High school students meet famous lawyers at alumni dinner

High school students and aspiring lawyers from across western Sydney were given the opportunity to meet senior politicians and legal figures, including refugee lawyer Deng Adut, at the Western Sydney University Law Alumni Dinner. 

More than 20 aspiring lawyers from local high schools were donated tickets to the event to learn more about the legal profession and gain the inspiration to chase their professional dreams. 

For many of the high school students, the highlight of the night was meeting western Sydney lawyer and former Sudanese child soldier Deng Adut, whose personal story of hope has been viewed millions of times across social channels. 

Deng now works as a lawyer in Blacktown, where he is determined to ensure that other Sudanese refugees have the legal advice and support they need before entering the court system. 

School of Law Dean, Professor Michael Adams, says the law school has a strong mission of social justice, and the dinner was a great chance to hear how the law affects so many people. 

"Local high school students may think law jobs are related to what is seen on TV, but the reality is much more varied and interesting," he says. 

"The dinner allowed the high school students to meet Western Sydney law alumni who have been successful across a wide range of careers, such as business, community advocacy and politics." 

"Many of the high school students already knew they wanted to change the world through the skills and techniques of the law, and meeting with our alumni community helped generate new ideas and give them fresh inspiration as they prepare for life after school." 

2016 marks the School of Law's 21st anniversary, and during that time over 3500 students have graduated.

Ends

9 August 2016

Mark Smith, Senior Media Officer