The Australian Women's Register

Summary

Deidre Fitzgerald received a Commonwealth scholarship to attend the University of Melbourne during the 1950s. She graduated with a law degree in 1957 and, after receiving her articles the following year, went into practice in 1959.

In 1962, Deidre was approached by fellow graduate Lillian Cooney to become a partner in her father’s law practice, as he had just passed away. Deidre accepted and took up the position in November, remaining at the firm for twelve years. This was the first female law partnership in Melbourne.

Deidre was a member of the Women Lawyers Association (known as the Legal Women’s Association prior to the 1960s) and later became their president. She was also the first female representative of the Law Institute Council.

In 1975 Deidre was elected to the position of deputy registrar of the new Family Court of Victoria and for a time she was also employed as the chairman of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Board.