Meet The Team
The Skilled Conveyancing Team
Dawn Barry
Founder, Director and Licensed Conveyancer
Dawn is the original Founder of Skilled Conveyancing, has been working in the conveyancing industry since 1984, became a Licensed Conveyancer in 2008 and holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Conveyancing) Swinburne.
Dawn takes every client under her wing, treating them as one of her own! Her experience in Conveyancing is remarkable, offering all her knowledge to her clients to ensure that they are never blindsided during a transaction. Her family orientated personality, kindness and hard-working nature is a reflection of the repeat business she has encountered throughout the years.
When not at work, Dawn likes spending time with her family and beloved Border Collie “Coco” at home and at her son’s farm with magnificent views and simple living. She is a passionate Essendon supporter and especially loves her healing work as a Psychic Medium.
Grace McCluskey
Operations Manager and Licensed Conveyancer
Grace works full time and joined Skilled Conveyancing in December 2019 as a full time Conveyancing Assistant and has obtained her Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Conveyancing) in 2022 and enjoys the continuing learning and challenges of conveyancing.
Grace is our Operations Manager and sets about each day ensuring that the Team at Skilled keep the flow of work moving to the standards we provide to our clients.
She is very popular with our clients as she has an amazing personality and sense of humour.
She works hard to ensure that our clients understand the process and is happy to answer any questions and is also very vigilant with dates and tasks.
She has acquired the skill to chase the Banks when they don’t respond in a timely manner so the file continues to run smoothly in the interests of our clients.
Grace loves being at home and her hobbies outside of work consist of reading and spending time with her beloved dog Holly.
Katrina Abrams
Licensed Conveyancer
Katrina has been in the legal industry for 30 years with 20 of those in the Conveyancing field and brings extensive knowledge and experience. She was the owner and Director of Eureka Conveyancing for 12 years before joining forces with Skilled Conveyancing in 2024. She holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Conveyancing) and was also a qualified Paralegal in the United States, where she resided for 14 years before returning to Australia.
Katrina dedicates her time caring about her clients and keeping informed of the ever-changing requirements of Conveyancing and technology to ensure that they are given sound professional advice. She values people, teamwork and integrity and is committed to delivering a friendly, efficient and reliable experience.
Away from work, Katrina loves to travel and experience what the world has to offer! She loves her family, sports of all kinds – basketball has always been a passion, music and spending time with friends enjoying life!
Jess Petrus
Licensed Conveyancer
Jess is a Licensed Conveyancer with over five years of experience in the industry. Having worked at reputable firms, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
Jess is big advocator for her clients and passionate about all things conveyancing. She has obtained her Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing and is equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of conveyancing, enabling her to handle complex transactions with ease. Jess specialises in problem solving, negotiation and legal drafting, allowing her to deliver top-tier service and legal guidance that is both efficient, friendly and legal-jargon free!
Jess is a passionate Carlton supporter whose interests include soccer (crazy Barcelona FC supporter), tennis, travelling, and spending time with her beloved Kelpie, Nusha!
Lana Turchete
Conveyancer
Lana has over 7 years experience in the legal industry with a strong passion for Property Law across Brazil and Australia.
She was admitted in 2018 as an overseas Lawyer and has worked directly with Senior Management on complex property developments as well residential purchases and sales. Lana will become a Licensed Conveyancer in 2024 and shall complete her studies in Melbourne to become an Australian Lawyer.
She has become an essential member of our team through her open and friendly outlook and her willingness to help our clients.
Lana is known for her calm nature and ability to address our clients needs. She takes pride in welcoming and reassuring new and existing clients.
When Lana is not working, you can find her outdoors exploring new places. She loves spending time with her family and friends; and has a soft spot for animals. She enjoys reading the Bible, hiking, watching movies, travelling, exercising, trying new restaurants and cafes, and spending time with her loved ones.
Andrea Murnane
Conveyancing Assistant and Administration Leader
With 7 years as Conveyancing Assistant to Katrina Abrams at Eureka Conveyancing and 14 years of previous experience from working in the real estate industry, Andrea has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to residential property matters.
Andrea’s attention to detail and friendly, approachable nature are the qualities that our office prides itself on. Her commitment to professionalism and her role in managing the administrative aspects of conveyancing transactions contribute to Skilled Conveyancing’s reputation for excellence.
Out of the office, you can find Andrea proudly supporting her two sons on the sidelines at the local football and basketball games, or walking their dog Charli around the local Ballarat walking tracks.
Trent Taylor
Director and CEO
Trent is a Global Award Winning Business Growth and Leadership Trainer/Coach whose 2 simple rules of leading and growing businesses are; 1) Be curious, and 2) be congruent (practise what you preach).
He took over the running of Skilled Conveyancing in Jan 2023 and is super excited to make the business even stronger and expand its operations to support clients all over Victoria (and soon to be NSW and QLD).
Trent has a long family history founding and growing this business, it is now time for Trent to take it to the next level for our amazing team and our loyal client base, to ensure they are guided during a very stressful time of their life, when buying and selling their property.
When not running Skilled Conveyancing, Trent can be found working on his cattle fattening farm in the NE of Victoria, playing golf or riding his adventure motorbike in the mountains with mates.
Testimonials From Our Clients
“Katrina was very professional and kept us informed on everything throughout the process. She was very approachable and prompt with her responses.”
“I would like to thank you for all your hard work, help and professionalism during my house purchase. I have no doubt that without you, things would not have gone as smoothly or efficiently. Without a doubt I will be a return customer when the time comes.”
“Our deepest gratitude to Katrina for her tireless work and attention to detail. It was a joy to work with both of you.”
“Just want to say thank you for the expert and hassle free way in which you handled the business of buying and selling of my properties. Being an older person, it presented a most daunting prospect to me, but your friendly and professional manner put me at ease and made it all worry free. It has been a pleasure to be associated with you. Skilled Conveyancing has certainly lived up to its name, thank you so much to you and your team!”
“Thank you Katrina & Eureka Conveyancing team. It’s always been a stress free and smooth process with you and even through this sometimes very stressful situation you have been amazing.”
“I’d just like to thank you personally for all your help this year. I realise that you are paid professionals but it’s the little pieces of advice and expertise here and there and after sales service that makes you very valuable business associates to me. Thank you for all your work!”
“A huge thank you once again for all your great work in helping me secure my new home! I could not be more pleased or appreciative of how you guys go about your business ensuring everything runs smoothly and hassle-free!”