After a long and dedicated law career spanning over two decades, Wendy Robb is retiring from her position at Kell Moore.
Born in Cowra, Wendy moved to Corowa at the age of six and has called it home ever since. She is married to Alan Robb, proprietor of the Corowa Pump Shop, and together they have four children and five grandchildren, all residing in the local area. Wendy’s family also includes her parents and one of her sisters, who live in Corowa.
Wendy began her career at Lethbridge & McGowan on March 1, 1998, initially as a legal assistant to Philip Lethbridge and Peter McGowan.
Over the years, she advanced to the position of Law Clerk, focusing primarily on domestic conveyancing for sales and purchases in NSW and Victoria for the last 12 years at Kell Moore.
“I applied for the job as I was coming to the end of my maternity leave with our youngest son and I had taken a redundancy package from my job at TAFE NSW,” Wendy said.
“I wasn’t sure what the job specifically entailed at that point in time but was willing to give it a go and Philip and Peter were willing to give me a go. My job has been very varied over the years and with conveyancing, no transaction is the same.”
One of the highlights of Wendy’s career has been the joy of delivering good news to clients.
“It feels great to call a purchaser and advise that their purchase has been completed and they can now move into their new home,” she said.
“Even better when I can welcome new people to the area. Likewise, calling a vendor and advising that they have sold is also satisfying.”
Wendy has witnessed significant changes in the Corowa office and the legal profession during her tenure. She recalls the days when work was dictated on mini cassettes, typed, printed, corrected by hand, and then mailed. “Now we tend to send everything via email and replies come back immediately!” she said.
“Everything was paper-oriented, and files could sometimes be three inches or more thick. Now files are mostly electronic. Settlements of sales and purchases that required obtaining cheques and hand-delivering them are now done electronically without paper titles.”
Wendy also recalls other changes with staff. “When I commenced last century, Miss Regan was still working a day a week—she had been working for Lethbridge & McGowan and their predecessors since she was in her mid-teens!” she said.
“Philip Lethbridge and Peter McGowan were the solicitors and Jenny Lethbridge was the office manager and there were at least three other girls.”
The most rewarding aspect of Wendy’s job has been the people.
“Colleagues, clients, other solicitors, and agents all working towards the best outcome for our clients,” she said. And it is these same people she will miss the most.
As she approaches retirement, Wendy admits she was initially hesitant but now feels excited about the future. Her retirement plans include extensive travelling in her caravan, spending time with her family, assisting Alan with his business, and enjoying more lawn bowling.
Wendy extends her heartfelt thanks to Philip and Jenny Lethbridge for their support and guidance, which has grown into a cherished friendship.
She also thanks the directors and staff at Kell Moore, especially the team at the Corowa Office—Richard, Kylie, Jazlyn, Callum, Shawn, and Travis—whom she will miss dearly. Lastly, she expresses her gratitude to her family for their continued support and love.
Director at Kell Moore Matthew Rogers thanked Wendy for her outstanding service.
“It is rare in today’s professional world to have such a loyal employee as Wendy Robb,” he said.
“After 26 years of service to Kell Moore Lawyers, and our predecessor Lethbridge & McGowan, Wendy has helped so many local families with their conveyancing needs.
“Wendy has guided countless clients through what is often a stressful process in buying or selling a home. It will be her friendly demeanor and willingness to help others that will be missed most by her colleagues.
“We wish Wendy a happy retirement and safe travels.”