SAMANTHA BAILY Sam was born in Sydney, New South Wales and attended Wenona, in North Sydney. Sam then moved to Armidale, New South Wales for her tertiary education, and in 2002 completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science, and a Bachelor of Laws. Sam then also completed her Diploma in Legal Studies at the College of Law, St Leonards in 2002. Loving the country life that Sam had found in Armidale, she then returned to the New England area and practised general litigation for four years, mainly in the areas of family, employment and criminal law. This work took her to remote rural areas such as Inverell, Boggabilla, Mungindi, Lightning Ridge, Walgett and Moree. The mediation, advocacy and litigation experience Sam gained from these areas has proved invaluable. Now at Butlers, Sam has a keen interest in continuing her work in the area of Family Law, including mediation and conciliation, as well as working in the area of Wills and Estate planning. Outside work, Sam loves socialising with friends, going to the beach, trekking, and playing sport. Sam is also a keen traveller and has travelled the world, including spending extensive time in Eastern Africa and India participating with and volunteering her time to work with various charitable organisations.