As far back as I can remember, my main ambition in life was to become a barrister. All my family is interested in politics and debates. Gradually, I became interested in these things too and I liked to join in conversations. My family and teachers always commented on the way I spoke in competitions. I like to get my point of view across and not let people run over me. My debating teacher said I was one of her best speakers. That made me sure that my dream in life was to become a barrister.

I can see myself a few years from now in my office in the middle of Fairfield. It is situated in a building overlooking Smart St. It is a modest office, newly renovated. Everything is new including the desk, chair and computer which has left a gaping hole in my bank balance because I’m not earning much. I have two gorgeous secretaries who make sure everything is well looked after. I cannot thank them enough for their marvellous work as I have a terrible memory. There are only five employees the two secretaries, one solicitor and two barristers. All my staff are hardworking and highly qualified. I have employed the best people and as well as being intelligent they are also excellent friends.

There have been many obstacles on the path I took to becoming a barrister. It all started in my High School years when my teacher constantly told me that reaching my goal would be impossible if I didn’t study well. I applied myself to my studies and my reports were full of commendations from my teachers for my intelligence and determination. Even though I always obtained high marks in my reports, I was ecstatic when achieving a top mark in the H.S.C and obtaining a place in law school.

I decided to go to Sydney University as I was told it was the best. Many people came out of Sydney University doing very well in life and achieving their goals. At university, I studied for hours on end each day. It was long and difficult but I knew it was worth it. Sometimes I would fall asleep on my desk and not know it. I passed my examinations with excellent marks and was extremely proud. On Graduation Day, there I was, black mortarboard on my head. I have wanted to wear one for years. All my family and friends were cheering for me and I had one of the best degrees a person could ever want. That was one of the most fantastic days in my life.

On leaving university, I was employed at the firm of Nguyen and Partners. Initially, my job was to advise and give briefs to the more experienced barristers. This involved effort and time to achieve what the experienced barristers expected of me. I feel they were too tough on a person like me who had barely completed law school. Though, it was not nearly as hard as University. It was not long before the experienced lawyers began to compliment me for some excellent work. It was my job to accompany them to court and I was fascinated by court proceedings. I was becoming more experienced every day and could not wait until I would own my own law firm.

Nguyen and Partners is a law firm specializing in criminal law. I soon became aware that if I wanted to be a specialist in criminal law I would have to undertake further studies. So, I made a decision to go back to university and attended night lectures. It was difficult, but when I received my master degree in criminal law I was ecstatic, and knew all the work was worth it.

While all this was happening, I met a lot of people charged with various offences. Some were hardened criminals who kept offending and spent their lives in and out of jail. Some were people who were victims because of their circumstances. Many did not have much of an education. They didn’t have the necessary skills to get a decent job and earn an honest living. Others had become involved in drugs and needed lots of money to support their habits. I soon realized that a barrister’s job is not solely to represent innocent people.

In order to get money my clients broke into houses, stole cars and robbed local shops. They were so addicted to drugs that they would do anything. I felt sorry for them and defended them for little or no money. There was a man outside my office who would inject himself every morning and leave his needles on my doorstep. I had to continually step over the needles to enter my office. I never said anything to him as I knew that would not help him. Some people said I was encouraging criminal behaviour but I knew my clients needed help. I knew that it was up to me to support and help these people in the best way possible. This is why I did it.

My reputation as a barrister grew. More and more people came to me for advice and help in criminal law. I was now one of the most popular barristers in the Fairfield area. I soon realized just defending people in court was not enough to help the Fairfield community.

I joined a few community groups which put a lot of pressure on the authorities to target the big drug lords. The drug lords made peoples lives a misery while becoming rich and they didn’t care. I was shocked and wanted authorities to punish these people.

It was at this point in time that matters with Nguyen and Partners became sour. The firm wanted me to stop all my involvement with community groups and I refused to do that. My car was vandalized on numerous occasions and I had threatening phone calls sometimes. This is when I decided to start my own law practice.

I am old now but still have a number of clients coming to my law firm for advice. As I look back I feel Fairfield has become a safer place now with a lot less crime. The authorities have worked hard and almost made Fairfield a drug free zone. They named a large community group after me and I donate generously. This means I have a lot less business, but I am not worried as I am pleased with myself knowing I have contributed to making Fairfield a safer place.