The Australian Women's Register

Summary

Dr Klara Rudlow was a refugee who arrived in Australia on 24 September 1938 from Vienna where she had worked as a judge’s associate and journalist. Despite her experience, and being equipped with a Doctor of Laws from the University of Vienna (which she had obtained in 1933), her qualifications were not recognised in New South Wales and her facility with the English language was insufficient for her to obtain articles. It was not until 4 December 1953 that Rudlow, having undertaken the Barristers’ Admission Board course, was finally admitted to the Bar. In the intervening years she had worked as a translator and interpreter (she spoke several languages). Rudlow also broadcast and wrote on cultural and assimilation issues. In 1951 she travelled to Europe under the auspices of the International Refugee Organisation. She had scarce work at the Bar and coached students undertaking the Solicitors’ and Barristers’ Admission Board examinations as a means of augmenting her income. On 13 March 1959, Rudlow was admitted as a solicitor and from 1960 had her own practice. She subsequently lived and worked in Darling Street, Balmain for many years, volunteering for the Balmain Association and even standing for local government, although she was not successful.