Coming Out in the Legal Profession

Join the NSW Chapter of Pride in Law for an insightful evening at the College of Law as we delve into the realities of coming out in the legal profession.

This panel and networking event will feature a diverse group of seasoned lawyers who will share their personal journeys, triumphs, and challenges in coming out in the workplace, followed by an opportunity to connect with others in the profession.

Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: College of Law

Our Panelists will be:

Taylah Spirovski (she/her)

Taylah is a Litigation Lawyer at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and President of NSW Young Lawyers. She is deeply committed to social justice and community advocacy. Demonstrating this, Taylah is also the youngest board member of  Women Illawarra, a not-for-profit community organisation run by women for women affected by domestic violence, and is the CEO of youth-led human rights organisation Voices of Influence Australia. This year, Voices of Influence Australia will be piloting their inaugural Queer Youth Network Leadership Program to connect, empower, and up-skill young queer people. Further, as President of NSW Young Lawyers, Taylah has set one of her priority touchstones as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and aims to have a transformative impact on the experiences of young lawyers from diverse backgrounds.

Sanjay Alapakkam (he/him)

Sanjay is a Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, is an active member of Corrs’ Pride Network and is the incoming Company Secretary at Australian LGBTQ+ Board and Executive Inclusion.  He is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights and advancement from the board room to refugee protection. Sanjay previously served on the Board of queer South Asian community and events organisation, Trikone Australia, in the City of Sydney’s Oxford Street Pride Business Charter Working Group, and had a brief stint as a Legal Policy Assistant at Equality Australia in 2022. Sanjay was a recipient of the Lawyers Weekly Law Student of the Year Award in 2020, was featured on Out for Australia’s 30 under 30 list in 2021, and was Co-President of the UNSW Law Society in 2021.  

Chris Maibom (she/her)

Chris (she/her) is a Solicitor in the Sydney Employment Team at DLA Piper. Chris currently works with international and local clients across a variety of employment matters and workforce management, specifically in the tech, manufacturing and retail sectors. Prior to joining DLA Piper, Chris worked in the Employment, Safety and People team at Maddocks. Chris has been an active member of LGBTQ+ networks in both firms. She is proud to be out in the workplace and enjoys taking opportunities to be a voice for the LGBTQ+ community at work - whether in conversation with colleagues, through working on projects to improve diversity and inclusion in her law firms, and in her day to day client work. Chris was the Company Secretary on the Maddocks Pride Network where she also reported to the Board at Maddocks on LGTBQI+ inclusion issues such as gender affirmation policies and processes, and the use of gender inclusive bathrooms.

You should gain invaluable tools and perspectives to help you navigate your own path with confidence and resilience. Whether you're just starting your legal career or seeking to support colleagues in their journey, this panel promises to equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive in a diverse and inclusive legal profession.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow legal professionals, gain practical insights, and celebrate the diversity that enriches the legal profession.