"When I got into the legal profession, it held me in good stead.

"Through my life as a lawyer and a judge, I was always able to understand more because of my background.

"Growing up in the west was tough. Money wasn't too plentiful. But I learnt to be fair and I learnt how the battler felt."

Mr Dee, 72, spent his childhood in Williamstown, Footscray and Yarraville before studying law at the University of Melbourne.

"It wasn't very easy. You have to learn to put up with people who drive flash cars when you ride a push bike," he said.

"[But] just because you come from the western suburbs doesn't mean you can't get on and make a successful life; it just makes it a bit harder. If you've got the ability and the perseverance, and you've got faith in yourself, you can do it."

Beginning his career as a barrister in 1965, Mr Dee worked his way up the ranks to become a County Court judge from 1990 to 2002.

He was involved in many high-profile court cases, including the Faraday school kidnapping, Russell Street bombing and murder of Richmond Football Club captain Fred Swift.

Mr Dee has shared his experiences of life and the law in a new autobiography Bars & Benches.

He also shares his insights into what he sees as injustices in the legal system. "There were a few things which I think needed speaking out about and nobody else seemed to have the courage or was in a position to do, so I did."

Mr Dee said some judges appointed to the County Court by Attorney-General Robert Hulls and his Liberal predecessor, Jan Wade, were not up to the job. He also believes legislation has become too complicated for judges and ordinary citizens to understand.

"One of the important things about being a judge, you must be able to speak out against the government, against the police, against people of power, and remember that the ordinary citizen looks to the court for a fair go."