Elias Tabchouri has been a Sydney-based solicitor for 25 years, and is the founder and principal lawyer at full service legal practice Macquarie Law Group.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I’ve been a Sydney based solicitor for 25 years. I specialise in criminal law and spearhead a full service legal practice called Macquarie Law Group. The firm covers all aspects of the law, including: criminal, property, wills and estates, commercial, workplace safety, family and immigration law.
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
I’m in court every day, Monday to Friday and sometimes on weekends if it’s urgent. That’s my job. I’m on the front line of the legal system, representing my clients all over Sydney in all jurisdictions, whether it be the Local, District or Supreme court.
Subject to my cases and how my diary is looking, I will return to the office around 4pm to meet with clients and talk with my staff to ensure cases are running smoothly. I’m normally home by 630pm to ensure I have time with my wife and two young girls before they go to bed.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
I run my own business – so it’s important I’m in the office as much as possible. My second office is the courtroom so I’m literally working all over Sydney.
Unless it’s an emergency bail application, I try not to work on weekends. I might read some client briefs, but I won’t be in the office.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
Work-life balance is very important to me because I have a young family. I have two daughters under the age of 5, so I will spend every spare minute that I have either with my wife and kids or exercising. Having the ability to switch off and have a clear mind is a vital part of being good at my job.
5) What do you think are some of the best habits or routines that you’ve developed over the years to help you achieve success in your life?
I’m an early riser. I’m up early every morning to walk or go to the gym. It’s good to get the day started by being active. It’s revitalising. You need the discipline to keep at it. Starting the day early helps me stay focused throughout the day.
6) Are there any books that have helped you improve over the years?
It’s not so much a book as a quote that I like the most. It’s from Napoleon Hill who famously said, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”. That’s the motto I like to live by.
7) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?
Be disciplined to get up early and start every day with purpose.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
I think the Chief Operating Officer at Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg, has got it spot on. She leaves the office every day at 530pm to have dinner at home with the kids. She’s definitely got it right. I’m not there yet but I make sure I have dinner at home every night with the family.
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
I used to think that work was the number one priority in my life. It’s not. It’s family. I didn’t realise how important family was until I got married and had kids. They’re the world to me.
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