William Lye OAM KC

William Lye OAM KC is an Australian barrister, legal educator, and community leader of Malaysian Chinese descent. He has built a distinguished career spanning over three decades, making significant contributions to the legal profession, academia, and the promotion of cultural diversity.

EARLy life and education

Born in Penang, Malaysia, William grew up in Kuala Lumpur, where he learned Hokkien at home and Bahasa Malaysia in school. After moving to Australia, he completed his tertiary education earning multiple degress from Monash University, including a Bachelor of Science (Computers), Bachelor of Laws, and Master of Laws. He also obtained a Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, where he was awarded dux.

Legal Career

William was admitted to legal practice in Victoria in 1987, and signed the Victorian Bar roll in 1988, becoming one of the first barristers of Chinese descent to practice at the Victorian Bar since William Ah Ket in 1904. His practice areas include commercial and corporate law, intellectual property, technology-related matters, mediation, arbitration, and cross-border disputes.

Appointed Senior Counsel in 2018 and Queen’s Counsel in 2019, William’s title changed to King’s Counsel in 2022 following the accession of King Charles III.

ACademic appointments and leadership

William holds several prestigious academic positions, including:

• Adjunct Professor (Practice) at the Faculty of Law, Monash University

• Adjunct Professor at Swinburne Law School

• Adjunct Fellow at the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, Victoria University

• Associate at the Asian Law Centre, University of Melbourne Law School

He serves as the Chief Moot Coach at the Faculty of Law, Monash University and has been a sessional lecturer in Contract Law and Property Law.

Community Engagement and professional affiliations

William is deeply committed to promoting cultural diversity in the legal profession. He is a founding member of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association and served as its National Vice President from 2016 to 2018. He chairs the William Ah Ket Scholarship Committee, which promotes research on diversity in the legal profession.

He also serves as Deputy National Chairman of The Order of Australia Association Limited and is a member of the Swinburne University of Technology Council.

His other roles include:

• Vice President, Australian Philip C. Jessup International Moot Committee

• Fellow of Resolution Institute

• Patron of the North American Australian Lawyers Alliance

• Member of Foley's List Committee

HONOURS AND AWARDS

On Australia Day 2017, William was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for "“service to law, business, and cultural diversity”. In the same year, he won the Barrister of the Year Award and the Excellence Award at the 2017 Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards.

PERSONAL LIFE

William enjoys a rich personal life that complements his professional achievements. He and his wife share a passion for exploring food culture and travel, reflecting his multicultural background. He is deeply committed to mentoring aspiring legal professionals and students.

William's interests extend to a love of musical theatre, which contributes to his public speaking and advocacy skills. He also practises martial arts, demonstrating a commitment to physical discipline and mental focus. Additionally, he is actively involved in volunteering and international pro bono work, particularly in the areas of international crime and victim support.