MGB LEGAL - Key Persons
Catherine joined our firm as a Legal Secretary in January 2022 and is the personal assistant to both Matthew Ellis in the commercial department and Laura Michel more in the litigation department. She has been a legal secretary in Perth on and off for 20 years while also raising a family.
Catherine types letters, documents and has extensive knowledge of court documents and procedures. In her spare time she enjoys weekend breaks, bush walking and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Receptionist
- Senior Paralegal
Maria joined MGB Legal as a Receptionist in October 2013. In 2014 she became an Assistant Paralegal progressing to a Paralegal in 2015.
Maria provides assistance in the preparation of wills and leases, and drafting routine documents. Maria also manages conveyancing (both sales and purchase) for vacant, commercial, industrial and residential properties, as well as finance transactions and business conveyancing and will soon be assisting in the practice management role as part of her main duties.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kelpies and exploring what WA has to offer!
Job Titles:
- Director
- Solicitor to the Australian Institute of Conveyancers
Matthew is a Director of MGB Legal. Matthew has had over 25 years of legal experience. He practices primarily in property and commercial matters, and has significant experience in wills and estates and litigation matters.
In particular, Matthew works primarily in the property law section of the firm, providing advice in relation to leasing, property development, conveyancing of both business and land, franchising and small business advice, strata titles and advice on general commercial law matters such as corporate compliance.
Matthew has a particular interest in property development work, and has assisted clients ranging from small 2 or 3 lot subdivisions, to multi level mixed use developments comprising 100 or more apartments.
He also provides services in relation to trusts and business structures, wills and estate planning.
Matthew is the current solicitor to the Australian Institute of Conveyancers (WA Division) and the former solicitor to the Business Brokers Associate of Western Australia. He routinely provides advice and services to members of the conveyancing and business broking industry as a result of this affiliation. In 2013, the Australia Institute of Conveyancers (WA Division) awarded Matthew the "Bruce Thurston" award, an annual award by the Institute to a person for their services to the conveyancing industry. Matthew's award is the first time a practising lawyer has received this award.
Outside of work Matthew provides an extensive taxi service for his two children and their various activities!
Melissa assists in the preparation of Settlements, Outside Clerk and general office duties. She is working toward being Assistant Paralegal in the near future.
In her spare time, she is a mum to a teenager and two staffies who always keep her on her toes. Mel enjoys camping and escaping to the wilderness when she can.
Rebekah Dawson was admitted to practice in 2013. She has practiced in areas of property law, commercial law and commercial litigation. Rebekah put her practicing certificate on hold for 7 years to work as a PEXA Partner for Property Exchange Australia and transition the national property industry to electronic conveyancing. She has recently renewed her practicing certificate and is eager to return to the workforce and make a positive impact in the industry. Rebekah has a strong track record of delivering practical and effective solutions, while maintaining ethical and professional standards. She has a focus on building and maintaining client relationships.
Sue has worked in the Accounting Industry for over 30 years and transitioned to managing a legal practice in 2008. Initially employed by Hammond Worthington and then MGB Legal Pty Ltd which commenced practice in April 2009.
Sue manages all aspects of the legal practice and uses her accounting knowledge for preparation of Financial Statements , tax planning and estimates of tax liabilities for cash flow purposes during the year. She has an excellent knowledge of Trust Accounting requirements and attends to the documentation required for the annual audit each year.
Sue has children and grandchildren that live overseas and travels regularly for family visits. In her spare time she looks after a new granddaughter twice a week and follows a large range of sports ; in particular AFL as a member and Eventing as a former volunteer and Treasurer of Clubs in WA.