A new job-sharing model at not-for-profit Wesley Mission Queensland has seen Tala Prowd and Helena Kolenbet appointed Co-General Counsels in a move set to promote work-life balance in the historically inflexible and competitive legal sector.
Having worked together for six years, Prowd and Kolenbet bring more than three decades of combined legal experience to WMQ, with the organisation saying their collaboration as Co-General Counsels demonstrates the value of flexibility in high-responsibility roles.
The pair will provide continuous legal support and a diverse range of expertise, in an arrangement that sets a precedent for other sectors to follow.
Kolenbet described Wesley Mission Queensland’s openness to their job-share idea as refreshing and forward-thinking.
“They saw the benefits straight away and supported us wholeheartedly. We hope our success story encourages more organisations to adopt similar flexible arrangements,” she said. .
Both Prowd and Kolenbet struggled to find flexible part-time work in the legal sector after returning from maternity leave earlier in their careers.
“Truth be known, I thought my career aspirations were limited after becoming a mother and only being able to work a three-day week,” said Prowd.
“The elephant in the room is that there are very limited career progression opportunities for part-time lawyers. It is almost unheard of for a woman to make partner at a law firm or General Counsel if they work in a part-time capacity. If you’re part-time, there’s a ceiling,” she said.
“Organisations are starting to realise there is a huge talent pool of women they can tap into if they update their practices, not only giving them a competitive advantage, but becoming an employer of choice.”
Kolenbet says she appreciates the leaders at Wesley Mission Queensland are open to “thinking outside the box” and championing their workers.
“WMQ is an inclusive and forward-thinking organisation – I’m really proud to work here. This job-sharing arrangement allows us to make our own professional dreams come true and truly exemplifies the future of flexible work in high-responsibility roles,” added Prowd.
Wesley Mission Queensland offers community support, mental health services, aged, disability and palliative care, and retirement living across Queensland.