Our Team

Merridy Elphick – Founder & Partner

Bachelor of Social Sciences
Bachelor of Law
Diploma Legal Practice
University of Newcastle

I spend a lot of time with clients who are unable to reach an agreement with regard to either the arrangements for their children or their property.  Many clients need time to consider their options. A few clients want some advice before they make a decision to separate. Family law is a very personal area and each of my clients handles their matter in a different way.

Merridy is a trained mediator and believes that for many people the best result is one that is achieved without litigation.  She understands mediation can only be of value when both parties’ interests are well taken care of. Unfortunately, some people are unable to resolve their differences without the intervention of Family Court proceedings. Merridy frequently appears in matters in Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

With clients located throughout Australia, she has represented people from a wide demographic over the years. 

While studying at Newcastle University Merridy worked as a volunteer with the University of Newcastle Public Interest Advocacy Centre on inquests into Police shootings and provided voluntary work for legal educators in East Timor. Her non legal work has included life as an organic farmer. Since giving up the tree change Merridy has pursued her passion and belief in human rights in her family law practice.

Michael Burke – Founder & Partner

Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Law
Diploma of Legal Practice
University of Newcastle

Michael’s new profile coming soon...

Facing the Court for any offence is a terrible experience.  Every day I tell people that regardless of whether they use us as their lawyer that they should do themselves a favour and get a Solicitor to appear.  Every day I sit in Court and watch unrepresented people  getting penalties that could have been avoided if they were able to put their case forward properly.

Emma Mead – Partner

Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Law (Honours)
University of Newcastle
Accredited Specialist Personal Injury Law

Emma graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1992. In 1993 she commenced a Bachelor of Laws, graduating with Honours in 1995.

That year Emma started her career in personal injury law with Stacks the Law Firm in Sydney. Emma has practiced exclusively in personal injury law since that time and has represented many hundreds of people who have had the misfortune to be injured in a car accident, at work or in public place.

In 2000 Emma became an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law, appointed through the Law Society of NSW, and in 2004 was appointed by the NSW Motor Accidents Authority as a Preferred Practitioner to provide legal services to families of brain injured and spinal cord injured children.

Emma understands the need to communicate with the parents of those children, as well as the team of specialists, social workers and insurance companies who assist in managing their child’s needs and rehabilitation. Emma is well respected by her peers, the insurers and the solicitors that advise them.

Emma has appeared in the District, Supreme and Court of Appeal representing her clients interests. 

After 13 years with Stacks, as a Partner and Director since 2003, Emma joined Merridy and Michael at Burke & Elphick in October 2008. Emma brings to Burke Elphick & Mead Lawyers a strong leadership role and many years of litigation experience. Emma is united with Michael and Merridy in continuing the professionalism that the firm is known for.

Nicholas Pidcock –Solicitor

Diploma of Law
Diploma of Legal Practice

Nick’s profile coming soon

Ana Grguric – Solicitor

Bachelor of Arts (Conflict Resolution/History)
Bachelor of Law
Diploma Legal Practice
Macquarie University

Ana has been practicing law for over 10 years, predominantly in the areas of civil, commercial and estate litigation.

She has represented her clients’ interests in the District and Supreme Courts as well as the Court of Appeal in New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia.

Ana is a dedicated and committed practitioner who takes great care of her clients, their legal best interests and will leave no stone unturned.

Maria Walz – Solicitor

Bachelor of Social Science
Bachelor of Law (Honours)
Diploma of Legal Practice
University of Newcastle

Maria Walz is a graduate of the University of Newcastle, completing a Bachelor of Social Science/ Bachelor of Laws (Hons)/ Diploma of Legal Practice in 2005. During her time at University, Maria was involved in the Newcastle University Law Students' Association, as an education officer, social justice officer and President. She also represented the University a number of times on the Australian Law Students' Association Council.

In 2006 she worked as Tipstaff to the Honourable Justice Graham Barr of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. 

Maria was hand picked by Burke Elphick & Mead™ Lawyers to be part of their growing criminal law team. Her tenacity and dedication to her clients has made her a valuable part of the Burke Elphick & Mead™ team. You will find Maria most days appearing in either the Local, District or Supreme Courts.

Maria believes in working and fighting hard for her client’s interests in matters involving driving offences or more serious Criminal Law charges.  She understands that each client’s case is of great significance to them, whether it is their drivers licence or liberty that is at risk.  When acting for her clients, Maria isn’t afraid to take on bigger opponents such as the New South Wales and Australian Federal Police Services, State and Commonwealth DPP Officers, Australian and New South Wales Crime Commissions, Department of Corrective Services and the Attorney Generals Office.

Whether guilty or innocent, every Criminal Law client should have the right to good legal representation to ensure that their interests are looked after.

Kara Greiner - Solicitor

Bachelor or Economics/Social Science
Bachelor of Laws
University of Sydney

Kara Greiner is a graduate of the University of Sydney, completing a Bachelor in Economics/Social Science and Bachelor of Laws. Following a period as the associate to His Honor Justice Gyles of the Federal Court Kara practiced as a criminal lawyer with the Marsdens Law Group. It was at Marsdens' Campbelltown office that Kara and Michael Burke first worked together as part of a Criminal Law team.

Practicing in both the south-west and inner city of Sydney, Kara has represented clients in all levels of jurisdiction including Local, District, Supreme courts, the ICAC, Mental Health Tribunal, Children’s Court and the Parole Board. She has had carriage of matters ranging from drink driving and possession of drug through to more complex matters such as murder, importation of heroin and corporate fraud. Kara approaches each matter with the same level of dedication and intensity - whether it be a traffic matter or a terrorism related offence. She has enjoyed working alongside and instructing some of Australia's leading barristers.

Outside of Court, Kara pursues interests in writing, radio and music. She is a member of the Sydney Theatre Company's youth fund raising committee Sticky and a volunteer at Sydney radio station FBi.

We are excited to have Kara as our senior criminal lawyer in our Sydney office.

Ashley Bithrey - Solicitor

BSc (Fors) (University of Newastle)
LL.B (University of Newcastle)
Dip Leg Prac (University of Newcastle)

Originally from Tamworth Ashley moved to Newcastle to study law and forensic science at Newcastle University. He joined Burke Elphick & Mead in April of 2008.  Ashley is a member of our Family Law team and works closely with Merridy and Karly in the conduct of all matters ranging from divorce applications, property, parenting disputes and child support.  Ashley is also a member of the Legal Aid panel for Family Law.

Ashley is a keen advocate who, along with his practice in family law, also has an interest in criminal law and has acted for clients in various criminal matters. He also accepts instructions in agency matters in a wide range of jurisdictions. He has experience appearing in the Local, District, Federal and Family Courts.

During his time at university Ashley was a member of the University of Newcastle Law Students Association and represented the university at the Australian Law Students Association Witness Examination Competition in Hobart.  Ashley continues to maintain an involvement with the university and contributes to publications when called upon by the Law Students Association.

When he is not working Ashley enjoys weight training as well as playing guitar.  He is an avid follower of Rugby Union and also enjoys fishing when weather and time permit.

Alice Davis - Solicitor

Bachelor of Economics
Bachelor of Law
Diploma of Legal Practice
University of Newcastle

Alice grew up in Dungog NSW and moved to Newcastle to Study Economics and Law.

She completed her Economics degree (majoring in economic policy analysis) in 2007 then went on to complete her Bachelor of Law / Diploma of legal Practice in 2009.

In her last 2 years of Law Alice did placement at the University of Newcastle Legal Centre & Burke Elphick and Mead Lawyers.

She continued clerking for Burke Elphick and Mead Lawyers on a casual basis until she joined the team full time in early 2010 working with Emma Mead and the Personal Injury team.

Alice was admitted to practice as a solicitor in Feb 2010.

Sheena Kearsey - Senior Office Manager

Sheena is new to the management of legal practices having come from the banking industry where she had almost 20 years experience.  She is manager extraordinaire of our growing practice and the very busy mum of three young children.

Karly Dowsett -  Legal Secretary & Justice of the Peace

Diploma – Legal Secretarial

Karly is our senior administrative assistant.

Karly is central to the smooth operation of our Family Law practice. She has a significant understanding of all our family law matters. Karly and Merridy have been working together for six years and our clients and colleagues know them to be an efficient and organised team.

Janette Curan - Personal Assistant to Emma Mead

Janette transferred to our firm with Emma Mead in October of 2008 and assists Emma in all areas of our busy personal injury practice. Her years of experience and professionalism enable her to relate to all people in a helpful, effective and understanding manner and her exceptional organisational skills have proven to be invaluable.

Katie Whitall -  Legal Secretary & Receptionist

Katie has worked in legal firms for over five years. She initially worked in a private firm dealing in criminal and civil matters and has worked at Legal Aid Newcastle before coming to Burke Elphick & Mead. Katie is our receptionist and handles all telephone and reception enquiries.

Abby Warren -  Legal Secretary

Abby is the file manager for the criminal law practice of our firm. She is involved in and has personal knowledge of each matter in the practice. Due to the nature of their work, Michael and Maria 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. 

She ensures that your enquiries are effectively relayed to Michael and Maria so their response to you is prompt and accurate. Although she is new to the Legal profession she has worked in administration for over 6 years including a year in London.

Abby is dedicated and responsible for the day to day running and organisation of the Crime Team.

Linda West – Justice of the Peace and Office Manager

Linda joined our firm with Emma Mead in 2008 and is one of our two office managers.  She has worked in the legal sector for 20 years and has a detailed understanding of client services.  She is responsible for the day to day running of our office.

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 of the keyboard ensure all work is completed without delay.  He is an integral member of our team.