Esan Pilai’s life is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of dual passions. From navigating the structured world of criminal law to rekindling his artistic roots in music, Esan’s journey showcases the delicate balance between professional success and personal fulfillment.
Born in Australia to parents of Malaysian and Lankan descent, Esan’s upbringing was marked by cultural expectations and a strong emphasis on education. “There was always a pressure to not be a burden to society,” he shares, reflecting on his family’s values of earning respect and love.
While pursuing law, Esan never let go of his love for music. He recalls discovering a guitar in his room at the age of eight and how it sparked a passion that would later become a core part of his identity.
Esan pursued criminal defense law, a field he describes as close to his heart. “The role of a lawyer is to be the voice of those unheard,” he says. Over the years, Esan built a successful practice, mentoring junior lawyers and establishing systems to streamline operations. Despite his achievements, he admits there were times when he felt something was missing.
“For a while, I gave up music to focus on law,” Esan explains. “But it felt like a part of me died.” His physical and mental health suffered, leading him to question his path. It was only after reconnecting with music—thanks to collaborations with old friends like Maki from Meds—that Esan felt whole again.
In November last year, Esan released an album that has since garnered over 40,000 streams on Spotify. The project was not just a creative outlet but a healing process, allowing him to rediscover his authentic self.
Music gave me the motivation to keep going.
- Esan-
Throughout his career, Esan has been guided by an “attitude of gratitude.” He reflects on how his experiences in law and music have taught him to value the interconnectedness of life. “We don’t achieve anything alone,” he emphasizes. “I’m grateful to the people who trusted me at their lowest points.”
As he moves forward, Esan’s goal is to automate parts of his law practice, allowing him to focus more on music and mentoring the next generation.