There is no doubt that Sara Dennis’ years at Loreto Toorak as both a student and a parent played a significant role in shaping who she is today. Being part of Loreto Toorak has given her the sense of belonging to a wonderful and supportive community, of optimism and belief that anything is possible. It has given her an education delivered by dedicated and inspiring teachers in beautiful surroundings, lifelong friends, and a deep sense of responsibility that we should do good and do it well.
After leaving school, Sara attended Monash University to complete degrees in Law, Commerce and Arts. The highlight of her time at university was a semester exchange to the University of Lyon III (Jean Moulin) in France to study French language and literature. Her love of French started on a family holiday to New Caledonia and continued throughout secondary school at Loreto Toorak.
Sara commenced her legal career in 1999 at a mid-sized Melbourne CBD commercial law firm where she developed skills in personal injuries litigation, before moving to a large commercial law firm working in in Class Actions and providing advice on product safety. The work in both roles was very engaging, and Sara was fortunate to be surrounded by supportive colleagues and to learn from many generous lawyers. During this time, Sara welcomed two children and, following two periods of parental leave, was grateful to be able to work part-time to balance all the competing demands.
Just prior to the Covid-19 pandemic Sara moved to the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office (VGSO) which provides legal services exclusively to the Victorian government. She spent five and a half years leading the VGSO’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Branch which manages personal injury claims and coronial inquests on behalf of the State of Victoria. The work was often legally complex and fast-paced but working in that environment was extremely satisfying to Sara, not least because it provided her with an opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s culture.
Sara has recently been appointed as a Coroner at the Coroners Court of Victoria. Coroners independently investigate reportable deaths and fires to determine the identity and cause of death of the deceased, and the circumstances in which the death occurred, with the primary goal of preventing future deaths and improving public safety. Here, Sara vows to discharge her responsibilities to the best of her ability and is sure she will regularly draw upon many aspects of her Loreto Toorak education.
Discover what a Loreto Toorak education can mean for your daughter by registering for an upcoming Open Morning here.
Read more stories from our alumni in the latest edition of the Mandevillian, 2026, Vol.41 no.1.
