James Ongkauko Law

(he/him)

I am a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and criminology. Prior to commencing my legal studies, I worked in the Philippine Senate on policy development, clerked at a law firm in Singapore, and served as a Sergeant in the Singapore Armed Forces. These experiences shaped my commitment to law as both a profession and a means of advancing social understanding.

 

At the University of Melbourne, I teach criminology with a focus on justice institutions and state accountability. I have also contributed to student engagement through ambassadorial and mentoring roles, supporting initiatives that encourage access to legal education for underrepresented communities. I view these responsibilities as an extension of my belief that graduate education must foster both intellectual growth and professional development.

 

As a member of the Faculty Council, my priority is to ensure that the concerns of Law students are represented with integrity and that the Association continues to strengthen its role as a platform for advocacy, dialogue, and collaboration within the university.