SALLY CALLANDER NAMED AS FINALIST IN 2026 WOMEN IN LAW AWARDS.
DLH Solicitors principal solicitor and owner, Sally Callander, has been named as a finalist in the prestigious 2026 Women in Law Awards, recognising her work in transitioning DLH Solicitors into a thriving, contemporary legal practice.
Callander was named as a finalist in the Executive of the Year category, which recognises female managing partners, principal solicitors, chief executives or managing directors in law firms across Australia for their initiative, vision & strategic leadership.
Callander was selected following a highly competitive judging process, which included the review of more than 1000 submissions from female lawyers across the country.
The awards, presented by Lawyers Weekly, celebrate excellence across the legal sector, recognising the talent, achievements & innovation from Australia’s leading women in law.
As the nation’s premier awards program dedicated to recognising the achievement of women across the legal sector, the Women in Law Awards shine a spotlight on the professionals & businesses setting new benchmarks across every area of law.
Callander’s nomination comes as she prepares to celebrate one year at the helm of DLH Solicitors, after purchasing the business in October last year & merging the firm with her own boutique legal practice.
Callander’s nomination recognised her work in transitioning the heritage law firm into the modern era, including her success in streamlining operations, introducing a digital-first policy across the business, embracing AI to improve client services & improving access to specialised legal services in the bush.
It also acknowledged her efforts in professional development & mentorship, helping to support the careers of two young lawyers in the past 12 months alone, along with her extensive work in the community, particularly as the leader of Girl Talk Mudgee - a collective that supports, inspires & connects local women.
Commenting on the nomination, Callander said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be nominated for the Women in Law Executive of the Year Award. For me, leadership in the legal profession is about more than just achieving results - it’s about creating opportunities for others, embracing change and innovation, and making a genuine difference to the clients, colleagues and community around you. To be recognised alongside so many inspiring women in the profession is a privilege, and I’m incredibly grateful for the acknowledgment.
“This nomination is a reflection of what has been such a significant year for me, and for DLH Solicitors. Taking over the firm was a huge milestone, and one that came with both enormous responsibility and opportunity. My focus has been on building on DLH’s strong foundations, while embracing new ways of working, investing in our people and technology, and ensuring we continue to deliver an exceptional experience for our clients and community. To have that journey recognised through these awards is incredibly humbling.”
Winners of the 2026 Women in Law Awards will be announced at a gala awards night in Melbourne on Thursday, November 12.