Malavika Santhebennur reports for Lawyers Weekly.
Mr Pender – who recently w– works in the democratic freedoms team at the Human Rights Law Centre to protect whistleblowers, fight secrecy, defend free speech, and prevent mass surveillance.
Speaking to Lawyers Weekly, Mr Pender said he is privileged to work to protect democratic rights while underscoring the importance of pro bono work in a turbulent world where inequality is ubiquitous.
"In addition to my work with the Human Rights Law Centre, it is a real honour to volunteer with Redfern Legal Centre’s employment law clinic, led by Sharmilla Bargon and Regina Featherstone. Redfern Legal Centre makes a huge difference, upholding the employment rights of vulnerable and marginalised Australians, and I’m so glad to have the opportunity to contribute to that work."
"My advice for law students and junior lawyers interested in working in this field is to gain a variety of experience, both in terms of legal practice and skill set. Much of my work is not black letter lawyering. Rather, it requires policy, media, and campaigning skills. I also encourage junior lawyers wanting to work on human rights to understand that label broadly."
Read the full article here. (Lawyers Weekly, 20 June 2022)
