Lisa Devine // Licensed Conveyancer // Balance Seeker
Community and Background
I joined the WorkLife Hub in Coledale after looking for a professional workspace close to home. I needed a calm, well‑equipped environment where I could meet clients if necessary, work efficiently and stay connected with other local professionals. Coledale offered the perfect balance, a supportive workspace, a great community and a location that fits beautifully with how I like to work.
Business and Entrepreneurship
The Conveyancing Office began after a period where my health forced me to slow down and reassess what I wanted my work life to look like. I realised I didn’t want to keep doing things the way I had been, long hours, high pressure, and very little control over how I supported clients. It became clear that if I was going to stay in this industry I love, I needed to do it on my own terms.
That turning point pushed me to create a practice built around clarity, calm communication and a healthier pace. Starting my own business meant I could work in a way that supported both my wellbeing and my clients — giving them the attention, updates and guidance they deserve, without the chaos of a traditional legal environment.
What began as a necessary change quickly became the best decision I’ve made. The Conveyancing Office has grown into a practice where I can work closely with clients, build strong relationships and deliver conveyancing in a way that feels sustainable, personal and genuinely helpful.
What does work-life balance look like for you? How do you manage the demands of work while ensuring time for family and personal life?
Work–life balance for me is about creating a business that fits around the things that matter most — my health, my family, and having a life outside of work. After dealing with health issues in the past, I realised I needed a way of working that didn’t drain me or take me away from my family. That’s shaped how I run my practice today.
I structure my days so I can be present for my kids, manage my workload in a calm and organised way, and still deliver the level of communication and care my clients expect. Remote work and flexible hours mean I can step out for family commitments, take a break when I need it, and then pick things back up when it suits.
For me, balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly — it’s about having the freedom to prioritise my wellbeing and my family while still running a business I’m proud of. The more I honour that balance, the better I am for my clients too.
In your industry, what recent disruptions or transitions have had the most significant impact on your business?
The most significant change in the conveyancing industry has been the introduction of Australia’s new Anti‑Money Laundering (AML) laws, which come into effect from 1 July. These reforms have completely reshaped the way conveyancers onboard clients, verify identity, assess risk and document the source of funds. It’s a major shift for an industry that has never operated under this level of compliance before.
For small practices like mine, the impact has been huge, new systems, new workflows, new technology, and a lot of client education. It has required a full rethink of how we collect information, how we store it, and how we manage matters from the very first interaction.
Another major transition has been the continued move toward digital conveyancing, with platforms like PEXA, InfoTrack and triSearch becoming essential for settlements, verification and document management. While these tools have streamlined a lot of processes, they’ve also required ongoing training and adaptation as the technology evolves.
Together, these changes have pushed the industry into a more regulated, more digital and more documentation heavy environment. For my business, it’s meant investing in better systems, refining processes and staying ahead of compliance so clients still experience a smooth, calm and well managed transaction, even as the industry shifts around us.
Personal Life
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and passions? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not focused on business or family?
Outside of work, I’m happiest when life is simple and grounded. I love beach walks, good food, and anything that lets me switch off and reset. I’m a bit of an organisation nerd, so I genuinely enjoy tidying, planning and making life run more smoothly, it’s strangely relaxing for me.
Are there any books or podcasts you’ve found particularly inspiring or informative recently? Any recommendations for the WorkLife community?
When I’m not working, I tend to unwind with things that are light, entertaining or a bit educational. I love true‑crime podcasts like Crime Junkie — perfect for switching off and getting absorbed in a good story.
But I’m just as happy watching The Big Bang Theory for something fun and easy, or diving into anything from the History Channel or Discovery Channel. I love documentaries and series that teach you something without feeling heavy, whether it’s history, science, or just interesting real world stories.
It’s a mix of entertainment and curiosity, and it’s the perfect balance for me when I want to relax and reset outside of work.
How do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life? Any top tips?
I keep boundaries by setting clear start and finish points to my day, being upfront with clients about response times, and keeping my work and home spaces separate as possible. I schedule personal and family time the same way I schedule work, so it doesn’t get pushed aside. And if I feel myself burning out, I stop and reset, it always makes me better for my clients and myself.
Home and Lifestyle
What is your taste like? Do you have a favourite item of furniture or object in your home? Anything that has special significance or tells a story about you?
My taste at home is pretty simple, calm and practical. I like things that feel organised, comfortable and lived in rather than overly styled. I’m drawn to neutral colours, natural textures and anything that makes a space feel relaxed and easy to be in. I don’t really have any one item with deep significance, I’m not overly sentimental with objects. What matters more to me is that my home feels peaceful and functional. If something is comfortable, useful or makes the space feel calmer, that’s enough for me.
What do you like/appreciate about the design at WorkLife? Any favourite touches or things that make you feel at home when you are at work?
What I appreciate most about WorkLife is the professional feel of the space. Everything is thoughtfully laid out, and professional, I also love the beachside location. There’s something grounding about being close to the coast, and it adds a calmness to the workday that you don’t get in a typical office. It’s a space that feels organised, welcoming and genuinely enjoyable to work from.
Productivity and Time Management
What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?
I stay organised by keeping simple, clear to do lists and breaking tasks into small steps. I batch similar work together so I’m not constantly switching between things, and I keep my workspace tidy so my mind feels the same. It helps me stay efficient while juggling clients, kids and everything else.
Benefits of WorkLife Membership
Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your work?
Working for yourself can be isolating, but being surrounded by other professionals all doing their own thing but still connected makes a huge difference. It feels like you’re part of something bigger. It’s a place where I can focus, reset and actually enjoy being at work.
