Leading law firm, Henry Davis York has been nominated as a finalist in the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency's (EOWA) 2011 Business Achievement Awards.
The firm has been selected in the category of the 'leading organisation for the advancement of women', (less than 800 employees). This is one of six award categories which include:
- Leading CEO for the Advancement of Women
- Diversity Leader for the Advancement of Women
- Leading Organisation for the Advancement of Women (<800 employees)
- Leading Organisation for the Advancement of Women (>800 employees)
- Outstanding EEO Practice for the Advancement of Women in a Non-Traditional Area or Role, and
- The Minister's Award for Outstanding EEO Initiative/Result for the Advancement of Women.
Each year, EOWA presents the Business Achievement Awards to commend organisations and individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing women in the workplace.
Sharon Cook, managing partner of Henry Davis York said: "We are delighted to have been selected as a finalist in this year's Business Achievement Awards."
"This nomination testifies our hard work and commitment to build a culture that supports the promotion of females and that is gender inclusive."
"Our approach is based on sound HR principles and strategies that support gender equality and promote women into senior positions. This is reflected in the number of women we have in senior roles and the support from our senior male partners to promote women in the firm."
Sharon Cook is the only female managing partner in the top 30 Australian law firms.
Henry Davis York has a high percentage of women in senior positions. At 30 September, 28% of HDY's partnership was female, along with 75% of its special counsel, 59% of its senior associates and three of its five directors. The firm was one of 98 organisations throughout Australia to receive an EOWA Employer of Choice for Women citation in 2011.
Winners of the 2011 Business Achievement Awards will be announced on 9 November.