Grit — 30th Anniversary of VWL: Three Decades of Change
Grit - 30 Years, Three Conversations is a three-part podcast series presented by Victorian Women Lawyers and Foley's List, marking VWL's 30th anniversary in 2026.
Across this three-part series, we speak with lawyers, barristers and members of the judiciary about the grit that has shaped, and continues to shape, careers in the law.
Episode 1: Grit — 30th Anniversary of VWL: Three Decades of Change
In this episode, the Moderator Julia Eastoe joined by the Honourable Justice Lesley Taylor of the Court of Appeal, Foley's List barrister Amanda Carruthers, and VWL's first President Deanne Weir. Between them, they span the three decades since Victorian Women Lawyers was founded — what has changed, what it took to get here and what still requires grit today.
They talk about the decisions that shaped their careers, what has changed in the profession across those thirty years, and what the next decade should hold for the women coming through behind them.
The Hon. Justice Lesley Taylor - appointed to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2018 and elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2022; practised at the Victorian Bar for ~20 years, taking silk in 2011; served as senior trial counsel at the Office of the Prosecutor in Sierra Leone (2004–05) and in international commissions of inquiry in Timor-Leste (2006) and Kyrgyzstan (2011); has taught advocacy internationally, including programs in Uganda (2015 and 2017) and Cambodia (2016).
Amanda Carruthers - Foley's List barrister practising in commercial litigation and insolvency; practised as a solicitor for 12+ years before coming to the Bar in 2018, reading with Carl Möller SC.
Deanne Weir - First VWL President, screen producer, investor and company director. Deanne is passionate about storytelling, changemaking and gender equality.
Julia Eastoe - 2026 VWL Special Projects Officer
Episode Length: ~60 Minutes
(Note: Listeners are eligible for 1CPD point per 60 minutes of Think Foley's content).
To equest a Podcast CPD Certificate, please email: marketing@foleys.com.au
To engage with a Foley's List Barrister, contact Foley's List Clerks via:
📞 03 9225 7777
✉️ foleys@foleys.com.au
