Sara Dobbyn

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT SARA DOBBYN

Having started my career in the legal industry at the age of 19 at the Legal Services Commission (LSC), it didn’t take me long to realise I had found my passion - helping others. I commenced my Law degree in 2015, while working at the LSC. My time at the LSC saw me work in various roles, including the Records department, as a Legal Secretary in the Family Dispute Resolution Unit, Administrative Coordinator and in the Grants section. At the end of my degree, I commenced the newly created position of Law Clerk in the Duty Solicitor office in the Adelaide Magistrates Court. I was very fortunate to complete my university placement at two reputable private Adelaide law firms - RJ Cole and Partners and Williams Barristers and Solicitors. With Russell Cole, I had the opportunity to conduct my first, of a number of appearances in the Magistrates Court. With Andrew Williams, I had the opportunity to observe a murder trial in the Supreme Court. I was introduced to William Boucaut KC, who was Senior Counsel in this matter. He would later move my admission in the Supreme Court. After admission, I applied for a position as a prosecutor with the DPP in the Northern Territory. I had reached 10 years at the LSC and decided to take Leave without pay to embark on this marvellous career opportunity. I was based in the Alice Springs office, where I would conduct on average 3-4 contested Local Court trials per week. Every six weeks I would travel over three hours to Tennant Creek for a week of Bush Court. This generally comprised of at least 5 trials listed per day (most that didn’t run). I also had the opportunity to travel for Bush Court to an indigenous community, Muṯitjulu which is located on the eastern side of Uluru in the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. While at the DPP, I successfully prosecuted a Doli Incapax Trial in the Alice Springs Youth Court. After 14 months in Alice Springs, I decided to make the move back to Adelaide, as I had gained a position as a Duty Solicitor. It wasn’t long though, before Russell Cole called me early one morning and offered me a job I couldn’t turn down. I was at RJ Cole and Partners for over 3 years. In this time I represented the Respondent Youth in the first Youth Treatment Order proceedings in South Australia. I worked predominantly in Criminal law and Care and Protection, but also practised in Family Law & Victims of Crime matters.I am currently embarking on a career move back to prosecution. I feel very fortunate for all of the opportunities I have had, the experience I have gained and the people I have met.