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How serving the community makes one a better, more rounded lawyer
Speaking to Lawyers Weekly, MinterEllison partner David Inglis AM has reflected on how helping provide plastic surgical programs to developing countries in Asia-Pacific has helped make him a better legal professional.
Jerome Doraisamy
36 years ago, when he was a young lawyer, Mr Inglis was approached by a senior partner to assist with the legal work for a joint venture between Rotary and The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, which would offer free surgical treatment to people who otherwise would not be able to access such procedures.
Mr Inglis has been a board member of the charity for many years and has been involved in it for those past 36 years. There is no doubt in his mind, he said that such work “has made me a more rounded and better lawyer”.
“It has provided me with an understanding of how Australian not-for-profit organisations can participate in international medical development work, the necessary requirements for good corporate governance and with an understanding of the [Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade] requirements for the vital accreditation and funding process for international aid,” he reflected.
“The work of Interplast certainly took me outside the sometimes-narrow world of the legal profession by giving me an understanding of world community requirements in developing countries and the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves.”
“To participate in a team visit to any of the seventeen counties in which Interplast operates is a life changing experience which continues to fuel my passion for assisting those less fortunate than ourselves.”
What may be considered straight forwards surgical procedures in countries like Australia can be life changing for those with disabilities in developing and sometimes remote areas of our world, Mr Inglis said.
“As a board member of Interplast for many years I have been fortunate to travel to numerous countries in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to witness firsthand the amazing work the team carries out. I have helped conduct needs assessment visits for Interplast to Myanmar and Pakistan and have also had the opportunity to join the Interplast surgical and training teams on visits to Fiji and Laos,” he said.
Such community is crucial, he posited, in ensuring one can be a holistic legal professional.
“It is extremely important and, in my case, [it] has been personally rewarding to have what I would call two careers, one being a partner at a major international law firm, MinterEllison, and the other as a board member and active participant with the work of Interplast.”
“Firstly, when you are busy and stretched in your professional life it is important to have other interests outside of the law. Interplast certainly gave me that opportunity,” he recounted.
“While lawyers serve the community in a legal capacity, it is also important to serve the community more holistically. Lawyers can do this by providing expertise and support to causes such as Inteplast, or any not for profit organisation, which assists those in need. Such involvement makes you a much better person.”
It is not without its difficulties, he added, noting that having a supportive personal and professional network is paramount.
“With regards to the challenges involved with being a lawyer and doing community work, it is a matter of having your employer support your involvement in a community program, balancing your time between work and your outside extra-curricular work, and taking into account family and social commitments.”
“I have been extremely lucky with the continual and ongoing support of MinterEllison and my family who enable my commitment and passion for Interplast.”
But for lawyers coming through the ranks, there are a multitude of benefits for young lawyers getting involved in community work of any description.
“For those young lawyers with enthusiasm, energy and an enquiring mind, I would encourage them to get involved in a community project outside of their day-to-day life as a lawyer,” he advised.
“I think many young professionals today have a wonderful community spirit and, although living busy lives, are in fact willing and interested to get involved in community projects. The personal rewards for such involvement are amazing, and who knows who you will meet along the way.”
Jerome Doraisamy
Jerome Doraisamy is the editor of Lawyers Weekly. A former lawyer, he has worked at Momentum Media as a journalist on Lawyers Weekly since February 2018, and has served as editor since March 2022. He is also the host of all five shows under The Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network, and has overseen the brand's audio medium growth from 4,000 downloads per month to over 60,000 downloads per month, making The Lawyers Weekly Show the most popular industry-specific podcast in Australia. Jerome is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in NSW, and a board director of Minds Count.
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