From Macarthur Chronicle 8th September 2012
http://macarthur-chronicle-camden.whereilive.com.au/news/story/new-macarthur-law-society-president-says-she-wants-to-make-a-difference/

NEWLY promoted president of the Macarthur Law Society Laura McGookin says she chose Law as a career because she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.

She applies the same principle to her new job as the head of the local Law Society, which supports the profession in both a regulatory and representative role.

laura mcgookin

“We represent the needs of the Macarthur area and provide input to the NSW Law Society on policy issues, laws, amendments and legal events which affect the people of the Macarthur area,” Ms McGookin said.

She said she was keen to promote the Society as a mouthpiece of the Macarthur area.

“It’s a way for the community to have local input into policies and processes,” she said.

“I am happy for people to contact me at Caldwell Martin Cox to make arrangements for a community presentation or to raise concerns/input in relation to policy issues. I encourage the community to participate as we will only be as strong as the people that join in to try to make a difference.”

She said the Macarthur Law Society had to take responsibility for not promoting itself enough in the past or giving residents ample opportunity to have a say in or understanding of legal matters.

With her passion for the profession and youthful enthusiasm, Ms McGookin is adamant she will be working on remedying this during her tenure as President.

“I see an important part of my role as going to local schools and community groups to present to them on any areas of law,” she said.

A local through and through, Laura McGookin attended Macarthur Anglican School and then studied a double degree of Law/Social Science (Criminology) at the University of Western Sydney.

She completed a Masters of Applied Law (Family Law) with Distinction in 2010.