Anne McLeod

The Spirited Life of Marie Byles

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The Summit of Her Ambition

The Summit of Her Ambition

Lawyer, feminist, environmentalist, mountaineer, Buddhist - the exceptional story of the first woman to practise law in New South Wales. "Anne McLeod's biography is frank and compelling in confronting all the diverse aspects of the life and work of this remarkable … Learn More

About the Author

About Anne McLeod

In the 1970s I was involved in the early years of the Australian film renaissance when a radically new sense of national identity was being forged. As Script Supervisor on feature films and television series I worked with actors, directors and crew members creating stories that … Read More

About Marie Byles

About Marie Byles

In 1924 Marie Byles became the first woman allowed to practise law in New South Wales. Told she could only work as a law clerk, she triumphed over the patriarchal legal profession and a society that viewed women as second-class by establishing a successful practice. As legal advisor … Read More

FREE Download

Free Download

Journey Into Burmese Silence is Marie Byles' personal account of her search for a retreat in which to learn the art of meditation. The quest brings her to Burma in 1957 where she practises Vipassana or Insight meditation. This is a valuable and inspiring book for any truth … Download Now

Marie Byles

Recent Posts

  • “Anne McLeod has crafted a highly readable book about a truly inspiring woman who was ahead of her time. Solicitors will be impressed by the story of Byles’ incredible determination to break down barriers.” Law Society Journal of NSW.
  • A History of Women in the Legal Profession in NSW
  • Lawyers with depression – insights into maintaining mental health
  • Women’s Legal Status Act (NSW) 1918
  • Mt Sansato expedition 1938

Quote from Marie Byles

"There is something in the contact between the human being and nature which is very hard to explain, but as you lie on Mother Earth and look up at the stars, the life force seems to bring a new health to your tired limbs and worried mind." Marie Byles

Recent Posts

  • “Anne McLeod has crafted a highly readable book about a truly inspiring woman who was ahead of her time. Solicitors will be impressed by the story of Byles’ incredible determination to break down barriers.” Law Society Journal of NSW.
  • A History of Women in the Legal Profession in NSW
  • Lawyers with depression – insights into maintaining mental health
  • Women’s Legal Status Act (NSW) 1918
  • Mt Sansato expedition 1938
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