Behind the Brand: Redefining Justice and Motherhood with Lauren Cassimatis, Founder of Gallant Law & Connecting Lawyer Mums

From Family Law to Fighting for Fairness

When most people think of criminal law, they picture stern courtrooms and black robes. But for Lauren Cassimatis, criminal law has always been about humanity. The Founder and Principal of Gallant Law — and the powerhouse behind Connecting Lawyer Mums — has built her career on empathy, integrity, and the belief that compassion and justice can coexist.

Lauren began her career in family law, driven by her own experience as a child navigating the legal system. “I wanted to advocate for fairer parenting arrangements and representation for all genders,” she explains. “But when I started working on criminal law files, I realised most people caught up in crime weren’t dangerous — they were vulnerable. They had lived through trauma, disadvantage, and cycles of neglect. Their stories deserved to be heard.”

The Call That Changed Everything

That empathy soon evolved into purpose. One Christmas Eve, Lauren received a call about a woman charged with murder who had endured years of domestic abuse and was suicidal in custody. “That call made me realise the system was failing too many people,” she says. “If I wanted to make real change, I needed to create something new — something that saw clients as people first.”

Lauren founded Gallant Law in mid-2019, just before COVID-19. By the time the pandemic hit, she was running two offices with a growing team and two young children. “Running a law firm during COVID while raising kids was the ultimate balancing act,” she says. “But motherhood teaches you how to prioritise, multitask, and lead with empathy. Those lessons shaped how I built my business.”

A Law Firm with Heart

Gallant Law quickly became known for its compassionate approach. The firm integrates psychology, social work, and rehabilitation advocacy — supporting clients through every step of their journey. “We’re not just managing cases; we’re helping people rebuild their lives,” Lauren explains. “Whether someone has made a mistake or been wrongly accused, they deserve respect, compassion, and the chance to move forward.”

Building a Community for Women in Law

When Lauren took maternity leave with her second child, she found herself craving connection. “I missed my professional identity and couldn’t find a space that understood both motherhood and the law,” she recalls. So she created one.

What began as a small Instagram account became Connecting Lawyer Mums (CLM) — now Australia’s largest network for lawyer mothers, with over 9,000 members nationwide. “We’ve created a space for women to share experiences without judgment, to connect, and to grow,” she says. “Through CLM, we’ve seen mentorships, job opportunities, and friendships that have genuinely changed lives.”

CLM also hosts the annual Inspire Awards, celebrating the achievements of lawyer mums and allies who are reshaping the legal industry. “It’s proof that when women support women, the whole profession benefits,” Lauren says proudly.

Leading with Empathy in Law and Life

Empathy isn’t just a philosophy for Lauren — it’s a practice. “Empathy means understanding the person behind the case,” she says. “When clients feel heard and respected, they’re more open and engaged. It helps them rebuild their lives.”

She’s just as passionate about clients who’ve been falsely accused. “Those cases can be devastating — people lose their reputations, their relationships, everything. For them, empathy is about standing beside them through the most frightening experience of their lives.”

Championing Change for Women in the Justice System

Lauren has also become a leading voice for reform around coercion, domestic violence, and the justice system. “We need trauma-informed approaches at every stage — from policing to prosecution to sentencing,” she says. “Too often, women are treated as offenders without understanding the years of fear and coercion that shaped their actions.”

Her vision is clear: “We need to move from judgment to understanding. When we do that, we not only change outcomes, but we start to break the cycle of crime altogether.”

Redefining Success as a Single Mum and Entrepreneur

As a single mother and business owner, Lauren has learned to redefine what success means. “For a long time, I measured success by wins and recognition,” she admits. “Now, it’s about alignment — living by my values of compassion, courage, and integrity. Success is being present for my family and leading authentically.”

She credits her resilience to her children — and to her grandmother, Aphrodite. “She raised me as her own daughter and taught me how to be strong, giving, and progressive,” Lauren shares. “I owe my courage to her.”

Changing the Culture of Law

Gallant Law is redefining what a modern law firm looks like — one that values wellbeing as much as performance. “We’ve built a culture that’s flexible, empathetic, and family-friendly,” Lauren says. “Through CLM, we’re helping other firms do the same — showing that excellence in law doesn’t have to come at the expense of family or self-care.”

The Thought Leader Award and What Comes Next

Lauren’s nomination as a finalist for Thought Leader of the Year at the 2025 Women in Law Awards is more than recognition — it’s a validation of her mission. “It reinforces that doing things differently matters,” she says. “It’s about leading with compassion, challenging norms, and supporting others to rise.”

Advice for the Working Mum Trying to Do It All

To the mums juggling ambition, family, and everything in between, Lauren offers heartfelt advice: “Be kind to yourself and know your worth. You don’t have to do everything perfectly — just do it with purpose. Balance isn’t about control; it’s about choosing what matters most. Take time for yourself, even in small ways, because your wellbeing sets the tone for everything else.”

Where to Connect

To learn more about Gallant Law, visit gallantlaw.com.au. For mentorship, community, and inspiration, join connectinglawyermums.com.au