How did the business originate?  In 2005 I became uninspired by travelling into Sydney CBD every day for work.  I had a look around the local area for jobs, and although there was opportunities there was also many local solicitors and so I continued the commute.  In early 2009 the opportunities opened up again, and this time everything fell into place for me to open Babister Legal.  Sometimes opportunities just need to come at the right time.

How long have you been in this business?  I have been a lawyer for over 15 years.  Before then I worked in the legal field for 10 years. 

What do you love about your business?  I love the challenge of solving people’s problems, and helping people with complicated situations.  When people have legal issues they often become stressed because they are not familiar with the processes involved.  I love being able to help reduce their stress.  

Is there anything you dislike? The one area of running my business I dislike is administration.  Filing and accounts drive me to distraction.  I would much rather spend my time sorting out a legal problem.

Favourite food: Give me a fresh fruit salad any day!

Favourite colour:  It depends on the day.  Some days I am in a turquoise mood, and others are more a carnelian kind of day.

Favourite drink: Depending on the time of day, either a nice cup of tea or a good red wine.

Favourite movie: I don’t tend to watch movies.  But when I do it is either a science fiction or action movie, and something classic like Star Wars.

Favourite time of the day: That hour before you finish work.  It is so productive.  Finalising the work of the day, seeing how much you have done, and madly trying to get the last bits finished so I can go home.

Favourite item in your office:  My Nelson Mandela poster. 

Favourite app on your phone/tablet/computer: I love my email app on my phone.  It means that I can check emails wherever I am, and respond to things quite quickly.  It saves me from having to be at my desk all the time.

What book are you reading right now?  I am re-reading the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.  It is taking a while because I don’t have a lot of time to read at the moment.  I also read a lot of legislation – there are a lot of changes coming in for the new financial year, so lots to get up to date on.

Which 3 people (dead or alive) would you invite to a dinner party? Why? 

Nelson Mandela – I love the way that despite all he went through, he stuck to his values.  My grandfather – is the same age as Nelson Mandela, and is also someone I admire greatly.  I think they would get on really well together, and I’d love to listen in on that discussion.  My friend, Suzanne Stanton – she is another person I admire.  I love the varied conversations we have.  She is smart, well read, very thoughtful and has some wonderful and amazing insights into the world.  I think the four of us would have a fabulous dinner party and end up talking the night away.
Name 3 things on your bucket list: To visit Scandinavia, to write a book, and to learn woodcarving.
What do you like to do for yourself?  I like to learn.  There are so many things in this world to learn about, and not enough time. 
Who do you seek advice from? I seek advice from people with experience and knowledge in their field.  Different people for different advice. 
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their own business? It is a bigger job than you think it is.  There are so many different aspects to consider.  There is also a lot of people out there who can help you, so you don’t need to do everything on your own.  Seek help as you need it.
What is your tip for a work/life balance? Keep some recharging time for yourself.  The more you feel like you don’t have time to recharge, the more you actually need to do it.
Apple / Android: Apple
Beach / Bush: Most definitely bush!

Lynda can be contacted for any of your legal dilemmas.