It's a tremendously vibrant, diverse organisation and I have some of the best colleagues imaginable. I love working alongside passionate, driven solicitors who provide legal advice to some of the most socially and economically disadvantaged in our community. We have a great team and our support staff are fantastic.

What did you learn from your time with the Aboriginal Legal Service?

I have great admiration for my colleagues in the Aboriginal Legal Service. They do a tremendous job, under very difficult circumstances, often representing clients marred by the long term effects of social deprivation and dispossession. I worked in some of these regions and it had a profound effect on my view of the world.

How is practicing law on the Mid North Coast different to other places you've worked?

I love the Mid North Coast. I worked at Coffs Harbour for 3 years prior to moving to Port Macquarie. The Mid North Coast is everything you could ever want out of regional practice - it is a vibrant beachside paradise in summer and a tranquil vision splendid in winter. I have found people here to be warm and welcoming.

How do you kick back after a hard day in court?

I enjoy socialising with friends over a glass of red wine. I enjoy watching and playing sports. I like watching the Wests Tigers triumph on television (in winter months). I like to watch the cricket and am excited that the World Cup is about to start. In fact in 2008, I played for the Australian Lawyers Cricket Team in the 2008 Lawyers Cricket World Cup in Hyderabad, India.

What made you pursue a legal career?

I didn't always know I'd end up where I am. I knew I wanted to help people. I gained a fascination with criminal defence work and it has never left me. There are few things as gut-wrenchingly captivating as the electricity in the air when a jury deliver a verdict to a packed courtroom at the end of a criminal trial. It is then you realise what a profound effect your role can have on a person's life.

How have the established practitioners in this town reacted to Legal Aid NSW opening an office here?

We have been welcomed to town by the local profession and continue to work closely with them. Many private practitioners continue to provide essential legal services to the community on behalf of Legal Aid.

What is the best advice you've been given either professionally or personally?

The two best pieces of advice I've ever been given are:

Your reputation is everything and it is all that you have. Be honest and be ethical, for if you lose your reputation it is impossible to get it back.

A barrister once told me that when you feel overwhelmed by life's daily challenges, read and remember the words of Kipling's famous poem, If. Face life's challenges head on and "fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run".

What do you think is the most significant way your office can help people?

We provide legal advice and representation on a broad range of legal issues. Whether you have been charged with a crime, have problems with debt, Centrelink or your employer, need advice on separating or are unsure what happens with children when a relationship ends, you are able to get free advice at our office. If you think you have a legal problem but don't know how to get help, visit our office at 107 William Street, Port Macquarie, or call us on (02) 5525 1600 and we will help you or refer you to someone who can.

Are there any exciting developments coming up for your office?

We are very excited to be here in Port Macquarie. Law Week is in May this year. We are working with the Port Macquarie Courthouse and Mid North Coast Community Legal Centre to arrange events for Law Week 2015, where the legal profession have the opportunity to showcase their range of services. We have weekly clinics providing family, criminal and civil law advice in Port Macquarie, as well as advice services in Taree and Kempsey.