10 Most Influential Vietnamese Lawyers and Scholars

Published in

Heritage Digest

13 min readJan 17, 2024

Many brilliant minds have shaped Vietnam’s legal landscape over the years. This article delves into the lives of ten of the most influential Vietnamese lawyers who have left indelible marks on the nation’s legal system. From trailblazers to reformers, their stories are both inspiring and enlightening.

Nguyễn Hữu Thọ (1910–1996)
Trương Trọng Nghĩa (1953-Present)
Phan Văn Khải (1933–2018)
Vũ Văn Mẫu (1914–1998)
Nguyễn Văn Huyên (1905–1975)
Lê Đức Thọ (1911–1990)
Nguyễn Hữu Có (1925–2012)
Phan Quang Đán (1918–2004)
Nguyễn Mạnh Tường (1909–1997)
Đặng Huy Trứ (1825–1874)

1. Nguyễn Hữu Thọ (1910–1996)

Nguyễn Hữu Thọ, born on 10 July 1910, was a notable Vietnamese lawyer who played a significant role in the country’s political landscape. His early years were marked by an awakening to colonial realities, influenced by his legal education in French Cochinchina. His parents’ backgrounds are not explicitly documented, but his journey into politics began around 1949, reflecting a deep commitment to Vietnam’s independence and sovereignty. Thọ’s legal expertise profoundly shaped his approach to activism and political strategy, particularly in his stance against French colonial rule and, later, the U.S. presence in southern Vietnam.

Thọ’s major achievements are deeply intertwined with his legal and political career. His arrest and subsequent hunger strike from 1950 to 1952 for leading protests against colonial rule showcased his dedication and resilience. This period was pivotal in enhancing his reputation as a fervent nationalist and legal professional committed to Vietnam’s autonomy. After the Vietnam partition in 1954, Thọ’s legal acumen was evident in his initial cooperation and subsequent opposition to South Vietnam’s government, leading to his re-arrest. His escape from prison in 1961 and leadership in the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam (Viet Cong) marked a significant turn in his efforts towards Vietnam’s reunification.

Thọ’s later years continued to reflect his legal and political acumen. He played crucial roles in the reunified Vietnam, serving as Vice-President, acting President, and Chairman of the National Assembly. His tenure as the Chairman of the National Assembly from 1981 to 1987 was particularly notable, consolidating his legacy as a legal and political figure in Vietnam’s history. Thọ’s recognition with the Lenin Peace Prize in 1983–84 further attested to his significant contributions. His death on 24 December 1996 in Ho Chi Minh City marked the end of an era, with his life’s work leaving a lasting impact on Vietnam’s legal and political spheres.

2. Trương Trọng Nghĩa (1953-Present)

Trương Trọng Nghĩa, born Trương Đức Căn on February 28, 1953, hails from My Luong, Cho Moi, An Giang, and currently resides in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. His background and upbringing in this region likely shaped his perspectives and motivations in his later legal and political career. The specifics of his family background, including his parents’ professions, are not detailed, but his early life in this region suggests exposure to the diverse socio-political dynamics of Vietnam.

Educationally, Nghĩa holds a Master of Laws and has advanced political theory training. His journey in the legal field began with significant involvement in the Liberation Newspaper of the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam, followed by studies at the University of Law and an internship in the German Democratic Republic. This rich educational background laid the foundation for his multifaceted legal career, including his arbitrator role and involvement in the City Economic Arbitration and the City People’s Court.

Significant achievements and contributions mark Trương Trọng Nghĩa’s career. As a member of the Vietnamese National Assembly for the XIII and XIV terms, representing the Ho Chi Minh City delegation and Vice President of the Vietnam Bar Federation and the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association, he has been influential in Vietnamese legal circles. His role as a consulting expert of the Prime Minister’s Research Committee since 1998 highlights his ongoing commitment to legal and political development in Vietnam. Nghĩa is renowned for his forthright statements and probing questions at National Assembly sessions, reflecting his dedication to transparency and accountability in governance.

3. Phan Văn Khải (1933–2018)

Phan Văn Khải was born on 25 December 1933 in Tan Thong Hoi Commune, Củ Chi District, Saigon, during the French Indochina era. From a young age, he was involved in revolutionary activities, a path that significantly influenced his future political career. While the details of his parents’ professions are not specified, his early involvement in revolutionary organizations suggests a family environment that was politically aware and possibly supportive of his endeavors.

Khải’s educational journey took him from studying and working on land reform in North Vietnam to learning languages at the University of Economics in Moscow, Soviet Union. This diverse educational background laid the foundation for his future role in Vietnam’s political landscape, especially in navigating the complexities of international relations and economic reforms. His studies, particularly in economics, would have provided him with insights crucial for a leader in a transitioning economy.

Phan Văn Khải’s major achievements are marked by his tenure as the Prime Minister of Vietnam from 1997 to 2006. He was the first Vietnamese Prime Minister to visit the United States, symbolizing Vietnam’s increasing openness and engagement with the global community. His leadership was characterized by moderate reforms and efforts to integrate Vietnam’s economy into the global market. Khải’s contributions significantly shaped Vietnam’s economic policies and international relations during a crucial period of change. He passed away on 17 March 2018 in Ho Chi Minh City, leaving a legacy as a reformer and a key figure in Vietnam’s modern political history.

4. Vũ Văn Mẫu (1914–1998)

Vũ Văn Mẫu was born in French Indochina on 25 July 1914 in Hanoi, Tonkin. His upbringing in Hanoi, during a time of French colonial rule, likely influenced his later career choices. Although specific details about his parents and early life are not provided, his path toward higher education and law indicates a background that values academic achievement and intellectual pursuit.

Mẫu’s education was distinguished, earning a doctorate in law from the Faculté de droit de Paris and practicing law in Hanoi. His move to Saigon after Vietnam’s partition in 1954 led him to join the University of Saigon’s Faculty of Law, eventually becoming its Dean. He was recognized for his civil and historical law expertise, a testament to his profound understanding of the legal system. His transition from academia to a judge in the Saigon Superior Court reflects his deepening involvement in Vietnam’s legal framework, demonstrating his commitment to law and justice.

Mẫu’s political career began after the 1955 referendum in South Vietnam, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Vietnam under Ngô Đình Diệm. As Foreign Minister, he served for eight years, marked by his strong opposition to the government’s repressive measures against Buddhism during the 1963 Buddhist crisis. His brief tenure as Prime Minister of South Vietnam in 1975, although lasting only two days, was during a critical juncture in Vietnam’s history. His surrender to avoid further bloodshed underscores his commitment to peace. Post-Saigon, his exile in France until his death in 1998 illustrates the complex and often tumultuous nature of his life, shaped by Vietnam’s turbulent political landscape.

5. Nguyễn Văn Huyên (1905–1975)

Nguyễn Văn Huyên was born on November 16, 1905, in Hanoi, Indochina, into a family engaged in the colonial administration; his father served as a civil servant for the French colonial government. His upbringing in a family involved with the colonial administration and his sister’s role as a teacher likely influenced his academic pursuits and intellectual inclinations. His early life in Hanoi, during significant cultural and political changes, would have shaped his perspectives on education and nationalism.

Huyên’s educational journey was marked by excellence and a pioneering spirit. Sent to France for higher education with his younger brother, he achieved notable academic success. He received two BAs in literature from Sorbonne University in 1929 and 1931 and became the first Vietnamese to defend a doctoral dissertation at Sorbonne University. His dissertation on “Young Women and Men Singing in Annam” and “Introduction to Research Stilt House in Southeast Asia” reflected his deep interest in Vietnamese culture and history.

Huyên’s most significant contribution was in the field of education. After returning to Vietnam, he engaged in various academic and political activities, including assisting in founding the Department of Civil History of Vietnam at Hanoi Law University. His appointment as the Minister of National Education in 1946, a position he held until he died in 1975, marked a period of extensive influence on Vietnam’s educational system. He was instrumental in shaping modern Vietnamese education, reflecting a commitment to developing a national identity and intellectual independence. Huyên passed away on October 19, 1975, leaving a legacy of educational reform and cultural preservation.

6. Lê Đức Thọ (1911–1990)

Lê Đức Thọ, originally born Phan Đình Khải on October 14, 1911, in Nam Dinh Province, Vietnam, grew up in a politically turbulent era under French colonial rule. His early exposure to Vietnamese nationalism and subsequent imprisonment during adolescence significantly influenced his political ideology and resilience. His father’s role as a civil servant to the French colonial government would have provided a unique familial perspective on the colonial administration.

Although not specifically trained as a lawyer or legal professional, Lê Đức Thọ’s involvement in the political and diplomatic spheres had significant legal implications. His education, particularly his time in French prisons, was unconventional, focusing on literature, science, foreign languages, and even acting in Molière plays. This diverse educational experience in a challenging environment honed his intellectual abilities and political acumen.

Lê Đức Thọ’s major achievements are primarily in the realms of diplomacy and politics. As a founding member of the Indochinese Communist Party and a key figure in the Viet Minh independence movement, he played a crucial role in shaping Vietnam’s revolutionary path. His significant involvement in the Paris Peace Talks during the Vietnam War, leading to the 1973 cease-fire agreement, was internationally recognized. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, which he famously refused, asserting that true peace had not yet been achieved in Vietnam. Thọ passed away on October 13, 1990, leaving a legacy as a revolutionary general, diplomat, and politician.

7. Nguyễn Hữu Có (1925–2012)

Nguyễn Hữu Có, born on February 23, 1925, in Vietnam, embarked on a military career rather than a legal profession. His childhood and early years remain largely undocumented, but his rise through the military ranks in South Vietnam suggests a background of discipline and ambition. His parents’ occupations are not detailed, but his path into the military indicates a possible influence from his family or social environment.

Có’s education is not specified in terms of traditional academic or legal training. His career was predominantly military, rising to lieutenant general in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. This rise within the military ranks suggests focusing on military education and training rather than formal legal studies. His involvement in the 1963 coup against President Ngô Đình Diệm, leading to Diệm’s assassination, and his subsequent promotions indicate a significant role in pivotal political and military events in South Vietnam’s history.

Major achievements in Nguyễn Hữu Có’s life were primarily within the military and political realms. By 1965, he was Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, playing a central role in South Vietnam’s military and political strategies during a turbulent period. His post-military life, marked by a shift to banking and business, and his eventual imprisonment for 12 years in re-education camps after the fall of Saigon, reflect the tumultuous nature of his career. Nguyễn Hữu Có passed away on July 3, 2012, after living through significant historical events in Vietnam’s history.

8. Phan Quang Đán (1918–2004)

Phan Quang Đán was born on November 6, 1918, in the north-central province of Xiangkhouang in Laos. His early life was marked by significant political upheaval, particularly during the Japanese occupation of Vietnam and the subsequent struggle against French colonial forces. Đán’s upbringing in a politically charged environment influenced his foray into politics and activism. His father’s and mother’s professions are not detailed, but his path suggests a background that values education and political engagement.

Educated initially in a seminary, Đán later pursued medicine in Hanoi. However, his true calling seemed to be in politics, which he entered after the collapse of the Japanese occupation in 1945. His decision to join several political parties, start a newspaper, and turn down offers from the communist-dominated Việt Minh, opting instead to assist former Emperor Bao Dai as an advisor, highlighted his political aspirations and strategic thinking. Furthering his education with a Ph.D. from Harvard University, Đán continued his political activism from afar, writing political treatises and articulating his vision for an independent, non-Communist Vietnam.

Đán’s most notable political achievements occurred during the Diem era in South Vietnam. As a leading opposition figure, he founded the Democratic Opposition Bloc and the Thời Luận newspaper, becoming a central figure in the open opposition to President Ngô Đình Diệm’s regime. Despite facing government suppression, including the ransacking of his newspaper office and being barred from university employment, Đán’s resilience led him to be elected to the National Assembly in 1959. However, he was prevented from taking his seat. His political career continued after Diệm’s overthrow, serving as Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister before escaping Vietnam during the Fall of Saigon. Phan Quang Đán passed away on March 26, 2004, and is remembered more for his incarceration and opposition to Diệm’s regime than his activities post-Diệm’s fall.

9. Nguyễn Mạnh Tường (1909–1997)

Nguyễn Mạnh Tường was born in 1909 on Hàng Đào street in Hà Nội, Vietnam. His upbringing in Hanoi's cultural and political hub likely influenced his intellectual pursuits and political awareness from a young age. While specific details about his parents’ professions are not provided, his early enrollment at the prestigious Lycée Albert Sarraut at age 16 and subsequent studies abroad suggest a supportive family environment that valued education.

Tường’s education was distinguished and groundbreaking. He studied at the University of Montpellier in southern France, becoming the first Vietnamese person to receive two doctorates in France at 22. His dual doctorates in Law (Juris Doctor) and Literature (Doctor d’État) were notable achievements and marked him as an exceptional intellectual of his time. His return to Vietnam in 1936 saw him teaching French literature at the Lycée du Protectorate in Hanoi, demonstrating his commitment to education and intellectual development.

Nguyễn Mạnh Tường’s major contributions were in the fields of law, education, and political activism. After his initial foray into teaching, he opened a law firm and later participated in the Vietnamese resistance against France. Post-1954, he held prominent positions such as dean at the Hanoi University of Law, vice-chairman of the Vietnamese Lawyers Association, and several other significant roles in various cultural and legal organizations. His involvement in the Nhân Văn affair in the 1950s, where he demanded freedom and democracy, was a pivotal moment in his career. Despite being stripped of his positions and forced into retirement for his criticisms, Tường’s legacy as an advocate for legal reform and intellectual freedom in Vietnam remains influential. He passed away in 1997, leaving a legacy of intellectual activism and legal scholarship.

10. Đặng Huy Trứ (1825–1874)

Đặng Huy Trứ, born on May 16, 1825, in Bat Vong village, Vietnam, showed early intelligence and wisdom. His academic promise marked his upbringing, though his educational journey faced hurdles. His parents, while not specifically mentioned in the text, likely nurtured his intellect. In 1847, despite initial setbacks in his exams, Trứ’s academic talents were recognized, leading to an opportunity to retake and pass his doctorate in 1855. His educational path reflects resilience and a commitment to learning.

Trứ’s professional life was distinguished by his roles in law and governance, starting from 1856. He served as a judge and held various administrative positions, reflecting his legal and governmental affairs expertise. His tenure as Governor of Quang Nam in 1864 and subsequent positions underscored his legal acumen. In 1868, as Attorney General of the Ministry of Households, he specialized in economic and financial matters, indicating a deep understanding of legal frameworks in finance. His work in these roles highlighted his dedication to legal reform and integrity.

Đặng Huy Trứ’s death on August 7, 1874, marked the end of a life dedicated to reform and legal integrity. His contributions extended beyond law, touching on photography, shipbuilding, and anti-corruption efforts. His legacy as a legal professional was characterized by his commitment to economic development, military science, and social reform. Trứ’s life as a reform-minded legal figure set a precedent in Vietnamese history for integrity and innovation in the legal field, demonstrating a legal professional's profound impact on societal progress.