In a recent insightful conversation with Melissa Barlas, the founder of Conveyed and the recipient of the prestigious Sole Practitioner of the Year award at the Australian Law Awards, we explored her inspiring journey into the legal profession, the challenges she overcame, and the strategies she employed to build a successful law firm in just two years. Melissa’s story is a testament to dedication, innovation, and the power of connecting with clients and colleagues on a human level. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation.

Passion Ignites the Journey

Melissa’s love for the property market was instilled in her from a young age, thanks to her father’s involvement in the building industry. This early exposure fueled her passion for property law, leading her to work as a paralegal and later establish her own practice, Conveyed, in Melbourne. Her enthusiasm for the law and conveyancing became the driving force behind her successful career.

Empowering through Podcasts and Social Media

Melissa shared valuable insights into marketing strategies for small law firms. Acknowledging that lawyers aren’t inherently trained in marketing, she highlighted the importance of understanding one’s target audience. Recognizing that millennials, especially Gen Y, are active podcast listeners, Melissa created The First Home Show podcast catering to first-time homebuyers. This initiative not only empowered her audience but also significantly contributed to Conveyed’s rapid client base growth.

In addition to podcasts, Melissa emphasized the power of social media, particularly platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Being active on these platforms, posting regularly, and engaging with the audience helped her maintain a strong online presence, fostering organic growth for her firm.

Leadership and Team Collaboration

Melissa’s approach to management and leadership is refreshing. In an industry often marked by rigid hierarchies, Melissa adopts a collaborative leadership style. She believes in involving her team in discussions about the business direction, creating a sense of belonging, and ensuring her employees feel valued and connected to the company’s values. Recognizing and leveraging each team member’s strengths, she strategically assigns roles, promoting efficiency and job satisfaction.

Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being

Addressing a critical issue in the legal profession, Melissa emphasized the significance of mental health support within law firms. She stressed the importance of fostering a safe environment where team members can openly discuss their concerns without fear of repercussions. Melissa advocated for more widespread implementation of mental health measures, pointing out the need for trust and support from employers.