But Ms Swadesir could never have had dreamt in a million years that more than 20 years later she would be sitting alongside a clerk today, but this time as a magistrate.
But dreams — coupled with a lot of hard work and persistence — can come true.
Last month, Ms Swadesir was one of four appointees to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, with her years of experience in the justice system setting her apart from other candidates.
Ms Swadesir said she was extremely honoured to have been appointed to the job, especially given the number of highly talented lawyers in Victoria.
“I’m excited about the new challenges this position will bring and the opportunity to positively change the lives of those coming before the courts,” Ms Swadesir said.
Ms Swadesir spent her primary and high school years at Benalla East and Benalla High School, graduating in 1991 before further study at La Trobe University and Monash University.
Since 2002 Ms Swadesir has been a solicitor at the Office of Public Prosecutions, most recently as Managing Principal Solicitor of the Geelong branch and has experience across the Magistrates’, County, Children’s, Coroners and Supreme Courts.
Ms Swadesir said it was the human element that drew her to criminal law.
“Every area of the law has a human element to it, but criminal law, particularly, touches the greatest proportion of the population and I’ve always been interested in the human side of the law,” she said.
Back in Benalla, Ms Swadesir’s mother Shirley said she was extremely proud of her daughter’s achievements throughout her career.
Attorney-General Jill Hennessy also congratulated Ms Swadesir and the other appointees on their appointments.
“The experience Ms Burt, Mr Bailin, Ms Swadesir and Ms Stead will bring to their roles is not only extensive but covers a wide range of jurisdictions and functions across Victoria’s legal sector,” Ms Hennessy said.
“The Magistrates’ Court will greatly benefit from their expertise and sound knowledge of the law.”
As for any aspiring lawyers in Benalla, Ms Swadesir said her best advice was to choose a career you enjoyed.
She also said people shouldn't become disheartened if they weren't accepted into law initially, knowing this all too well after starting in an arts degree herself before transferring to law.
“Start another degree that you know you will enjoy, which will result in you performing well, then seek to transfer into law,” Ms Swadesir said.
“Also, don’t be fixed on just a law degree. There are numerous other roles involving the law which are fulfilling, so the options are endless.”
