Vanessa was admitted as a Solicitor in 2003 after studying at the University of New England in Armidale. Having worked in Sydney at J R Gibb & Co and then as a Policy Advisor for the then Minister for Agriculture, Warren Truss, Vanessa had a strong urge to return to her rural roots.

Having grown up in the Riverina on a sheep and cropping farm, Vanessa has a firm belief that rural communities are entitled to the same quality legal representation as those in the cities. With a passion for succession planning, working in Grenfell with Peter Moffitt seemed like a perfect fit.

Vanessa started work at Gordon Garling Moffitt in 2005 after relocating from Canberra to Young. She is a commercial lawyer, specialising in property, predominantly rural property and hotels. Vanessa has extensive experience in residential and rural conveyancing and rural leasing. She specialises in rural succession planning and has been quoted as saying if she could spend all day doing this, she would be a happy lawyer. Vanessa has also undertaken a vast amount of commercial litigation.

“I had worked at other rural firms but none had the reputation that Gordon Garling Moffitt had. I knew it was where I wanted to work and I am very persistent. I am now the Managing Partner and proud to employ so many local people in two vibrant communities. I believe we provide a service to Central West NSW that is second to none – it is as good as what our clients would get in the cities, but we know them and we invest in their outcomes. I like that our clients are part of our lives”.

Vanessa Gibson

Being involved in the local community is of high importance to Vanessa. She believes community involvement makes rural communities what they are. She has been involved in the Management Committee of the Grenfell Preschool and Long Day Care Centre, Secretary and President of the St Joseph’s School P&F, Chair of the School Board and Registrar of the Grenfell Panthers Junior Rugby Club. And although a little concerned to admit it now that she lives in Grenfell, but she was once Secretary of the Young Yabbies Rugby Union Club! She is also Deputy Chair of the Catholic Education Commission for Canberra Goulburn.

In her role as lawyer in a rural law firm Vanessa believes that ‘listening’ is an important skill to develop.

“I have accepted that I cannot always solve everyone’s problems, but I can listen to them and send them to someone who can solve them. You spend a lot of time listening in this job. Offering a sympathetic and confidential ear is sometimes the only thing I can offer”.

Vanessa Gibson

If there was one piece of advice Vanessa would give young lawyers it would be to find a mentor – behind every good lawyer you will find a mentor. Someone who cared enough to make you work hard, teach you the important things, someone to throw you in the deep end and make you swim. If you are lucky, that person will stick around to rescue you if you need it. And sometimes, you will need it. It can be a tough gig when you are starting out.

Outside of law and community projects, Vanessa loves watching her kids play sport, especially rugby and Viva. She has even been converted to spending hours in the sun watching cricket – sometimes all weekend. She also loves her garden and says there is nothing more satisfying than spending time gardening.

To make an appointment with Vanessa please contact our Grenfell office.