Does the gender of my lawyer matter?
When someone is facing criminal charges or dealing with the trauma of an intervention order, every decision can feel critical, including who they choose to represent them. One question that comes up more often than you might think is this:
“Should I hire a male or female lawyer?”
It’s a fair question, and like many things in law, the answer depends on your circumstances, your comfort, and what matters most in your legal representation.
What Really Matters in a Criminal Defence Lawyer?
Let’s be clear from the outset: the most important factors when choosing a lawyer are not gender. They are:
- Experience in the relevant area of law (e.g. criminal law, IVO matters, sexual offences, white collar crime)
- Courtroom advocacy skills
- Strategic thinking and case preparation
- Clear communication and respect
- Strong client reviews and professional reputation
At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, we’re proud to be one of Melbourne’s leading specialist criminal defence firms, with a team of highly skilled advocates, male and female, who appear daily in courts across Victoria. Our team is selected for their technical ability, professionalism, and values, not their gender.
But we also understand that client comfort matters, especially in criminal law.
When Gender Might Matter to You
While gender should never determine capability, there are times when clients have legitimate preferences – particularly in sensitive or deeply personal matters.
These can include:
Sexual Offences
A complainant is alleging a sexual offence, and you feel that a female advocate may help challenge the narrative more effectively or avoid gendered assumptions in court.
Conversely, some clients facing historical child sex allegations or male-on-male accusations may prefer a male advocate who they feel can better relate to their lived experience.
Family Violence / Intervention Orders
Where the allegations involve intimate partner violence or emotionally charged family dynamics, some clients feel more comfortable discussing trauma or relationship history with a lawyer of a particular gender.
Personal Safety, Comfort, or Trust
For some clients – especially those with lived experiences of abuse, coercion, or systemic discrimination – the gender of their lawyer can influence how safe or heard they feel during the process.
In these cases, it’s not about stereotypes. It’s about your ability to build trust and work effectively with the person representing you.
What We Do at Emma Turnbull Lawyers
At ETL, we listen first.
If gender is something that matters to you – tell us. You won't be judged. We’re a team of skilled, compassionate criminal defence lawyers who care about fit. Our clients are often at the most vulnerable point in their lives, and we understand that representation is about more than just knowledge of the law. It’s also about:
Feeling heard and understood
Knowing your lawyer respects your values
Feeling safe, especially when reliving trauma
Having someone who can speak for you in court, clearly and powerfully Whether you’re facing serious criminal charges or navigating the intervention order process, we’ll match you with the right advocate for your case – and for you.
Final Thoughts
So, does the gender of your lawyer matter?
Legally? No.
Personally? Maybe.
Professionally? It depends on the lawyer.
At the end of the day, you need someone in your corner who’s experienced, strategic, and prepared to fight for you. If that person also happens to be someone you feel comfortable with on a personal level, you’re far more likely to get the support you need to get through the process.
At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, we offer both. We’re here to listen, without judgement, and help you move forward.