15 February 2017

Hotel Realm

On 15 February 2017, WLA ACT’s inaugural Woman Lawyer of the Year Award winner, Noor Blumer shared her experience with us at the Hotel Realm.

Noor’s achievements speak for themselves. She finished school at the age of 16 and studied law while working full time and raising children. Noor has served as the President of the ACT Law Society and runs the successful personal injury law practice Blumer’s Lawyers alongside her husband.

Noor became a lawyer at a time when it was considered a profession ‘not suitable for women’. She recalls a time when women lawyers were not permitted to wear pants to Court and it was not unusual for Noor to find herself in situations where she was the only woman in a room full of men.

During her period of practice, Noor has seen improvements in the profession for women lawyers but she recognises that there is still a long way to go. Noor’s advice to women lawyers is to support one another and embrace the sisterhood by being part of organisations such as the WLA ACT. Noor believes that the opportunities for her arose as a result of her putting her hand up and getting involved. She encouraged the audience to do the same - you never know what successes might come your way if only you say ‘yes’.

Noor’s advice to managers is to make sure that your staff are treated fairly. The gender pay gap is a reality and it is up to the managers to ensure that women’s contributions are valued.

WLA ACT would like to extend a warm thank you to Noor for taking the time to share her experience and her insights into the profession.