Against Melbourne’s multicultural landscape, ProActive Legal Director and Senior Lawyer, Sean Dong, stands as a pillar of support for migrants looking to build new lives in this country. Having been born in China and migrating to Australia aged 16, Sean understands first-hand the experiences of those coming from overseas.
At the end of last year, Sean completed ACAP’s Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) – the Practical Legal Training course developed in partnership with the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV). Sean spoke to us about what attracted him to the course, and how it fitted around his life, and developed him professionally.
Hi Sean, can you explain your career journey to date?
I’ve been practising as a migration agent since 2010 at my firm, S&W Consulting Group. After completing my Master of Laws, we merged with ProActive Legal, and we’ve been there for a few years.
We’re predominately a migration law firm. I’m still doing most of what I’ve been doing for the past 13 years, but as a qualified lawyer now I handle a lot more complicated cases than before. Being a Director of an Incorporated Legal Practice is challenging, but it’s also a lot of fun.
As a Director of an Incorporated Legal Practice, I felt it was important I qualified to practise, which was when I explored the idea of studying the GDLP at ACAP.
There are a lot of practical legal training courses available. What attracted you to ACAP?
I’ve been aware of ACAP’s parent company, Navitas, for a long time through my work as a migration agent, and the English language courses they offer migrants. ACAP’s partnership with LIV was certainly very attractive, particularly given the course provides networking opportunities and a complimentary LIV membership.
Did the nature of the course being 100% online suit you?
Yes, it was perfect because I was working full-time, and when I started the graduate diploma, I was also finishing my law degree, so flexibility was very important to me. The self-paced aspect of it also suited my timetable.
"ACAP’s partnership with LIV was certainly very attractive, particularly given the course provides networking opportunities and a complimentary LIV membership."
Were there any aspects of the course which have been beneficial in your career development?
I think learning law is one part, but certainly having that practical experience is extremely helpful. I feel I know migration law very well, but in other areas of law I’m still new. For example, with property law, you follow the steps using the PEXA system, and it feels like you’re doing the conveyancing work yourself. The first time was certainly challenging, but being able to do it in a safe and supportive environment was helpful for the growth of my career.
Were there any key skills you developed which have since been useful in your current role?
I would say the negotiation skills were one of the most valuable parts I learned. Being able to practice scenarios in class with fellow students was useful. You can watch as many videos about negotiation as you want, but actually doing it was a worthwhile experience as a lawyer.
How did the work placement module support your learning?
I was fortunate to arrange the work placement at my firm. In terms of the module itself, it follows the natural progression of a litigation or conveyancing process. I had a lawyer at my firm guide me through it, and supportive resources on the ACAP portal to enhance my learning. Overall, it was extremely worthwhile being able to learn more about those processes.
"I would say the negotiation skills were one of the most valuable parts I learned. Being able to practice scenarios in class with fellow students was useful. You can watch as many videos about negotiation as you want, but actually doing it was a worthwhile experience as a lawyer."
Given the course is in partnership with LIV, have you had the opportunity to develop new connections through your LIV membership?
I have actually! LIV has a directory of migration lawyers – you have to be a LIV member to be listed and that has led to a number of further work opportunities.
Would you recommend the course to prospective students?
Absolutely. The lecturers were extremely supportive, and they were willing to communicate with me whenever I was available – they really did boost my confidence. Additionally, the course’s Microsoft Teams platform simulates a modern working environment, and I found the resources on the ACAP portal to be very helpful. I can’t recommend it enough.
Find out more about ACAP’s Graduate of Legal Practice course