With this special newsletter today, we want to acknowledge, honour and celebrate all the incredible ‘Women of Tattersalls’,
We interviewed Mickaela to showcase her remarkable journey.
Mickaela Mate
Q1. Please share your current occupation and industry.
I am the Principal of Mate Lawyers. I specialise in criminal defence, which spans from serious offences like murder or break and enter, to driving offences and loss of licence.
Q2. Would you consider your current role your biggest achievement? If not then please share what you are most proud of achieving.
I would say swimming the Great Keppel Island ocean swim (20km) was my greatest achievement. I did this in 2022 whilst running my business, without any support from employees. This would be closely followed by starting my business at 25 during Covid and building it throughout the past 3 years.
Q3. What does the idea of gender equity mean to you?
This is a really difficult question because inequality is engrained in our society to the extent that we hardly recognise it. Aside from pay equality, I think the most important aspect of gender equality would be sharing the mental load. I think if society is going to get as close as possible to gender equality, we need to shift the way that we think, including thinking about things both at home and work. It shouldn’t just be up to the woman of the house to remember what ingredients are at home and therefore what can be made for dinner!
Q4. Is there a time when you were overlooked, disadvantaged or deprived of an opportunity (in your personal life or in your career) because of your gender?
I occasionally experience different treatment by males in the legal fraternity. However, I must admit, I have never had any scarring experiences.
Q5. Which women do you admire the most and why?
My Mum, Karen. Mum has always run her own business, which involved significant travel all while making sure I never missed out on anything. Nothing is ever too much and her ability to overcome obstacles is incredibly inspiring.
I am also inspired by Dina Yehia, who is now a Supreme Court judge. Her Honour came to Australia from Egypt when she was 7 years and did not speak English. Her Honour went on to become a solicitor, barrister, senior Counsel, District Court Judge and now a Supreme Court Judge. She has also appeared in High Court matters which are still good law to this day.
Q6. Could you please tell us a bit about your journey at Tattersalls (how you joined the Club, your experience at the Club in terms of gender equity etc.).
I was introduced to the club through “the swimmers”, especially Justin Hanby and Jono Miller. After much discussion, Jono encouraged me to come along for a lunch swim. Once I saw the facilities, I knew I had to join. I find the club very welcoming and I enjoy the camaraderie between the members, whether that’s inside jokes or a simple smile and hello each day.
