GPS Lawyers joined 60 attendees at Level 5, 45 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, for the Women in the Business of Law series on 17 September 2026, hosted by Victorian Women Lawyers and sponsored by Justitia Lawyers & Consultants. The event is part of a two-part networking series focusing on the experiences and insights of women in legal practice.
Apurva Kirti Sharma, PhD, our founder and principal solicitor, served as the moderator. Panellists included Sarah Rey, Melissa Scadden, Jess Toop, and Ashleigh Kolege, co-founder of Auxilium Law. Each brought diverse perspectives to the discussion.
The session covered insights into building and running a legal practice, featuring success stories and key lessons from women in the field.
Discussions addressed practical tips for those considering opening their own legal practice. Attendees were encouraged to identify what matters most to them and consider whether they want their practice to grow. It was noted there is no perfect time to start a business. Current technology keeps start-up costs manageable. Suggestions included reaching out to trusted professional contacts and considering the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) practice management course. Attendees were assured concerns about insufficient work often reverse to an abundance of opportunities once a practice is established.
Key Takeaways
* On 15 September 2026, VWL hosted the first of its two-part networking series, Women in the Business of Law, sponsored by Justitia Lawyers & Consultants. This event was the inaugural session of the series, providing a platform for female legal professionals to network and share insights. The sponsorship by Justitia Lawyers & Consultants supports community-driven initiatives that help women in the legal industry connect and thrive through shared experiences and knowledge.
* The event focused on what it takes to build and run your own legal practice, including key insights, success stories, and lessons learnt. Attendees gained perspectives on navigating complexities when starting a legal practice, such as defining personal goals and leveraging technology to reduce initial costs. By sharing success stories and addressing challenges, the event aimed to empower aspiring legal entrepreneurs to pursue their paths with informed strategies and peer support.