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You are here: Home / Law / A History of Women in the Legal Profession in NSW

A History of Women in the Legal Profession in NSW

June 18, 2016 By Anne McLeod

History of Women in Legal Profession Joan O'Brien In her Master's thesis Joan O'Brien clearly describes the historical situation facing women who wished to gain entry into the legal profession in NSW: "During most of the nineteenth century women were surrounded by restrictive legal disabilities and only slightly less inhibiting social disabilities. Under the common law a woman's status merged, on marriage, with that of her husband; she had little control over her own property and she was not the legal guardian of her own children. Because the English courts had interpreted the common law to mean that a woman was not entitled to hold any public office, women's activities were confined to those associated with the home. A married woman, with the exception of royalty, was at law incapable of exercising any public function."  

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"There is something in the contact between the human being and nature which is very hard to explain, but as you lie on Mother Earth and look up at the stars, the life force seems to bring a new health to your tired limbs and worried mind." Marie Byles

Recent Posts

  • “Anne McLeod has crafted a highly readable book about a truly inspiring woman who was ahead of her time. Solicitors will be impressed by the story of Byles’ incredible determination to break down barriers.” Law Society Journal of NSW.
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  • Lawyers with depression – insights into maintaining mental health
  • Women’s Legal Status Act (NSW) 1918
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