"I wanted to be a lawyer ever since Year 10 at Taree High when one of the lawyers from Stacks Law Firm came to school and gave a talk about what it was like to be a lawyer," she said.

"I thought it would be fantastic to help people and I loved the stories she told of what happened in court."

At the 2011 HSC she came first in advanced maths and second in legal studies, ancient history and advanced English.

"I loved legal studies and decided to study law at the University of Wollongong," Sheridan said.

"After graduating I worked with a law firm in Wollongong, but I always wanted to come back to Taree. "It's where my family and friends are, but I also wanted to help the people of the Manning Valley."

She has joined Stacks Law Firm in Taree as a fully qualified lawyer and is working in the firm's personal injury and medical negligence department.

"I love the region and the people here are so real and down to earth. As a lawyer you work very closely with clients who are in difficult situations and it is wonderful to be able to help."

Stacks Managing Director Justin Stack said they were proud to have Sheridan join the firm's team in Taree.

"It is fantastic to have another lawyer on the team who grew up locally and knows and understands the local people," Mr Stack said.

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