Magistrate Trieu Huynh: Journey to find justice
50 Years / 50 Voices: Learning law and changing lives is a commemorative volume marking the 50th anniversary of the ongoing Monash Law Clinical Program, a pioneering initiative in clinical legal education undertaken by the Faculty of Law at Monash University. 50 alumni of the Monash Law Clinical Program shared their story with 50 current students of the same program. This is an excerpt from the book.
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
When Magistrate Trieu Huynh was just a baby, he and his family fled Vietnam as refugees. Able to secure passage on a boat with other families, they made the trip from South Vietnam to Malaysia, which according to his parents took about three days and three nights. They risked being captured by pirates or detained by authorities. In 1982, after being allowed entry into Australia, Magistrate Huynh’s family was placed in a hostel before settling in the western suburbs of Melbourne.
During the 1980s, the Vietnamese community in Melbourne was relatively small, but Magistrate Huynh’s parents knew a few people who had made a similar journey, which made them feel more settled. Adjusting to life in Australia was challenging, due to the language barrier, cultural differences and even the climate. As one of the few Asian children in the playground, it was often difficult for Magistrate Huynh to adjust to his new life, and he recalls many differences that made him feel isolated, such as his school lunch and his unique name.
To overcome some of those obstacles, Magistrate Huynh’s family prioritised education, believing that it would be a pathway to a better life. They aspired for him to be a professional, such as a doctor, an accountant, a lawyer or a dentist. Magistrate Huynh thought being a lawyer would be highly regarded, despite his family having no connection to the law. Towards the end of his secondary schooling, the option of going to law school became more realistic as Magistrate Huynh realised that his excellent communication skills would be well suited to a career in law.
Magistrate Huynh also had a great interest in science, and gained entry to Monash University to undertake a double degree in science and law. After three years, Magistrate Huynh graduated with a science degree. He deferred law to pursue an Honours degree in genetics. He spent one year working in genetics research at the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, now the Monash Institute of Medical Research (MIMR), working alongside eminent scientists such as embryologist Professor Alan Trounson AO. However, Magistrate Huynh realised that science was not for him; he wanted to see more frequent, tangible results for his efforts, so he returned to university to complete his law degree.
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
During his final years at Monash Law, Magistrate Huynh volunteered at Springvale Monash Legal Service, first at the reception desk and then as a caseworker.
Magistrate Huynh also undertook Professional Practice there in his final semester.
He ran a caseload, met clients and appeared in court. This clinic experience confirmed for Magistrate Huynh that working with people and within the criminal justice system was what he truly wanted to do. In particular, he realised that he could help people by assisting them to navigate a sometimes complex and unfamiliar process. The clinical experience made the theoretical and abstract nature of the classroom more real and tangible, and he felt more ‘connected to the law’ after his placement.
Magistrate Huynh began his career as an Articled Clerk at the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions in 2005, and was admitted to practice in 2006. He worked as a criminal lawyer at the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions, and in various roles at Victoria Legal Aid, working on many significant cases, some of which were at the forefront of the public consciousness in Victoria.
He was appointed to the Magistrates’ Court in 2020, and he sees his role as collaborating with colleagues and working together to solve ideas, just as he did during his experience at Monash Law Clinics.
Currently, Magistrate Huynh sits in Bendigo, on the Assessment and Referral Court, a therapeutic court that supports people diagnosed with mental illness, intellectual disability, acquired brain injury, autism spectrum disorder or neurological impairment. ‘Be kind to yourself’ is something that Magistrate Huynh would tell his younger self.
‘There are no failures, only learnings,’ he says.
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
Get involved with Monash Law Clinics
Monash Law Clinics combine legal education with real-world impact, supporting access to justice while equipping students with practical, ethical and professional skills.
If you are a student interested in undertaking a clinical unit as part of your studies, explore the available clinical placements and elective options.
Whether you’re an alum, practitioner or organisation keen to support the clinics through hosting placements, partnerships, volunteering or funding, there’s a way to be involved. To learn more, contact Emily Collard, Industry & Alumni Engagement Manager, at emily.collard@monash.edu.