On Friday, exactly 41 years to the day since starting work at what is now Commins Hendriks Solicitors, Lyn will retire as a paralegal at the firm where she started in 1969.

The firm’s longest-serving employee decided a few months ago she had “done my bit” and wanted to spend more time with family and take the occasional trip away.

Bill Thompson, one of the firm’s solicitor directors, chimes in while Lyn reminisced about her career: “We’re going to miss you around here Strutty” while fellow director and Lyn’s boss in the property commercial law department, Glen Lollback, described her as “a bit of a legend in this place”.

Such is the high regard in which Lyn Strutt is held, not only at Commins Hendriks but in the legal profession across the state where her knowledge and work in conveyancing is well known and respected.

“Lyn’s loyalty to the one firm, her skills and experience as a highly respected paralegal puts her up there with the best,” Glen said.

Lyn’s first day at the firm, then known as Mortimer Hendriks Griffin and Erratt, was August 20, 1969 – her first job in Wagga having worked five years previously at Inverell.

She recalled it being a tough first week under her new boss Charles Mortimer and on that first afternoon was surprised to have Harry Hendriks and Ian Erratt seeking an assurance she would “come back tomorrow”.

It’s now history that Lyn not only turned up the next day, but for the next 41 years, and forged a great rapport with the partners, directors, staff and many clients to walk through the front doors over the years.

“There’s been some fantastic characters in the office in my time, right from the early days through to now,” Lyn said.

“It’s been a pleasure working with them and also forming some great friendships with many of our loyal clients. I have many fond memories.”

Lyn said many changes had shaped the profession which was now more accessible to young people seeking a career in law – many of those lucky enough to have tapped into the knowledge banks of Lyn Strutt.

“It’s great to see young people always coming through … the best advice I could offer them is to have pride in your job – enjoy what you do and do it well.”