Simon Liu graduated from Sydney Law School in 2022 before embarking on an international career at the intersection of law, policy and humanitarian work. Over the course of his professional journey, he has worked across global organisations including the United Nations Capital Development Fund and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, before returning to Australia to work with the Australian Red Cross.
We sat down with Simon to chat about his experience.
What's your favourite memory from your time at Sydney Law School?
Taking Federal Constitutional Law with Professor Peter Gerangelos where he shared many words of wisdom during his lectures has been one of my more memorable moments at Sydney Law School. His maxim "less words, maximum meaning" was said to approach legal writing in that manner, but it taught me the value of clear and concise communication which applies to all facets of life.
How did you get started in your legal career?
I completed an Industry and Community Project Unit (ICPU) with KPMG as part of my electives. They were very impressed with our group's presentation, that they offered us the chance to work for them as a paralegal!
Believe in yourself, and challenge yourself to do something greater than you.
Simon Liu
Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce, 2022
Can you give us a brief snapshot of your career journey from graduation to now?
My career has brought me around the world, to name a few cities that I've lived in: London, New York, Kyiv, and Tokyo. After graduating, I scored a gig with the United Nations Capital Development Fund working in International Development Finance. Afterwards, I pivoted from finance and started doing humanitarian work in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Türkiye, but with my field experience I wanted to see how I could drive policy decisions at a high-level. That brought me back into law as I worked on nuclear weapons disarmament and non-proliferation advocacy with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, and eventually came back home in 2025 to work as the Privacy Officer for the Australian Red Cross.
What's one thing you love about the work you're doing now?
One thing that I love about Australian Red Cross is the ability to take on opportunities beyond my role in privacy law, where I helped with the recovery response of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, met with Japanese Red Cross to discuss nuclear disarmament, as well as participated in international law and conflict training exercises with the Department of Defence.
What's your top tip for current law students?
Believe in yourself! And as a bonus, challenge yourself to do something that is greater than you.