When Sarah Clyne offered to fill in at the Hay Courthouse as a court officer, the Leeton-based registrar knew that she was in for an unusual time.
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The person training her for the job was none other than her daughter, Katie.
Both mother and daughter have been staples of the MIA court circuit for some time now.
Sarah has been working as deputy-court registrar in Leeton for a decade, while her daughter Katie is a court officer, accompanying the magistrate across the local court circut.
While they usually work together three days a month, their professional paths crossed a few weeks ago when Sarah filled in for two weeks a colleague as a court monitor.
Both women were in Hay for the 100th centenary celebrations.
While she found it unusual to be trained by her own daughter, Sarah said that the experience was an enjoyable one.
“It was really interesting. She’s really good at her job and really confident. It was good to see how she works as well,” she said.
Her interest in law developed at a young age.
“I’ve always had an interest in the legal system. I studied legal studies while I was at school. When the job came up, I was lucky enough to get it,” she said.
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It was an interest that passed from mother to child. In March 2016, Katie was successful in her application to train as a court officer in Griffith.
“I knew she wanted to study law. This job was sort of a stepping stone. She’s going to be studying law by distance,” Sarah said.
”We’re pretty stoked.”
Katie said that being a a lawyer is all she’s ever wanted to do.
“I remember going to the courts with Mum when I was little and wanting so see where to magistrates and the solicitors sat,” she said.
Like her mother, it was her school studies that inspired Katie’s love of the law.
“Legal studies in year 11 and 12 was when I realised that this was what I wanted to do with my life,” she said.”
When she finishes with her studies, Katie said that she would love to be a criminal lawyer.
“I’m very excited to finally be starting what I’ve always wanted to do. This job has given me so much knowledge and experience in the practical side of things.”
My degree will be so much theory. I’m lucky to have that experience."
