Warren Centre Seminar: Muslim Legal Practitioners in Australia: Identity, Inclusion and the Legal Profession
The Warren Centre for Civil Justice invites you to a lunchtime seminar featuring visiting scholars Dr Maria Bhatti (Western Sydney University) and Associate Professor Sandy Noakes (University of Sydney).
This seminar presents preliminary findings from an ongoing empirical study examining the experiences of Muslim legal practitioners in New South Wales. The project explores how Muslim lawyers experience entry into and progression within the legal profession, with particular attention to professional identity, inclusion, workplace culture and career development.
Drawing on qualitative interviews with Muslim legal practitioners, the presentation will discuss emerging themes concerning how religious and professional identities are negotiated within legal workplaces, experiences of belonging and inclusion, and the ways in which workplace norms and professional expectations may shape career experiences. It will also consider circumstances in which religious and cultural diversity may operate not only as a source of challenge, but as a professional resource or strength.
Event Details
Muslim Legal Practitioners in Australia: Identity, Inclusion and the Legal Profession
Date: Thursday 12 November 2026
Time: 12:30pm - 2pm AEDT
Campus: Monash University Moot Court
The seminar will be held at the Monash University Moot Court in person, at Clayton Campus. Lunch will be provided with the seminar commencing at 1pm.
Registration is essential for catering purposes. Presented by the Monash University Warren Centre for Civil Justice.
Guest Speakers
Dr Maria Bhatti
Dr Maria Bhatti is a Senior Lecturer and JD Program Lead in the School of Law at Western Sydney University and a 2026 Whitlam Institute Research Fellow. Her research sits at the intersection of religion, law and socio-legal studies, with particular interests in the experiences of Muslim communities within legal and institutional settings, Islamic law and finance, and inclusion within legal education and the legal profession. Her work includes research on the experiences and sense of belonging of Muslim law students in Australia and, more recently, the experiences of Muslim legal practitioners.
Associate Professor Sandy Noakes
Dr Sandy Noakes is an Associate Professor in the School of Law and a University of Sydney Horizon Educator. Her research explores systems of governance in employment and education that shape and sometimes limit people's opportunities and choices, with a focus on how these systems can be reformed to create more equitable outcomes. In her teaching and leadership roles, Sandy draws on her research to enhance the engagement and success of students who have not traditionally had access to legal education, helping them reach their full potential. Her experience as a legal practitioner has reinforced the importance of law students developing the practical skills and knowledge essential for their future careers, and the need to cultivate their professional identity from the moment they enter university.
Event Enquiries
Please contact us by email to warrencentre@monash.edu.