Diversity & Inclusion
Carter Newell is committed to developing and promoting diversity, equality, respect, and inclusion to ensure a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for all. At our core, we understand that diversity fuels success, and we attribute our accomplishments to the exceptional individuals who comprise our team.
Carter Newell’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, led by our Managing Partner, drives the firm’s D&I strategy to develop regular communications, events, programs, and education.
Access, Ability and Wellbeing
Carter Newell has had an established Disability Support Program since 1999 and has provided an opportunity for several staff with neurodiversity to flourish in a corporate office environment.
At Carter Newell, we place utmost importance on the wellbeing of our staff, and we are committed to empowering each individual to achieve a harmonious balance between their personal and professional lives, resulting in overall success and fulfillment. The firm encourages open conversations about mental health. Accredited Mental Health First Aid Officers are in each Carter Newell office.
We are proud to adopt the MINDS COUNT Foundation best practice guidelines for psychological wellbeing within the legal profession. The MINDS COUNT Foundation's objective is to decrease work related psychological ill-health in the legal community and to promote workplace psychological health and safety.
An Employee Assistance Program is available for all staff and their immediate family members.
Cultural Diversity
Building awareness of cultural diversity and identities within the firm, with our clients and the greater community is a priority at Carter Newell.
The firm’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) provides the firm’s commitment to not only engage but also increase our awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, protocols and events. Our plan includes further developing our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, with continued celebrations and support across National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC week, as well as building on relationships with local tribes in each of our office locations.
Bridging the cultural divide between Indigenous law students and the legal profession, representatives from Carter Newell and the LawLink program from the Queensland Law Society took part in a yarning circle with students from years 10,11 & 12 from Mabel Park State High School. On the back of this, the firm launched an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander work experience program, welcoming multiple students from Mabel Park State High School each year. Employment opportunities post-high school graduation are now offered to interested students.
Flexible Work
Carter Newell supports a range of formal and informal flexible work arrangements to ensure staff are able to balance work with their personal activities and obligations. Reduced hours, non-standard start and finish times, job sharing, remote working, leave of absence and flexibility around study commitments are just some of the flexible work arrangements available at Carter Newell.
The firm has very achievable billable targets ensuring a positive balance between work and personal is reached.
LGBTIQA+
The firm fosters an inclusive and diverse culture for LGBTIQA+ employees and allies, whilst also establishing greater connections in the LGBTIQA+ community.
Carter Newell works with PFLAG+ (Parents and Friends of lesbians and Gays+) in a pro-bono capacity. We continue to be a proud member of Pride in Law and host rainbow events each year. The firm supports Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW through our Workplace Giving Program.
