“I was staggered. I started out as a legal secretary and for the past 18 years I’ve been a certified practising conveyancer now at Stacks Law Firm and this award is just awesome,” she said.

She was awarded the Australian Institute of Conveyancers NSW Division CEO Award which recognises excellence in the conveyancing profession.

AIC CEO Chris Tyler said Mrs Phillips was highly respected by her peers and clients and she believes it is a privilege to help people through one of the most stressful events in their lives.

“Her standards are high and she conducts herself with professionalism,” Mr Tyler said.

Mrs Phillips was stunned by the award.

“People at the conference came up to me after the announcement and wanted to have their picture taken with me,” said Mrs Phillips, 60.

“It’s incredible to get this recognition when you work hard for so many years. It is the pinnacle of my career.”

Twenty years ago Mrs Phillips decided to do a conveyancing law and practice course through Macquarie University.

“It was crazy at home. I was doing the course by correspondence so I would be sitting at one end of the dining table studying while my two boys were at the other end doing their school homework.

“On top of that my husband Stephen was studying nursing. He’s retired now and my boys have their own careers. I'm a grandmother - Kristopher is 37 and in the army, while Dale is 32 and a chef.”

Mrs Phillips said she enjoys helping clients with the complex legal work involved in buying and selling real estate.

“It can get very complicated making sure who has ownership, dealing with mortgages and banks, surveyors, stamp duties and the Lands Registry.

“One of the major aspects of my work around the Manning Valley is intergenerational transfer of property when farmers want to pass on their property to their children.”

When Mrs Phillips is not involved in those complicated matters, she is an enthusiastic singer in the Manning Valley Choral Society and loves reading books.

Stacks managing director Justin Stack said Mrs Phillips has long been dedicated to her work helping people buy and sell property.

“Merrill is absolutely determined to be accurate in her work and she does it with a cheerful smile. She makes clients feel comfortable and they know they are in safe hands. Everyone at Stacks congratulates her for this much deserved award.”

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