Deng Adut is one of Australia’s best-known lawyers for his work in the courtroom and as a community leader. He is the 2017 NSW Australian of the Year and a recipient of the prestigious Law Society President’s medal. Deng has been described as the Pride of Australia by News Corporation. He was invited by NSW Premier Mike Baird to give the 2016 Australia Day Address, which drew critical acclaim home and abroad.
In 2016, Deng also published a critically acclaimed memoir, Songs of a War Boy, about his journey from child soldier and refugee, to putting himself through law school and becoming one of Australia’s best lawyers. He was the subject of a portrait that won the People’s Choice at the Archibald Prize. His life story recently featured in an advertisement for Western Sydney University, which went viral.
Deng is a co-founder and partner at AC Law Group, practising in the areas of criminal and immigration law. Prior to this, he practised at 3 reputable Sydney criminal law firms, has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to social justice, working at Blacktown Local Court as a liaison officer to the local Sudanese community and at Parramatta Community Justice Clinic, providing disadvantaged members of the community access to the legal justice system. Deng regularly acts as a spokesperson for the Sudanese community and has frequently appeared in the media to advocate for their interests. Deng is committed to making a positive difference and in doing so, devotes much of his time to mentoring and supporting the community.