SAM Macedone was told by his mother at a young age that he should be a lawyer because he talked so much.
When a school vocational officer said he'd never make it in the legal world and suggested he instead look at welding, he became even more determined.
A lawyer since 1970, he recently received the prestigious 2013 President's Medal. The medal, awarded annually by the Law Society of NSW to one of its members, is for significant personal and professional contributions to the betterment of law and justice in the community.
"It is a brilliant honour," he said.
His mother, long thrilled that he ignored his guidance counsellor, was "over the moon" about the win, he said.
"Back in the 1960s, if you didn't come from a private Sydney school you weren't going to make it [in law]," he said.
A young Mr Macedone, who is from the Riverina district, didn't think he had a chance but eventually found someone willing to take him on.
He has practised law at Miranda for almost 40 years and remains a proud St George resident.
Mr Macedone is also proud of the pro bono work he continues to do with Sutherland-based Enough is Enough.
"Everyone's entitled to be helped," he said.
