According to employer David Griffiths, Lauren, 20, has the ability to make people feel at ease, even when dealing with sensitive, emotional matters such as probate.

Not only that, Lauren has also become a Justice of the Peace at 20 years of age.

Lauren’s role at the firm and work as a trainee has been recognised after her success in the Illawarra TAFE Trainee of the Year Awards taking out the category for Certificate 3 Legal.

Her colleagues at David Griffiths nominated Lauren for the award.

Lauren began her employment at David Griffiths Lawyers in September 2007, working five days a week.

When the first semester of TAFE began in 2008 she combined her TAFE study, attending the Bega campus one day a week for 12 months, with on-the-job training at the firm.

At the end of the year she had attained her Certificate 3 in Business Legal Admin.

Lauren said she has always had an interest in law and after deciding she wanted to stay in the Valley applied for the job of admin assistant at David Griffiths Lawyers.

Originally after completing her HSC at Bega High School in 2006 she was contemplating a university degree in Human Nutrition and Sports Coaching, but deferred for a year to earn some money.

“When the job came up at David Griffiths I thought I had more of a chance to stay in the area that way as I was not sure about my chances of getting a job back here after my degree finished.”

Now Lauren is a permanent staff member at the firm.

“Law is such a broad area, so it is never boring,” Lauren said.

“There is always something new, so it’s very exciting.” In addition to being admin assistant Lauren is legal secretary to David Griffiths in the areas of probate, wills and estates.

As well as being a JP Lauren is considering obtaining a conveyancing licence.

According to Mr Griffiths, Lauren’s friendly face is complimented on by clients all the time.

“She’s been wonderful and being a JP at only 20 is a real feather in her cap,” he said.

“The TAFE traineeship is a great way of starting young people off,” Mr Griffiths said.

“It’s like a big family at the firm as a lot of people have been here for more than 10 years.

“This provides continuity and has enabled the more senior staff to train Lauren when I haven’t been available.”

Lauren will accept her award on July 17 at a presentation in Wollongong. Mr Griffiths will also attend the presentation.