Michael Seton: alumni profile

You graduated from CCGS in 2001, what has been your path since finishing school?

• 2002, commenced Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Laws at University of Sydney.
• 2005, commenced working in national mid-tier law firm in Sydney as a paralegal.
• 2005/2006, lived in Aspen, Colorado with fellow alumni Jonathan Stokes (2001) and worked as a snowboard instructor.
• 2009, returned to the Central Coast and commenced working in a small firm on Central Coast as solicitor.
• 2010, established not-for-profit business organisation Wild Fig Service Alliance with other local business people.
• 2011, commenced Master of Laws at University of Sydney.
• 2012, commissioned as Flight Lieutenant and Specialist Reservist Legal Officer in Royal Australian Air Force.
• 2013, established Ryan & Seton Lawyers on the Central Coast with fellow alumni Anthony Ryan (2001).
• 2014, married Kayla Seton (nee Rogerson).
• 2016, first daughter Holly was born.
• 2017, gained recognition from Law Society of New South Wales as Accredited Specialist in Family Law.
• 2018, second daughter Audrey was born.
• 2020, commenced Master of Military Law.

What are you passionate about?

Problem solving.
Travel.
Family.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have been able to combine the three on occasions. Kayla and I have travelled extensively, including with our daughters, and there have been plenty of times where we have gone ‘off book’ and had to get ourselves out of some sticky situations.

What do you love most about your job?

Problem solving in a way that makes a real difference in people’s lives, particularly in the often fast-paced world of litigation where those who can think faster than, or three steps ahead of, their opponent are rewarded. Coming up with innovative solutions that give clients the direction and confidence to make their own mark on the world.

What has the highlight of your career been to date?

Hard to split two highlights, for different reasons.

In law… In 2019, travelling to Perth to run a three-day trial for a client in the Family Court of Western Australia. A highlight because the client insisted I travel over rather than brief a barrister over there because he didn’t trust anyone else to handle his case – and we achieved a fantastic result. 

In business… In 2019, our firm winning the Regional/Suburban Law Firm of the Year at the 2019 Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards. A highlight because we had worked so hard to grow from a small four-person practice to a small firm that was recognised as the best in its category nationally within six short years.

What CCGS experience or achievement most prepared you for where you are today?

The various leadership opportunities provided during my time at CCGS.

Each leadership role was slightly different and the staff and students I got to work with in each instance provided unique perspectives and dynamics that, without realising at the time, gave me a good foundation to build upon and navigate various environments and interest groups professionally and personally.

Your own daughter has just started her CCGS journey when she entered Kindergarten, how does it feel to be coming down the top stairs again, this time as a parent rather than a student?

It’s amazing. There is so much nostalgia in some of the buildings and the staff that were there when I was at school. But, at the same time, seeing how much it has changed with building and facilities development, new staff, evolved aspects to the curriculum and ever greater opportunities. The new junior school is simply stunning.

My daughter is infinitely brighter, more inquisitive and more passionate – dancing, dancing and more dancing – than I was at her age, so I can’t wait to see what she goes on to do and what role the school plays in her journey.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your high school self?

Turn into the skid. Don’t try to plan and control everything, just look for the opportunity in every situation and see where it leads you.