Sharon Levy’s full-circle journey in law and advocacy

This article was originally published by Western Sydney University.

A proud graduate of Western Sydney University’s School of Law, Sharon Levy is now a partner at Bartier Perry, one of Sydney’s leading law firms – and a passionate advocate for social justice.

A highly accomplished legal professional and community advocate, she is founder and chair of The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter, Penrith Woman of the Year in 2019, Women Lawyers Association of NSW – Private Practice Lawyer of the Year 2021, and was voted as a Best Lawyer for alternative dispute resolution 2026.

A dual Commerce (Marketing)/Law graduate, Sharon began her studies at the Blacktown campus in 1997, later finishing at Parramatta. She chose Western because it was local and aligned with her values.

“One of the things I appreciated most about Western was its focus on practical learning. Being able to participate in exercises such as legal research projects and in-class mock trials, I was able to apply my studies in real-world contexts,” she said.

“Being able to go to uni close to home meant I could more effectively balance my work and studies. I also appreciated the smaller class sizes which allowed for more interaction with lecturers and the emphasis on professional development.”

Now a senior legal leader, Sharon reflects on how her appreciation for Western has grown over time.

“The emphasis on practical skills really prepared me for the realities of the legal and business world. The connections I made with peers, lecturers, and industry professionals have been invaluable, and I now recognise how Western helped shape not just my academic knowledge, but also my confidence, adaptability, and ability to work collaboratively with others.”

Today, she works at a firm that has been a long-time supporter of Western Sydney Law students, offering scholarships and mentoring programs for over a decade.

“It’s really special and to have that full-circle moment, starting as a student at Western and now working at Bartier Perry, a firm that actively supports Western students through scholarships and mentoring.”

“It reinforces how valuable those opportunities are in shaping the next generation of legal professionals, and I feel proud to be part of that process now. What makes it even more meaningful is being able to support and mentor young women entering the legal profession. Law is a challenging field, and representation matters – having strong female role models and mentors can make a real difference in helping young women build confidence, navigate their careers, and push for leadership roles.”

“When I started practicing, I really didn’t have access to many senior female practitioners to give me that guidance, so now it’s really important to me to help create an environment where the next generation of female lawyers feel supported and empowered to succeed.”

The Bartier Perry scholarship program at Western Sydney University provides students with not only financial support, but also invaluable professional development opportunities and financial resources.

“It’s an incredible initiative. It helps bridge the gap between academic studies and real-world legal practice, especially for students who, like me, may not have access to mentorship or industry connections. I was the first in my family to finish Year 12 and attend uni, so I know first-hand how valuable this kind of support is,” said Sharon.

Beyond her professional role, Sharon is also a passionate advocate for social justice. She is the founder and chair of The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter, which provides 3 to 6 months of accommodation and wraparound support services for women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness.

“The shelter was opened in 2018, and in 2023, we opened a second site. We have now provided over 40,000 safe bed nights to more than 900 women and children. I really believe strongly in using our skills and community to make sure we give back in whatever way we can.”

For more information about Sharon’s work with The Haven, visit www.thehaven.org.au (opens in new window).

Bartier Perry supports Western Sydney students through scholarships like the Bartier Perry Leadership Scholarship for Women (opens in new window) and the Bartier Perry Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Law Scholarship (opens in new window).

The University’s School of Law, celebrating its 30^th anniversary this year, is shaping the next generation of legal professionals by providing students with practical, hands-on experience in advocacy and legal reasoning.