The Aitken Partners principal lawyer also uses her commercial law skills to help rebuild lives
Leisa Bayston pursued law in part because she wanted to work in the “tall office buildings of Sydney and Melbourne”. Not only did she make it to Melbourne eventually, she wound up doing stints at big names like Deloitte, PwC and Macquarie Bank before launching Bayston Group Business Law with Alister Bayston.
In the first part of this February interview conducted shortly after both Leisa and Alister made the move to Aitken Partners as principal lawyers, Leisa talks about the family vacation she would relive and joining the board of Foundation House.
I grew up in Tasmania and whilst it was a fantastic place to grow up, I was always drawn to big cities. An economics/law degree seemed a good ticket into the tall office buildings of Sydney and Melbourne. Once there I realised my aptitudes and interests suited the role of a commercial lawyer.
My favourite part of the job is solving problems for people. To achieve great results, it takes an in depth knowledge of your client and a relationship of trust with them. I really value these relationships.
I’m proud of the successful practice that Alister and I built and operated for 15 years. We did it our way, and we did it well!
In 2024, I was appointed to the board of Foundation House. Foundation House is a leader in delivering specialist trauma-focussed services that work with the strengths and resilience of refugees, their families, and communities, to rebuild lives shattered by torture and other traumatic events. I am proud to be able use the skills I have developed over my many years in commercial practice to support such an important organisation in our community.
Getting my feet under the desk at Aitkens and working with the talented and friendly team.
I count myself lucky that I can think of many days that fall into this category! But if I had to choose one, it would be a day from one of our family breaks over summer at Sandy Point. We spend the day swimming, reading, and talking as we lounge on the beach. Later, heading back to the house, we see some koalas in the trees! Back at the house, we prepare a simple BBQ dinner and some drinks to share with family, friends, and neighbours in the evening.
