Council Member Interview Gary Mack

Interview: Law Society Council Member Gary Mack

Principal, Abacus Legal & Mediation

Why did you decide to run for the Law Society Council?

Both professionally and personally I have benefitted from Law Society Membership. I have developed friendships and mentors. It has also been a vehicle to pursue my interest in Access to Justice, that is that all citizens regardless of means or disability or other attribute have access to legal advice and representation. My first interaction with the Society was through the Access to Justice committee when Rick Cullen and, then Greg McIntyre were the Convenors. I am now the Convenor and also on the LCA Access to Justice Committee.

What has been your experience as a Council Member in 2021?

My experience is that the Law Society and its Council is responsible for many activities for the benefit of the public and profession. These vary from running an insurance scheme to operating a museum. It is far more than an industry association for lawyers. The Society is a powerful advocate for lawyers and the interests of justice.. You are a Council Member for the Town of Cambridge – have the experiences you’ve had there impacted how you approach the Law Society Council?

have found that there are many similarities between Law Society governance and local government administration. The Agenda structure is similar where there is an agenda item with an underlying report from management. The running of Law Society Council meetings is also similar with en-bloc voting.

Would you recommend Council for other practitioners?

Yes, I would. To get a better understanding of the profession and of course to contribute to the profession. Getting on a committee is a great way to start.

What do you most enjoy about being a sole practitioner?

I became a sole practitioner to have more control with my working life so I can make other contributions to the community. Being a sole practitioner has increased risk, so I select my matters very carefully and I am comfortable to saying no to new matters if I don’t have the capacity or capability. I also have a network of colleagues that I can call if I need support or opinions regarding difficult matters.

What inspired you to complete your course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors?

I would highly recommend the AICD course. It provides excellent governance training which I have applied on the committees and boards that I am on.

Since you began practice, what change in the law/legal profession has been the most positive?

The recent focus on practitioner’s mental health is very important not just for the benefit of the practitioner and their family but also for their clients. Many practitioners who come before the Legal Practice Board or the LPCC do so in my opinion because of underlying mental health issues.

Is there anything you would like to change about the legal profession?

Given that I have a daughter who is entering into the profession, the recent training and enhanced awareness of sexual harassment and bullying is a very welcome development. Do you have a favourite part of Brief?

I like reading the updates and articles on areas of law outside of my area of practice. To be a good lawyer, I think you need a broad knowledge of the law and not just detailed knowledge of your area of practice. Lawyers are known to work long hours, how do you manage to balance your work and personal life?

This is a very good question. I plan my work day carefully by prioritising tasks and completing tasks in that order. In addition to having an online diary, I also use a “list” app. At home I don’t watch much TV and rarely engage in social media which saves a lot of time. Where possible, I try not to work on weekends and always block out well in advance about six weeks holiday annually. Do you have any wellbeing tips?

For me good well-being involves a balanced life. For me there is professional life, there is a life of family and friends and then there is community service and involvement with others. I have been an active surf life saver since I was 14 and have made many friends as well as keeping fit through this activity. I love cycling and often cycle to work. I have also found that mindfulness meditation is a calming and relaxing practice that has helped my mental health in a very busy world.