You Are Not Alone: Story of Lawyer Bui Dinh Ung

Interviewed and edited by Luu Thu Huong. 

“That night, my house was set on fire.

It was revenge – because I stood by a family whose child was raped.

They used a chain to lock the house’s gate, doused it with gasoline, then set it on fire. The fire broke out, but my family were still asleep, completely unaware of what was happening.

Luckily, the police were patrolling that night and managed to put out the fire. We were safe. But if they hadn’t been there, would we have died?

During my 20 years as a lawyer, I have supported many women who are survivors of violence, mainly through the Peace House and my own law office. They come from all walks of life: from the working class to the intellectuals, no one is exempted. Some were beaten; others were mentally abused to the point where they broke down and could not sleep.

In most cases, I don’t charge these women money. Supporting them is my duty, my responsibility. But you know, sometimes it’s dangerous. When the other side is powerful or aggressive, I worry that I wouldn’t even be able to protect myself and my family, let alone my client. No one would care if I died anyway.

But I’m still here. My conscience won't let me walk away. If I don't help the survivors, who will? Over the years, I've taken on so many domestic violence cases that people started thinking I was a family lawyer (laughs).

And believe it or not, my family never complains about my job even though it puts them in danger. My wife, a Buddhist, believes in spreading kindness. All my children are either lawyers or on their way to becoming lawyers. We share the same belief – “To live is to give.”

Maybe I was meant to be a lawyer all along. When I see someone reclaim their life, I know that my work matters.”

– Lawyer Bùi Đình Ứng, Hà Nội Bar Association.