Marcus McCarthy, the founder and principal of Nexus Law Group has a chat about his aspirations of improving the method of legal service delivery in the market and his one- time goal to be a fighter pilot.
What made you decide to become a lawyer?
I think it was originally about a strong sense of justice that ultimately evolved into a strong sense of reason…
How long have you worked at Nexus Law Group for and what brought you to that position?
I founded Nexus 3 years ago with the idea that I wanted to improve the method of legal service delivery in the market. I came to that decision after realising partnership in a traditional firm structure would never allow me to deliver what I wanted for my clients or the lawyers who worked with me.
What’s the strangest case you’ve ever worked on/been involved with?
A small construction dispute that went for 5 years and 2 Court of Appeal hearings, where the two real protagonists where partners in a separate unrelated business and sat across the desk from each other in that business the entire time, both obviously hating each other and pretending that the other had nothing to do with the case.
If you could invite three people for dinner, dead or alive and excluding family and friends, who would they be and why?
David Gilmour from Pink Floyd – so I could try and convince him to get back together for one last tour.
Nelson Mandela – because he is a legend and seems like a very nice bloke
Justice William Deane – because he was one of the best judges that ever lived and I would like to hear what he thinks of everything
You’re based in Sydney – where’s the best place to go for a drink and/or dinner after work?
Anywhere in Balmain but in the city there is a little café/bar at the end of Bulletin Place that I think is excellent for after work drinks, if you can fit in.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given (work or personal)?
“Stop your whinging and get on with it” – thanks Grandpa (he was very old school…).
Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of work?
I enjoy kayaking, trail riding and photography
Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t a lawyer, I would be…
A fighter pilot—just kidding, probably a psychologist
What do you think will be single biggest issue facing the legal space in Australia in 2014?
The emergence of real alternate practice models like Nexus.
If you had Tony Abbott’s job for one day, what would you do?
Abolish state governments
What do you love about your job?
Solving problems – of clients, of lawyers and of business management. To me it is all the one activity taking different forms
What would you change about your job right now if you could?
The hours – not enough time with my sons.
