Julian Burnside
Interview by Madeleine Dore
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Photography by Annette O’Brien
This interview was originally published in my column for Domain
Julian Burnside: Human rights lawyer
Barrister, author and human rights advocate Julian Burnside doesn’t like to put things off. “Our time is the only thing that is limited, and you don't know where the limit is, so I think we have to get as much done as we can.”
Balancing an active legal practice, pro bono human rights work, refugee advocacy and writing, Julian started working from home earlier this year when he stood as a candidate for the Greens in his local electorate of Kooyong, and has remained in his well-equipped study to enjoy the increased flexibility and solitude. “I have always been hopeless at networking, so working at home saves a lot of time and has no real downside.”
While his work dominates most days, as a passionate patron of the arts there are often large group dinners and at-home concerts in the colourful Hawthorn home, filled wall-to-wall with the works of renowned Australian artists, including by his wife, artist Kate Durham.
“The arts are durable, they provide an enduring reminder of what human beings can do,” says Julian, admitting he may have wanted to be an artist. “I think I did the world of art a favor by becoming a lawyer instead.”
A day in the life
Morning
If I've got an early commitment, I'll set the alarm. If not, I wake up when I need to. Working from home allows me to save an hour in commuting, so I give myself the luxury of a bit of extra sleep.
Typically, I skip breakfast and get straight into checking emails for an hour or two. I don’t really keep a to do list for any given day, stuff will pile in and I just do what I have to do to make things fit.
Midday
I spend my time doing what needs to be done right now – I’m really lucky that I've got the help of interns who work with me on Tuesdays and Wednesdays because I could not get through all of the pro-bono work without their help.
Afternoon
I have lunch whenever I get the opportunity and I keep working through it. If it’s a day with the interns, we will have conversations over lunch.
If I have to head out, I'll walk rather than drive if it's not too far away. I walk very briskly because my father was fairly tall, and so as a kid, I used to have to work hard to keep up with him. That's as close to proper exercise I get, which is terrible.
Evening
I’ll work until it’s time for dinner or to go out. Dinner is probably the only time in my day that I relax and not actively think about what I have to do.
We often have people over for dinner. Kate and I are both fairly particular about the combination of guests, so conversations are usually interesting. We’ve also been having small concerts at home since the early 90s. Most nights it’s just Kate and myself for dinner, and any guests we have staying with us. Since 2001, we've had refugees living with us so they will typically be involved in dinner as well.
Late evening
After dinner there's always things to do – I might be preparing a talk, or writing an essay. I’m increasingly interested in and concerned about the idea of justice, so that's what I think and write about a lot.
Otherwise, if the day is finished for me, I might watch some TV or read, depending on the timing. One of the benefits of that is it’s possible to enjoy a glass of wine, which might otherwise impair my work.
Bedtime
I drink a lot of coffee – I think that helps me deal with stress, or keep working – but maybe I'm just immune to caffeine. I can have an espresso immediately before bed, and just go to bed and crash, which will usually be by midnight.
Working from home tip:
Do what needs to be done – and if you don’t have to commute, then enjoy the sleep in. All you can do is try your hardest.