Dr Cavanagh has practiced as a barrister since 1985 and worked predominantly in the areas of coronial and criminal law in Australia.  He has completed post graduate research in coronial law and practice, anti-terrorism laws, human rights, and fundamental legal rights.

His career interests have focussed on the importance of human rights and assisting both people and systems in areas of need.  These interests have seen him carry on a wide array of activities including instructing for veterans at the Royal Commission into British Nuclear Tests in Australia, appearing for the Committee to Defend Black Rights and families at the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, Senior Public Defender Solomon Island, advising for aid agencies on legal issues in East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe, senior lecturer in law.