Professional Spotlight Series

Introducing the Professional Spotlight Series, where we interview and spotlight the incredible careers of lawyers in the criminal or family law sector!

Daye Gang’s Interview:

What is your current job?

I am a barrister practising in administrative, criminal, and commercial law, and a human rights advocate working on accountability for international crimes and irresponsible corporate behaviour mainly in North Korea and Myanmar. I am also studying for a PhD on restorative justice for sexual and family violence.

Could you give us a brief summary of your career?

I was Legal Associate for a year at the Family Court and couldn’t see myself practising law. I coincidentally started volunteering for the Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights in Seoul from Melbourne and started my PhD, also a coincidence. I went to the Victorian Bar to have a job that would let me build a domestic practice while building skills I can use in international law.

What has been a highlight of your career to date?

Strategising and advising on advocacy and law to protect international human rights, first in North Korea and now in Myanmar, is a constant source of disbelief. I can’t believe I get to live my dream every day.

What are some challenges you have faced in your career?

I knew nothing and no one, and I couldn’t afford to volunteer in the legal profession as a student. I had to make my own way with people who gave me opportunities despite everything, and now I have a unique and fulfilling career.

What does a regular day involve?

Today I had a Children’s Court Conciliation Conference in the morning, a commercial mediation in the afternoon, a conference for a criminal committal, and emails.

What skills are needed for your current job?

Knowing how to apply professional ethics, knowing when to call a friend, paying attention to detail.

What advice would you give current JD students looking to go into criminal/family law?

Go into Court and watch the proceedings. You can ask the lawyers or the Court staff what kind of application is being heard. Search the court and the kind of application. There are so many online resources for non-lawyers that you can learn from.