Vairawanathan encourages lawyers to create balance in their lives
Earlier this week, Melanie Vairawanathan shared with Australasian Lawyer her unique perspective on how traditional gender roles have hindered women. In the second half of this interview, she tells us what she’s learned about success in the legal profession, and why diversity and inclusion should be at the forefront of the profession.
One of my proudest accomplishments has been seeing how Melmark Law has grown and thrived, especially with our focus on supporting victims of family violence. We have developed a reputation for being a trusted advocate for our clients, especially victims of family violence, which is incredibly gratifying.
The biggest lesson I have learned in my career is the importance of resilience and adaptability. When I first started my practice, I worked long hours and faced many challenges, including balancing my professional and personal life. But I soon realised that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of your well-being.
To fellow lawyers, I recommend focusing on creating balance in your life. Don’t be afraid to embrace flexibility and think outside the box—both for your clients and for yourself.
Inclusion and diversity should be at the forefront of the legal profession. We must reflect the diverse communities we serve, ensuring everyone has access to justice, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. For me, this means not only improving diversity within law firms but also ensuring that our services are accessible and tailored to the needs of underrepresented groups, especially victims of family violence.
One of the biggest challenges in my practice is addressing the increasing complexity of family law, especially in areas like parental alienation and online abuse. These issues require a nuanced understanding of both the law and technology. In the broader legal industry, access to justice remains a major challenge, particularly for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. As legal professionals, we need to find creative solutions to ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent people from seeking the help they need.
In the coming year, I am excited about expanding the scope of Melmark Law’s services, particularly in family violence and mental health. I am also looking forward to further developing our virtual office model, which allows us to connect with a diverse and talented team globally.
On a personal level, I am eager to continue my professional development and to engage more actively in community outreach, especially through initiatives like Fitzroy Legal.
If I weren’t in law, I would likely be doing something that involves helping others, such as social work or community advocacy. My passion for supporting vulnerable people and creating opportunities for those who are often overlooked would still guide me in any career path I chose.
