Ms Coombs grew up on a farm at Mangalore and attended Seymour College and Goulburn Valley Grammar School. She relocated to Geelong to study arts and law at Deakin University.
Ms Coombs completed her degrees in four-and-a-half years rather than the usual five, graduating with honours while commuting back home each weekend to work at Woolworths Seymour to support herself.
During her final year at university Ms Coombs commenced working one day a week at TBA Law under the mentorship of Jacqui Bauman.
This opportunity developed into a full-time 12-month traineeship, which is the final step in the pathway to admission as a solicitor.
During her traineeship, Ms Coombs gained experience in property law matters which involved conveyancing, planning and subdivision projects, family farm transfers and deceased estate mediation. Her area of practice will now broaden to include family law.
Ms Coombs said she had always wanted to be a lawyer, and working at TBA Law was rewarding.
“Whilst most of my peers think they have to do a few years in the CBD first, I have been able to commence my career at Victoria’s best regional law firm,” she said.
“It is 10 minutes from home and I can avoid the commute and traffic lights and produce excellent quality work.
“I look forward to returning the favour and mentoring other local law students and showing them what a rural legal career can offer.”
Ms Bauman said she didn’t hesitate to give Ms Coombs a try, because she was proactive and demonstrated she was working hard by doing her law degree while maintaining employment.
“She was proactive about her future and not passively waiting for something to arrive,” she said.
“Her quick learning, great communication skills and knowledge of the local region have also been an asset that has stood her head and shoulders above other candidates.
“A testament to Sarah’s caring and approachable nature is her regular customers from Seymour Woolworths now call into TBA Law’s office in Nagambie to see her.”