2024 Flos Greig Lecture

Flor Greig Lecture 2024

‘If I had my time over, would I study Law?'

Presented by The Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO, former Governor of Victoria

Occasionally, we should all pause, to reflect on what might have been had we taken a different path in our professional life and choices. In this Lecture, the Hon Linda Dessau AC CVO, former Governor of Victoria, contemplates the pros and cons of having studied and practised Law for a significant part of her career.

The Flos Greig Lecture is named after Grata Flos Matilda Greig, the first woman to be admitted to legal practice in Australia. Greig’s determination advanced gender equality in the legal profession in Australia in the early twentieth century, paving the way for other women to follow suit. Upon graduating from the Melbourne Law School in 1903, Greig undertook her articles with Frank Cornwall, later continuing her career with Cornwalls law firm.

Melbourne Law School and Cornwalls hope you can join us for this special lecture event presented by The Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO. Please join us from 5:00 pm for networking with drinks and light refreshments (provided). The lecture starts at 6:00 pm.

We are delighted to have Cornwalls' involvement in this lecture series, recognising Greig’s pioneering spirit which transformed the basis of admission to the Australian legal profession. Our ambition is to establish this lecture in the long term through philanthropic support and gifts of any size are warmly appreciated.

The Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO, Former Governor of Victoria

The Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO became the 29th Governor of Victoria on 1 July 2015, the first female in the role. Initially appointed for five years, in 2019 it was announced that Her Majesty The Queen had approved a three-year extension to the Governor’s term until 30 June 2023.

Prior to that, Ms Dessau had a distinguished career in the law as a solicitor, a barrister at the Victorian Bar, Senior Crown Counsel in Hong Kong and as a magistrate in the Children’s Court, the Coroners Court and the Magistrates’ Court. Her final 18 years on the bench was as a judge in the Family Court of Australia.

Throughout her career, she was involved in a wide range of community organisations, including as a Commissioner of the AFL, President of the Melbourne International Arts Festival and a Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria.

In 2010, Ms Dessau became a Member of the Order of Australia for her contribution to family law, and to the community.

In 2017, she was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to the people of Victoria through leadership roles in the judiciary, to the advancement of economic ties and business relationships, and as a supporter of charitable, sporting and arts organisations.

In 2022 she was awarded an honorary doctorate by La Trobe University.

In 2023, she was appointed as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles III, in recognition of her service as Governor of Victoria.