Baker & McKenzie partner Aleisa Crepin tells Australasian Lawyer how she ended up lawyering.
Baker & McKenzie partner Aleisa Crepin tells Australasian Lawyer how she ended up lawyering.
What made you decide to become a lawyer?
In high school, I was a keen debater and public speaker. I loved writing and to have a good debate. By the end of high school, I was convinced it was the career for me. A short stint of work experience with a criminal barrister had me hooked - although I've never practised in criminal law.
How long have you worked at Baker & McKenzie and what brought you to this position?
I have been at Baker & McKenzie for just over 12 months. The Brisbane office of Baker & McKenzie opened shortly before that. The opportunity to join a top quality global firm and to help build the new office was too good an opportunity to pass up.
What’s the strangest case you’ve ever worked on/been involved with?
I specialise in construction disputes. As you can imagine, that regularly involves some fairly robust and interesting personalities. There is never a dull moment in my work day!
If you could invite three people for dinner, dead or alive and excluding family and friends, who would they be and why?
Jimmy Fallon because I love to have a good laugh, Dame Quentin Bryce because she is such an inspirational woman, and Frank Sinatra for his music and stories.
You’re based in Brisbane – where’s the best place to go for a drink and/or dinner after work?
My current favourite is Public. Otherwise, you can't go past the myriad of restaurants and bars at Southbank.
What’s the best piece of advice (work or personal) you’ve ever been given?
Always back yourself, and keep your feet on the ground.
Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends whenever I get the chance.
Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t a lawyer, I would be…
A detective or forensic scientist.
What do you think will be single biggest issue facing the legal space in Australia in 2016?
Differentiating yourself in the tight legal market, and delivering high quality legal services using innovative fee arrangements.
If you had Malcom Turnbull’s job for one day, what would you do?
Legislate for marriage equality.
What do you love about your job?
I have the pleasure of working with some incredibly intelligent and commercially savvy lawyers in the construction team. They're a great bunch to work with. Also, being able to pick up the phone and speak to a specialist lawyer in just about any particular area of law somewhere in the firm when the matter requires it. Baker & McKenzie is great like that.
What would you change about your job right now if you could?
I would like to have more time in the day to spend mentoring junior staff. I really love doing that and seeing them progress in their careers.
