Danielle Burge – 10/03/2026
International Women’s Day offers an opportunity to recognise the leadership, resilience and expertise of women across all industries and professions.
In conveyancing, that recognition carries particular significance.
The Australian conveyancing workforce is proudly female-led, with women building their own businesses, guiding clients through complex transactions, and mentoring the next generation of practitioners.
The Australian Institute of Conveyancers itself was founded by three women – a powerful legacy that continues to shape the profession today.
To mark International Women’s Day 2026, AICVIC is proud to spotlight six longstanding members whose careers span decades of regulatory reform, technological change and professional evolution.
Their stories reflect not only personal achievement but the collective strength of women supporting women, and the enduring human heart of conveyancing.
Elizabeth Barbaro | Absolute Conveyancing
Elizabeth’s career in property began in 1975, typing contract notes for a real estate office as agents prepared the contracts by hand. It was meticulous work, often completed using carbon paper to produce four copies at once. If there was a mistake, it meant carefully correcting each page with whiteout – or worse still, having to tear it up and start again! For Elizabeth, however, even then there was something deeply satisfying about the detail and structure of the process.
After moving to a city solicitor’s office and later assisting her husband with conveyancing for his building projects, she discovered what would become her lifelong profession. What began as helping with family developments in the early 1990s eventually led her to formal study at Kangan Batman TAFE, where she completed her Diploma of Legal Practice.
In 2002, Elizabeth opened her own practice – something she admits she never imagined possible, but is incredibly proud of to this day. Known for her calm manner and personal service, Elizabeth takes pride in the long-term relationships she has built. Many of her clients are repeat business or have referred their family and friends, which is a testament to Elizabeth’s steady professionalism and integrity.
And while the changes she’s witnessed in the industry over the last 50 years have been nothing short of extraordinary, Elizabeth believes that the heart of conveyancing remains unchanged: careful attention to detail, clear communication, and genuine care for clients navigating one of life’s biggest financial decisions.
Working in a predominantly female profession has fostered a spirit of collaboration and mutual support for Elizabeth. She has seen firsthand how women who once began in administrative roles went on to educate themselves, build their own practices from scratch, and shape the industry in meaningful ways.
Her advice to women entering the profession is simple but heartfelt: “Stay curious, and continue learning as technology and legislation is always evolving. Build strong professional relationships and never underestimate the value of clear communication. Most importantly, have confidence in your skills and judgment; your professionalism and care make a real difference to the people you serve”.
Kim Were | Astute Conveyancing
Kim’s journey in conveyancing began in 1983 at just 17 years old, preparing Transfers of Land on a typewriter using demy paper. From those early days in the legal profession, she worked across different areas of law before finding her path as a conveyancer under the guidance of an empowering female business owner.
When that mentor retired in 1996, Kim made the bold decision to establish Astute Conveyancing from her home office. Armed with experience, determination and a long-term vision, she steadily built her client base while
studying off campus to complete her Associate Diploma of Business. Later, she undertook further study at RMIT to obtain her conveyancing licence; ensuring that her practical experience was matched with formal qualifications.
The early years were anything but easy. Kim worked from home for six years, initially on her own before gradually employing staff and eventually moving the business into its current shopfront premises. During that same period she navigated the loss of her mother, all while raising her young daughter and growing a practice from the ground up.
Through it all, one constant remained: her daughter.
Growing up alongside the business, Kim’s daughter witnessed first-hand the long hours, the pressure and the quiet determination it took to succeed. That shared journey created a deep understanding between them. “If it wasn’t for my daughter’s support, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have,” Kim reflects.
That resilience has carried Kim through nearly four decades in the profession – a period marked by significant industry change. From paper settlements and face-to-face exchanges to the current digital workspace, Kim has adapted to every evolution. While she fondly remembers the camaraderie of the ‘in person’ era, she also recognises the efficiencies and safeguards that modern conveyancing systems now provide.
With experience spanning generations of reform, Kim firmly believes that time spent truly learning the industry is invaluable before stepping out on your own. Practical knowledge, she says, builds the confidence and competence required to run a successful practice.
In August, Astute Conveyancing will celebrate 30 years in business. From a home office to a dedicated team, Kim’s practice stands as proof of what persistence, adaptability and belief can achieve.
Meliha Tavsancioglu | Meadow Heights Conveyancing Services
Servicing Melbourne’s hard-working western suburbs for the last 40 years, Meliha has built a conveyancing career grounded in integrity, loyalty and community connection.
She began working in a solicitor’s firm in Ascot Vale in 1986, initially in an administrative role. Drawn to conveyancing and encouraged by a supportive solicitor, Meliha stepped into the role when an opportunity arose – and she never looked back. Four decades later, including more than 25 years running her own practice, her passion remains as strong as ever.
For Meliha, “the client’s satisfaction is my satisfaction.” Much of her work comes through word-of-mouth and referrals, with no need for advertising. She has assisted multiple generations of the same families – from parents to children, and now grandchildren – which is a testament to the trust she has earned within her community.
Over the years, Meliha has navigated significant industry change, from evolving education requirements and GST reforms to anti-money laundering regulations and the transition to PEXA. Throughout it all, the support of AICVIC and Meliha’s long-standing team – including staff who have been with her for more than 25 years – has been invaluable.
Balancing business ownership with raising three children and now helping care for her grandchildren has required resilience and sacrifice. Meliha even built her first office at the back of her family home, creating a model that allowed her to grow professionally while prioritising family.
The proudest moment of Meliha’s career came at the grand opening of her current office four years ago, when an overwhelming community turnout reflected the respect she has earned.
Meliha’s advice to women entering the profession is simple: work hard, gain trust, act in your client’s best interest, and success will follow.
Tracey Francis | TM Conveyancing Services
With more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, Tracey started her career as a legal receptionist at just 18 years of age. Mentored by a supportive employer who then trained her in conveyancing, she quickly discovered a profession that offered both constant learning and meaningful human connection.
What began as a ‘side hustle’ helping friends and family with property transactions gradually evolved into a business of her own built on trust, expertise and determination. In 2006, after being retrenched from her day job while raising a young family, Tracey gave herself six months to turn her small business into something sustainable. Nearly two decades later, that leap of faith has grown into an award-winning conveyancing firm grounded in empathy, transparency and genuine care.
Over the last 30 years, Tracey has witnessed significant changes and advancements in the industry – from typewriters and paper files to electronic settlements and the introduction of PEXA. While periods of reform prompted some practitioners to retire from conveyancing altogether, Tracey embraced these changes as part of her professional growth.
Tracey’s resilience was tested again in 2016, when her teenage son was diagnosed with leukemia. Faced with the challenge of balancing family and business, she reached out to her peers for support. The response from a trusted colleague and the broader AICVIC community was, in her words, “absolutely phenomenal.” With others stepping in to help, her business continued to operate as a powerful example of women supporting women within the profession. Today, Tracey’s son is now 25 and has been cancer-free for many years. He is also the proud father of two children, Tracey’s much-adored grandchildren.
In the ever-changing landscape of the conveyancing industry, Tracey remains most passionate about guiding clients calmly through what can be a stressful process. “I always say, there is no such thing as a stupid question”, remarks Tracey of her empathy-first philosophy.
Recently recognised as ALIBI’s 2025 Aspiring Leader of the Year and recipient of the 2025 Client Choice Award for Best Conveyancing Firm Under $30 Million, Tracey encourages women entering the profession to lean into mentorship, embrace education and never stop learning.
Christine (Chris) Walsh | Walsh Conveyancing
With 24 years of experience in the conveyancing industry, Chris has built a career defined by resilience, warmth and an unwavering commitment to both her clients and her family.
Chris began her working life in a legal firm as an executive assistant, but quickly realised that sitting behind dictaphones wasn’t for her. What she loved was people – the conversations, the emotions, and the human side of property transactions. Conveyancing suited Chris’ personality perfectly, as it allowed her to combine legal knowledge with genuine connection; guiding clients through one of the most significant financial and emotional milestones of their lives.
Early on, a passing comment from a senior mortgage broker – that she would only ever “get married and have babies” – fuelled Chris to make the bold decision to go out on her own. Her motivation was clear: to create a life where she could have a meaningful career and raise a family. “You can have it all,” she says. “You can be present for the kids’ dance concerts and footy games, but it takes hard work.”
Family remains at the heart of everything Chris does, and this perspective shapes the way she supports her clients. She understands that behind every contract is a story: first-home buyers taking a leap, families navigating separation, or parents helping children purchase their first property. Chris’ reassuring approach and ability to guide people calmly through complex or emotional transactions underpins her business, with 99% of her work now coming through word-of-mouth referrals and repeat clients.
Chris has also embraced the industry’s evolution over the last 24 years, from manual processes to electronic settlements and digital documentation. While technology has streamlined practice, she believes empathy and personal care remain the true foundations of success.
A proud member of the AICVIC for over 20 years now, she credits the Institute with providing education, advocacy and a powerful network of professionals who support rather than compete with one another.
Reflecting on her many personal and professional achievements, Chris proudly remarks, “If it all stopped tomorrow, I’d have no regrets.”
Elissa Robertson | BE Conveyancing + Law Collective
With 38 years of experience in the conveyancing industry, Elissa’s career began straight out of school – although at the time, she had no idea she was stepping into what would become her life’s work.
At 18, she secured a role as a trainee legal secretary in a city firm, working under a senior conveyancer. She didn’t even know what a title was when she started. But the more she learned about property law and the settlement process, the more fascinated she became. In many ways, she reflects, conveyancing chose her.
Drawn to both the technical precision and the human side of property transactions, Elissa found deep satisfaction in guiding clients through significant life milestones. That passion eventually led her to establish her own practice in 2003, starting as a solo operator in a two-bedroom flat. 23 years later, she leads a thriving team and remains as energised by the industry as ever.
A natural early adopter, Elissa was one of the first practitioners to become PEXA accredited when electronic settlements transformed the profession. While many viewed the transition as daunting, she saw opportunity. For her, change has always been part of conveyancing’s appeal. “It’s never boring,” she says. “You have to embrace the changes and enjoy adapting.” The shift to digital platforms significantly improved efficiency, but in her view, technology is only powerful when paired with strong leadership and client care.
Over the years, her growth has extended beyond technical expertise. Determined to become not just a great conveyancer but a great business leader, Elissa invested in coaching, mentorship and professional development to build a strong, empowered team. More recently, she entered into partnership with property lawyer Bev Adams, a move that required courage after more than two decades as a sole business owner. The result has been a true collaboration grounded in mutual respect, shared vision and the strength of women supporting women.
Elissa speaks passionately about the female pioneers who carved space for independent conveyancers – women who began in support roles and boldly stepped into business ownership. Their courage, she believes, has shaped the opportunities available today.
Her proudest achievement is not simply building a successful firm, but evolving from practitioner to director; creating space for her team to flourish and grow.
Elissa’s advice to women in the industry is clear and empowering: Know your worth. Conveyancing is not just about technical skill, it is about who you are as a person. Empathy, communication and guidance are not just soft skills; they are superpowers.
The stories of these six members reflect more than individual success – they represent the strength, adaptability and leadership of women across the conveyancing profession.
From carbon paper to electronic settlements, and home offices to thriving practices, their journeys highlight the evolution of an industry built and sustained by women.
As the profession continues to adapt and grow, AICVIC remains committed to advocacy, education and fostering a strong, supportive community for its members.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate not only how far conveyancing has come, but the women who continue to move it forward.