ting is the QLD Branch Secretary. South Australia: founded in 2020, Jessica Teoh is the Founding SA Branch President and Brian Vuong serves as the Founding SA Branch Secretary. As the SA Branch continues to establish its presence in Adelaide, it welcomes all Members to tune into one of their many CPD events! Tasmania: founded in 2020, Jessica Sabapathy is the Founding TAS Branch President. As the TAS Branch continues to establish its presence, it calls for more students and practitioners to join the team. Victoria: is understood to be the earliest operating Branch of AALA, earning its major presence amongst Victorian students and practitioners. Currently, Kelvin Ng serves as the VIC Branch President and Jenny Si as the VIC Branch Secretary. The VIC Branch also operates the Student Subcommittee. Western Australia: the Western Australian Branch was recently a Concert Partner of the Perth Symphony Orchestra's Dim Sum Concert - a testament to the intersection of the Asian and Australian communities and the significance of cultural diversity in modern Australia. Currently, Belinda Wong serves at the WA Branch President and the WA Branch Secretary is Stephanie Tang. Northern Territory: is the youngest Branch of AALA, founded this year in 2021! Led by 2020 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian Leadership Award winner, Lyma Nguyen, the Northern Territory Branch is welcoming practitioners to join its vision! The new website also provides AALA the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the amazing support we have received from our National Sponsor Baker McKenzie: A Sponsors and Partners page is currently in development and will be published in line with the new AALA Sponsorship and Partners Prospectus: showcasing the range of opportunities to connect and collaborate with AALA. Register as a Member As a national, not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers, AALA relies on your membership! By renewing your membership or registering as a new member, you provide AALA with the required financial capacity to continue to strengthen our suite of programs and projects that directly support you and the advancement of cultural diversity in our legal profession. The breadth of our volunteer work is now well-demonstrated with the launch of this new website and to say that AALA is proud of the commitment and selfless work of our volunteers is an understatement. The National Executive, volunteers themselves, profoundly thank each Committee Member and all our Members who actively participate in AALA. We encourage all members of the legal profession to register with AALA and engage in the work we do. We know we cannot do it alone and by showing up more and having more conversations, we can learn more. We ask you to reflect on your role in improving the legal profession and join AALA as we do better, together. There are special student rates for Student Membership, and PQE-based rates for practitioners. AALA also offers bundled Corporate Memberships. This can all be found on the "Membership" page. User Experience: the AALA MemberSuite As our users access the new AALA website, they will notice that certain pages take them to the "AALA MemberSuite" - a closed AALA subdomain. The AALA MemberSuite ensures that the administration of our vast membership database remains highly protected and efficient. The AALA MemberSuite will be used for: AALA Membership Registration: the portal that will allow you to select and sign up as an AALA Member. AALA News: all archived news items can be found here. AALA Events: the portal that will allow you to select and register for an AALA Event. AALA Members' Directory: the service that allows members of the community and legal profession to connect with our Members. The design of the new website is also consistent with the AALA brand refresh which was rolled out in 2020. Members have noticed this new approach to the AALA branding and marketing strategy, and believe this provides a better user and Member experience. Special Thanks All this and more can now be accessed and shared thanks to the new AALA website. AALA acknowledges the wonderful work of Melbourne based agency, EMD Digital in creating and designing the website. The EMD Digital team was highly professional and flexible, ensuring that the design brief was executed with fine attention to detail. Our sincere thanks go to the team of EMD Digital.