From typing letters to writing them in law, a leading Sunshine Coast firm is welcoming its newest associate who is redefining what career growth looks like.
With hard work, mentorship and a dash of determination, Bathersby Legal’s Sarah Chaplin has progressed from a secretarial role to solicitor, recently earning the title of associate.
Admitted as a solicitor in January 2023, Ms Chaplin has worked alongside Bathersby Legal director Brendan Bathersby since 2013.
The now-associate specialises in building and construction law, as well as commercial litigation, and was inspired to study law after beginning her career as a legal secretary.
“At the time I decided to take the leap and study law at USC, I had been working in the legal industry for four years,” she said.
“I was at a stage in my career where I would stay working as a legal secretary or to take that next step and study law.
“I studied law while working full-time.
“The mentors around me, including Brendan, encouraged me to continue my studies, which I’m glad they did otherwise I probably would not have studied law.”
Ms Chaplin advises clients on contract reviews, building disputes, QBCC processes, demand letters and court proceedings, and delivers practical, cost-effective solutions for complex legal challenges.
She said she loved that “no two days are the same”, as well as the satisfaction of achieving positive outcomes for clients while working alongside the Bathersby Legal team.
“I love helping people solve problems,” she said.
“Working in the building and construction industry can be hard, whether it is complying with QBCC requirements, legislative requirements or simply understanding the terms of the contract.
“Being able to help and educate builders, developers, subcontractors and homeowners understand their obligations is important to me.”
Mr Bathersby said that as a born, bred and educated Sunshine Coast local, Ms Chaplin was a integral part of the team.
“Here at Bathersby Legal, Sarah knows everything that we do and how we do it. We couldn’t do what we do without her,” he said.
“As well as being my ‘right hand’, she is the ‘go to’ person when we have a problem to solve.
“More recently and certainly since she was admitted as a solicitor, our clients are finding the same; that is that Sarah is the great problem solver and strategist.
“She knows building and construction, she knows commercial litigation, she knows how the system works.
“Sarah is able to apply her skills to work with clients to strategise and solve their problems and lead them through the legal maze.”
Established in 2020, Bathersby Legal specialises in commercial litigation, dispute resolution and building and construction law. The team brings more than 30 years of experience to clients across the Sunshine Coast, Gympie and beyond.
The firm offers services including drafting and reviewing building contracts, managing contract administration, recovering unpaid invoices and resolving defective work disputes through negotiation, mediation or court action.
Find Bathersby Legal at Level 2, 17 Duporth Avenue, Maroochydore, or visit bathersbylegal.com.au.
