Sheena Kearsey – Senior Office Manager
Sheena brings to the management of Burke Elphick & Mead™ almost 20 years’ experience in the banking industry.
Sheena ensures that our practice continues to grow and operate efficiently. She understands that an efficient practice is in the best position to deliver high quality and cost effective legal services.
Sheena’s goal is to ensure that the lawyers at Burke Elphick & Mead™ are able to concentrate on their clients’ problems and develop their legal skills by having an efficiently operating office supporting them. This is a job that she does extremely well.
Sheena combines the management of our growing practice with the very busy task of mum to three young children.
Email. skearsey@bemlaw.com.au
Karly Dowsett – Legal Secretary & Justice of the Peace
Diploma – Legal Secretarial
Karly is our senior administrative assistant and provides assistance to Merridy and Ashley in all of our Family Law matters.
Karly’s dedication and professionalism make her an essential part of our Family Law practice. Karly and Merridy have been working together for six years and our clients and colleagues know them to be an efficient and organised team.
Email. kdowsett@bemlaw.com.au
Kathleen O'Farrell – Paralegal to Michael Burke and Justice of the Peace
Kathleen has worked with Michael on Crime and Traffic Law matters for a number of years. She applies the skills developed over those years to ensure quality preparation of our client’s matters. She is the file manager for the Criminal Law team. She is involved in and has personal knowledge of each matter in the practice. Due to the nature of his work, Michael is often in Court and away from the office. During these times, Kathleen is available at the office to field your calls and assist with your enquiries. She will ensure that your enquiries are effectively relayed to Michael so the response to you is prompt and accurate.
As Kathleen has a comprehensive knowledge of the files and the criminal law procedures that apply to them she is able to assist with conferences and attendances at court.
Janette Curan – Personal Assistant to Emma Mead
Janette is the personal assistant to Emma Mead and assists her in all areas of her practice. Her years of experience and professionalism enable her to relate to all people in a helpful, effective and understanding manner. Her exceptional organisational skills have proven to be invaluable.
Email. jcuran@bemlaw.com.au
Katie Whitall – Legal Secretary
Katie has worked in legal firms for over five years. She initially worked in private practice dealing in criminal and civil matters. Prior to making the move to Burke Elphick & Mead™ she worked at the Newcastle Office of Legal Aid.
Katie is Nick Pidcock’s personal assistant and has a working knowledge of all his files. They are an exceptional team, ensuring that all of Nick’s clients receive friendly, efficient and professional legal services.
Email. kwhitall@bemlaw.com.au
Abby Warren – Legal Secretary
Abby is the file manager for the Criminal Law team. She is involved in and has personal knowledge of each matter in the practice.
Due to the nature of their work, our criminal lawyers are often in court and away from the office. During these times, Abby is available at the office to field your calls and assist with your inquiries.
Although she is new to the Legal profession Abby has worked in administration for over 6 years including a year in London. Abby has quickly made herself an irreplaceable part of the Burke Elphick & Mead™ Criminal Law Team.
Email. awarren@bemlaw.com.au
Karoline Bardsley – Legal Secretary
Karoline came to Burke Elphick & Mead Lawyers on a 12mth Maternity Relief contract to cover our Senior Administrative assistant in Family Law. Karoline has a background in administration & Human Resources.
Karoline is highly efficient and her organization is integral to the smooth operations of the Family Law Team. Although Karoline will be assisting Merridy and Ashley while Karly is on Maternity Leave you can expect to see her remain part of the team.
Melanie Volkl – Receptionist
Mel joined Burke Elphick & Mead from outside the legal profession. After working in retail for many years she came with the insight into the importance of delivering quality customer service with a smile.
Her hard work, friendly nature and desire to achieve made her integration into our team a very smooth process.
Mel is the first person you will speak to if you phone or call into the Newcastle office. She has the demanding role of linking you to your desired staff member and communicating your message in an efficient and professional manner.
Lucas Amery – Legal Word Processor
Lucas has worked as a legal word processor for 4 years. His proficiency and knowledge of computers combined with his speed and accuracy on the keyboard ensure all work is completed without delay. He is an integral member of our team.
Email. lamery@bemlaw.com.au
