He shares what he would have told himself on his admission day 48 years ago
Forty-eight years ago, Dr Darren Mort was admitted to practice. Since then, the Melbourne barrister has learned much about the profession – and about being true to himself.
In the first part of this interview, the Dear Divorce Diary podcast co-host talks the role his Nanna played in getting him into law, and why he cherishes his time as a judge’s associate with judge John Hassett.
What made you choose a career in law?
My Nanna forced me to watch re-runs of Perry Mason.
What in your opinion has been the most memorable event of your career to date?
From 1988 to 1990 I worked as a judge’s associate for the most wonderful, intelligent and humane person, His Honour Judge Hassett. He taught me so much about decorum, evidence and trial preparation. Most of all he taught me that ego is an invasive disease that especially pervades the souls of those less meritorious people in law. He also taught me the importance of ensuring that litigants leave a courtroom with a pocket full of dignity being satisfied that they were heard. He was kind considered and ruled the bench without pretence. I learned so much from him and miss him dearly.
What in your opinion was the most important thing you got involved in over the past year?
The national tour of our film Millie. The national events were sponsored by Australian Family Lawyers and JustFund. Our film (via our charity, To Be Loved Network Limited) was screened in most states and was celebrated as a useful teaching/practical resource for practitioners, judicial officers and social scientists. Millie went on to win numerous national and international awards for best film, culminating in a Best New Director Award at the highly regarded Pinewood Studio Film UK Awards. It has also recently been accepted into the Judicial College in England and Wales for judicial training.
The past year has been most memorable and has lit up my world, in my attempts to make this world a place where the voice of a child is heard and listened to.
If you could relive one day in your life, which day would it be and why?
The day I was admitted to practice some 48 years ago. It was a very special day. However, on reflection, I was so naïve. As Oscar Wilde said, “Youth is wasted on the young.” I wish I knew then what I know now. I had no idea law would be so cutthroat. A career trajectory is not necessarily built upon merit and importance is placed upon who can get you to where you want to go. In some cases, careful what you wish for.
But what I could say to myself on that admission day, drilling down to what that day meant to me and looking back, is make your own career by what you do, not what you say; don’t listen to people who wish to undermine you; stay strong and be proud of what you alone can achieve with the help of those special people travelling their own paths, who happen to sing from your song book. Celebrate collaboration and be proud of your own achievements. That admission day is a stark reminder to me of a distance traversed. I am so fortunate with my career. Fate and hard work are treasured gifts. The work I perform for children makes my heart sing. Perhaps reliving that day of admission to practice would not have changed a thing given the importance of being true to myself.
