Congratulations Sharon Schofield ... 30 years in the job

Sharon Schofield from Easton Lawyers

A celebratory morning tea was held recently for Sharon Schofield, practice manager at Easton Lawyers, to mark a significant milestone of 30 years in the one job.

While we are sure Sharon isn’t the only local to achieve this, it is still a considerable achievement - especially in this day and age. We caught up with Sharon to find out a little more about her time in the job.

Q: How did you first come to be working at the business in 1990?

A: I started with John Sheldon and it was the second job I had sent an application for after graduating from Maleny High School at end of 1989.

Q: It’s been Easton Lawyers since 2007. What was the business' history?

A: John Sheldon commenced in the mid-1980s and sold in 1992. Alistair Charlton purchased it and we were Charlton and Sheldon briefly, then became Charlton and Bain from mid-1992 to August 2001. David Lang purchased and we were Charlton and Lang from August 2001 to January 2004. Then Rimmer Lawyers from January 2004 to February 2007, when we became Easton Lawyers.

Q: What was your first position there and how has your role evolved over the years?

A: I started as the backup secretary to Mr Sheldon’s secretary Jacqui, and commenced a legal office traineeship travelling down to Caloundra Business College. I discovered early that my passion lay in estate work and drawing up wills, so this was the area I gravitated to. I have done everything and anything that needed to be done in the office and I basically still do.

Q: Apart from ownership, what other significant changes have you seen?

A: The industry has changed so much. There are so many things to be concerned about now including cyber safety, hacking, identity theft. This means loads more forms and steps to be done to ensure all is above board. Oh, and we have air-conditioning and I have my own car parking space!

Q: What has kept you passionate about your work for 30 years?

A: When a lovely client comes in or something goes right, or you get a compliment - and when I feel I have made a difference to help someone through a really hard time. That is why I feel so passionate about estates. It is one of the hardest times a wife or husband or family member is going through and if I can make that process smoother and less painful, I feel like I have really achieved something. I have a mantra I tell my clients: "I’ll tell you when to worry". So, in other words, don’t worry until I tell you that you have to!

Q: Do you still have some original clients?

A: Yes, I do. I have many clients who have been wonderfully loyal for all of these years. I have formed some lovely friendships with many and have had to sadly pay my respects to those who have passed away. It is the wonderful clients who have been so supportive and loyal over the years that remind me why I am still here doing this job.

Q: What do you love best about what you do?

A: As I mentioned, helping people through a really tough time and being able to reassure someone that we can fix it, or that it’s going to be okay. Making sure our firm continues to play a part in the community by providing sponsorships and donations. I have a great team around me and I love the other random things we do including selling my honey and being a drop-off point for bread tags, which has excited us all. It’s the small things and that I work three days a week!