About Us
Our History

In 2001 a group of lawyers in Melbourne held a series of meetings to discuss the establishment of an association of Catholic legal professionals. Unlike the position in New South Wales, there had been no Association or Group for Catholic Lawyers in Melbourne since the 1950's. Approval was obtained from the Archdiocese, and in late 2001 the "Melbourne Catholic Lawyers Association" was formed. The Patron Saint of the Association is Saint Ives.

Essentially, we decided to create an association with a number of aims. The first was to strengthen and develop the faith of all involved, whether practising Catholics or 'just visiting.' Secondly, the association would provide a forum for lawyers to meet and discuss work, ethical and legal issues. Finally, the association would create a network of like-minded professionals for Catholics in the legal field.

 
Mission Statement

We, the Melbourne Catholic Lawyers' Association, strive to serve God through our jobs and lives as legal professionals. We strive to build up the Church through our fidelity and witness. We strive to strengthen our society through our professional integrity, commitment to justice, community service and advocacy of the Gospel message. We commit ourselves to lives of faith, hope and love in the service of God and our neighbour.

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Past Events

19 May, the Feast of St Ives - Mass and breakfast - Fr Joe Caddy spoke on the topic "Faith, Prisons and Justice:  The Reflections of a Prison Chaplain"

18 March - Evening talk and drinks - Peter Kavanagh MP, State MP for the Democratic Labor Party, spoke on "Campaign and Parliamentary Experiences".

2009

8 December - Christmas Mass and drinks

11 November - Seminar on the topic "Counting the Cost of Donor Conception" with the following speakers:

*  Myfwanwy Walker - a young woman conceived by artificial insemination from an anonymous sperm donor.
*  Romana Rossi - the mother of a teenage son conceived by the same method.

Both speakers are members of TangledWebs, which opposes donor conception and campaigns for the rights of donor-conceived children to know their natural parents and extended family. 

12 June - Mass and dinner - Justice Susan Crennan AC of the High Court spoke on the topic of pro bono work.  Justice Crennan was introduced by Justice Paul Coghlan of the Supreme Court. 

11 March - Mass and breakfast -  Commissioner Gareth Grainger of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission spoke on "Why I became a Catholic".

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The MCLA committee

President - Stuart Rowland

Secretary - Elizabeth Carrick

Publicity Officer - Geraldine Cini

Treasurer - John Pearce

Website Co-ordinator - Christina Warren