Fay Calderone | Partner | Hall & Wilcox
Fay Calderone has built an exceptional career in the legal profession, driven by her passion for wellbeing, respect and inclusion. As a partner at Hall & Wilcox and the Chair of its Diversity Equity Inclusion and Wellbeing Council, she has dedicated nearly 25 years to advocating for safe and inclusive workplaces. Her contributions to employment and discrimination law have earned her recognition in The Best Lawyers for Labour & Employment Law in Sydney, as a “Leading Lawyer for Employers” in Doyle’s Guide, and as a 5-star Employment Lawyer by HR Director Australia. Additionally, she has been acknowledged as a Wellness Advocate and Employment Partner by the Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards. At EliteX, we are proud to have Fay Calderone as part of the edition: Prominent Women in Legal World, 2025.
Through her role as a strategic advisor, Fay has played a key part in shaping workplace policies for major employers across Australia. She has helped implement Respect at Work training and policies to prevent sexual harassment, as well as programs supporting employees escaping family violence, accessing flexible work arrangements, and taking parental leave. As a sought-after trainer, speaker, and media commentator on workplace matters, she continues to be a trusted voice for leaders, boards, and organizations striving for safe and respectful work environments.
“Flexible work has been a game changer—for parents, caregivers, and the future of work.”
Fay’s dedication to diversity and inclusion stems from a deep personal commitment to equity in the workplace. She believes that the legal profession is not only about interpreting the law but also about driving meaningful change. Her book, Broken to Safe, reflects her insights into workplace challenges and offers practical solutions to combat toxic cultures and burnout while fostering inclusivity. From an early age, Fay knew that she wanted to make an impact on people’s lives through law. Inspired by a desire to contribute to justice and equity, she chose to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations)/Law Degree. Her passion for workplace relations and employment law has remained constant throughout her career, shaping her mission to create healthier work environments.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Fay’s work is partnering with employers to build workplaces that are safe, respectful, and inclusive. She also finds great fulfillment in mentoring women lawyers and emerging leaders across various industries, helping them navigate their careers and achieve success. Additionally, she actively uses her platform to advocate against bullying, sexual harassment, and violence against women. She has served as a Non-Executive Director of Full Stop Australia (a national organization offering counseling, training, and advocacy for people affected by sexual, domestic, and family violence) and has continued to provide pro bono legal support to the organisation and advocacy to amplify its cause.
“We must ensure that women not only remain in the profession but thrive.”
Throughout her career, Fay has faced challenges, particularly in balancing work and family life. As a mother of two sons, she understands the difficulties of managing a demanding legal career while raising children. For over a decade, she has been a strong advocate for flexible work arrangements, recognizing their importance in supporting parents and caregivers. Even before the pandemic, she championed the need for flexibility in workplaces and continues to push for lasting change. Her book, Broken to Safe, includes an entire chapter on the importance of flexibility and inclusion, backed by extensive research and practical guidance for employers and employees alike.
Among her many accomplishments, one of Fay’s most memorable moments was the launch of Broken to Safe. The event brought together her family, esteemed legal professionals, clients, and influential women she admires, such as Marina Go, Catherine Fox, Georgie Dent, Angela Priestly, and Lisa Annese. Having her parents, spouse, and children present alongside respected members of the legal community, including the Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner and the incoming President of the NSW Industrial Court, was a moment of immense pride and fulfillment.
Success in the legal profession, according to Fay, requires resilience and determination. She views the journey as a marathon rather than a sprint and emphasizes the importance of finding purpose in one’s work. Her own career is a testament to this philosophy, as she has continuously worked towards meaningful change in workplaces while navigating the challenges of the legal industry. While the legal profession has made progress in supporting women over the past 25 years, Fay acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. Discrimination and sexual harassment remain significant issues, and many women leave the profession due to the struggle of balancing career and caregiving responsibilities. She believes that law firms must do more to ensure that women not only remain in the profession but thrive. The lack of women in equity partner and senior executive roles, despite higher graduation rates among female law students for the past two decades, highlights the ongoing need for systemic change. Additionally, the gender pay gap remains a clear indicator of the inequities that persist within the industry.
Fay Calderone’s career is a powerful example of leadership, advocacy, and dedication to workplace equity. Through her legal expertise, mentorship, and public advocacy, she continues to shape policies and conversations that drive lasting change. Her commitment to fostering safe, inclusive, and respectful workplaces has made a meaningful impact on countless individuals and organizations, and her work remains instrumental in pushing the legal profession and broader society toward greater equity and fairness.
“The legal profession is not only about interpreting the law but about driving meaningful change.”