Former child soldier wins NSW Law Society President’s Medal

28 October 2016

A former child soldier who overcame the odds to become an inspirational community leader and criminal and refugee lawyer has been awarded the NSW Law Society President's Medal.

Western Sydney lawyer Deng Adut has been awarded the 2016 NSW Law Society President's Medal.

President of the Law Society of NSW, Gary Ulman, announced the award at the Law Society's Annual Members Dinner, at Dockside Pavilion Darling Harbour last night.

Medal recipients are recognised as having made a significant personal and professional contribution to the betterment of law and justice in the community.

Congratulating Deng for his achievement, Mr Ulman said:

"Deng's is well deserving of this award and is an outstanding recipient.

"This award is a testament to his personal and professional achievements over a number of years, and to his outstanding contribution to the community of Western Sydney.

Deng Adut was recruited as a child solider before escaping to Australia from Sudan in the late nineties.

After studying law at the University of Western Sydney, Deng started a small law firm in Blacktown, where he is a valued member of the local community as a criminal lawyer and refugee advocate.

Mr Ulman said that as well as having an impressive personal story, Deng's is a committed lawyer with a strong sense of justice and service to the community.

"Despite facing challenges as a child that few of us could imagine, rather than allowing this to impact the rest of his life, Deng had the strength of character to forge a successful career as a lawyer," he said.

Deng is currently completing a Master of Laws in Criminal Prosecution at Wollongong University with a thesis on war crimes, and says his ultimate dream is to return to South Sudan and prosecute those involved in the conscription of child soldiers.

Media Contact: Jacob O'Shaughnessy 02 9926 0288 or 0413 440 699

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