Justin Leung sees law as a way to better understand the world, embracing the opportunities it offers across industries, ideas and people.
For Justin Leung, law was appealing because it never felt confined to one path or one industry. Instead, he was drawn to the way “law underpins a lot of different aspects of life” - from business and infrastructure to entertainment and technology and how studying it could offer a deeper understanding of the world itself.
That curiosity first took shape in year 10, when Justin searched for work experience by emailing barristers directly through the Victorian Bar website. After dozens of unanswered emails and rejections, one barrister agreed to take him on for a week. Sitting in the County and Magistrates’ Courts and watching advocates argue cases became a defining experience. It was, as he describes it, “such a rewarding experience” and one that confirmed his growing interest in pursuing law seriously.
Since beginning the JD at Melbourne Law School, Justin has immersed himself in opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Mooting quickly became one of the most memorable parts of the degree. Not only because of the advocacy skills it developed, but because of the friendships and camaraderie that came with preparing arguments alongside teammates late into the night. Through the Melbourne Journal of International Law, he has also explored the research and editorial side of legal practice, gaining experience working with academic articles and legal citation in a way that allowed him to put his degree into practice.
What stands out most to Justin about Melbourne Law School is its people. He describes the community as ambitious, collaborative and incredibly diverse, filled with students from different professions, countries and stages of life. Coming from a commerce background, he values being surrounded by peers with entirely different experiences and perspectives, believing that exposure to those perspectives is what makes legal education so fulfilling.
Justin also credits much of his motivation to his upbringing. Coming from a migrant family, he grew up with a strong appreciation for hard work and opportunity. This mentality continues to shape the way he approaches study and professional growth. For him, law reflects those same values: a profession that rewards preparation, persistence and continual self-improvement.
Although he is currently interested in disputes and hopes to eventually work as a barrister, Justin appreciates that a law degree can lead in countless different directions. More than anything, he values the process of studying law itself - whether that be the challenge, the collaboration and the constant sense of growth. At Melbourne Law School, he has found an environment where students push one another forward collectively, grounded in the belief that “a collective effort makes more impact than an individual one.”
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