Fiona McLeod

Victorian silk Fiona McLeod now presides over the nation's briefs as head of the Australian Bar Association ... What is the ABA all about? ... And what does it's president stand for? ... Here she is with rare insights, on the couch 

Describe yourself in three words.

Inquisitive, intuitive, irrepressible.

What are you currently reading? 

There’s a pile! There's a "Lapham's Quarterly"; a gift - Malala Yousafzai's "I am Malala"; a daughter's English Lit reading - Peter Carey "Collected Stories" and Virginia Woolf "Mrs Dalloway"; and an old favourite - Tim Winton's "Dirt Stories". 

What's your favourite film?

Anything science fiction - "Blade Runner ... The Matrix". 

Who have been the most influential people in your life, and why? 

Mum and Dad. Both encouraged me to do what I loved and supported me unconditionally.

What is your favourite piece of music?

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 2; Pink Floyd "Wish You Were Here".

What is in your refrigerator? 

Green things for juice and salads, yoghurt, cheese, things in containers that might be alien life forms and something thawing for dinner. 

What is your favourite website?

ABC News. 

What do you recommend as a hangover cure?

Sleep, water, time. 

What is your greatest weakness?

An instinct for recklessness. 

Why did you want to be a lawyer? 

It wasn’t medicine. But, then I came around to the idea. 

What other occupation would you have liked to pursue? 

Medico ... journalist ... environmental activist ... spy ... apparatchik ... policy wonk. 

What is on your bedside table? 

Pile of books (see above). 

What are the important issues for the ABA?

Speaking with clarity and authority about equal access to justice and the rule of law, against injustice. Supporting the work, independence and integrity of the courts. Ensuring those coming before the courts are represented by able lawyers. Promoting equality and diversity in the profession. Contributing to the rule of law in the region and continuing to promote the interests of Australian barristers at home and overseas through mutual exchanges and co-operative regional initiatives. 

What did you find the most disagreeable aspect of being chair of the Victorian Bar Council? 

Interruptions to practice. 

If you were a foodstuff, what would you be?

A nectarine, or one of those alien life forms in my fridge. 

What human quality do you most distrust?

Bigotry.

What would you change about Australia?

Our fear of strangers. 

Whom or what do you consider overrated?

Shock jocks. 

What would your epitaph say?

"She went out with a bang." 

What comes into your mind when you shut your eyes and think of the word "law"? 

Safeguard ... Reason ... Justice.