SSOL: How would you describe what you do?
SM: I was a partner in a firm known as Macedone Christie Willis which celebrated 50 years of business in the Shire during 2006 but established my own firm Macedone Legal in July 2007.
SSOL: How long have you worked in Law?
SM: I was originally admitted to practice in 1970 and did three years Articles in Sydney with a Master Solicitor, before moving to Jannali at the beginning of 1971.
SSOL: Do you have short term goals?
SM: Yes, to establish a strong and stable foundation and become the leading criminal law firm in the Shire. I also want to help young lawyers learn the trade and to continue as a presenter with the College of Law for its continuing legal education seminars and to remain in the top 10 criminal law firms in the state.
SSOL: What are you currently working on?
SM: A couple of interesting cases include an appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeal for William Kamm, also known as Little Pebble, and I am presently defending a group of property developers being sued by the Building Insurance Guarantee Corporation following the collapse of HIH and FIA.
SSOL: What do you love about your work?
SM: I like being able to help people who are not guilty or falsely accused, or who have simply done the wrong thing and want to get a fair hearing and an appropriate penalty. Having someone’s “liberty” in your care is an awesome responsibility which I do not treat lightly (hence the tension and migraine headaches I suffer from).
I also do work in conjunction with the “Enough is Enough” Group to help people without the financial means to retain private representation.
SSOL: What you would improve about the area/or your work?
SM: It would be nice if more people could get better access to the legal system which must remain independent and free from any pressures or influences from government. I believe there is too much media hype which excites some of our politicians to say and do things that are not always helpful.
SSOL: Who has been a mentor?
SM: Initially the late Tony Bellanto QC, thereafter Judge Robert Toner SC (when he was at the Bar). But I also like to listen and learn whenever I can as there are many great lawyers in the state.
SSOL: Has your family been a help with your career?
SM: I couldn’t have done or continue to do what I do without the support of my long-suffering wife and my staff who have had to put up with a great deal during the last 37 years.
SSOL: What types of books do you read?
SM: Mainly Practice Management books and books on how to be a better person.
SSOL: What formal qualifications do you have?
SM: I have a Bachelor of Laws degree from Sydney University.
SSOL: What are your hobbies or passions?
SM: Golf is my current passion. If only I could play the game better it would be more of an addiction than a passion.
SSOL: What was the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
SM: Two things - firstly to see my first client being sent to jail. And secondly hearing for the first time (and it has thankfully only been on one occasion in the last 20 years of many many trials) the word “Guilty” expressed by the foreperson of a jury. You feel as if you have let your client down and personally it is very draining.
SSOL: Your life/business philosophy?
SM : Three things.
1) If you want to be a successful advocate you need to put in many hours of preparation. You must know your case inside out.
2) Life is too short not to have a good time.
3) As Nike says “Just do it”.
SSOL: At school you wanted to …what?
SM: I wanted to be a lawyer. The vocational guidance people told me I would never make it and I should consider being a welder.
SSOL: You wish what?
SM: There were more hours in a day and that we got younger and more energetic as we got older.
SSOL: What do you think you are good at?
SM: Keeping people interested in what is going on. Talking to fellow lawyers and community groups keen to know about the law and our system of justice. I also think I’m a good advocate in court.
SSOL: What do you think you are bad at?
SM: Golf. And I have a problem in that I do not suffer fools gladly or at all. I can also be short tempered.
SSOL: Complete the sentence: I often wonder …
SM: Where I would be now if I had stayed on the family farm in Griffith in the Riverina instead of going to law school at Sydney University. | 
