With over three decades of experience in conveyancing and property law, Fiona Sephton has built a reputation as a trusted leader in the industry. Starting her career as a paralegal in 1986, she quickly developed a passion for property law and has since become a licensed conveyancer. Alongside her husband Colin, Fiona is a Co-Director and Principal of Lane & Lane Conveyancing and Property Law. The firm was initially opened over twenty years ago as Lane & Lane and was re-branded in 2022 to reflect their specialised focus. Since its early establishment, Fiona and her team have built their firm on a foundation of enduring, meaningful relationships.
“Over the last 21 years of running our business in Hornsby we have focussed strongly on building and maintaining our connections with local businesses who are part of our network such as local agents, lending managers of the major banks, mortgage brokers, surveyors, planners and valuers. We give our utmost to support the clients those businesses refer to us. We are available when those businesses need our support with information, strategies and help with interpreting legislation. We speak at seminars and client information sessions which the local businesses run. The support and loyalty that we have given over the years to these local businesses builds their trust in us and has led to very strong referrals of business.”
This dedication to collaboration, trust and mutual support is evidence enough of Fiona’s expertise as a skilled networker and communicator, two attributes that have greatly enhanced her business. In this article Fiona details some of her sage advice and learnings from throughout her career, that have assisted her to develop Lane & Lane Conveyancing and Property Law into the success it is today.
“We have very strong connections with the business owners and teams in local legal practices in the upper north shore and northern suburbs as well as other local professionals and organisations. We are always respectful and professional in our dealings with other local professionals which encourages the expansion of the referral network. I always encourage discussion with other local professionals if anyone needs support. I have set up bi-annual day spa days with a group of local property conveyancers so that we can meet socially to support each other and enjoy relaxing time out together. I have also set up a women’s business networking group which meets once a month to discuss relevant issues and support each other with IT, social media, and other business issues. The women from this group are from a variety of local businesses from legal, accounting, family law counselling, property agents, marketing, mortgage broking, aged care, banking, and hospitality. We have also established trusted relationships with the members of this group and now cross refer clients to each other.”
“My team and I are always in contact with clients to keep them up to date with progress on their file. We are prompt to respond with questions and information. We always respond to phone calls and emails the same day (and generally within the hour). I often work late hours into the evening and on weekends where clients need support so that they have the opportunity to move forward on a property sale or purchase without having to wait for the next business day. We are also regularly communicating with our clients on the next steps in their transaction.”
“Often a property sale or purchase is a standalone transaction for a client, and we are not in regular contact after it is settled. However, we have a strong presence in our local community through our networking, supporting local charities and other businesses and most of our team lives locally and so we are involved in local activities such as sports, schools and church. My husband and I also play in a local band, so we are seen regularly in the community playing at local markets and supporting local charity events. Therefore, even though we may not have a direct connection with our clients once their transaction is settled, we have a strong local presence.”
Fiona’s insights clearly show how important building and maintaining strong, supportive relationships within the local community and professional network is to her and her firm. Her active collaboration with local professionals, consistent and timely communication with clients, engagement in community activities, and focus on delivering exceptional service, has seen Lane & Lane Conveyancing and Property Law be the worthy recipient of numerous awards, including recently being named the winner of the 2024 Legal Services category at the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Local Business Awards. This recognition has in turn, attributed to not only the continued success of the firm but also their overall approach to maintaining strong, long-lasting connections to ensure repeat patronage.
“Being involved in the local business awards for the last 7 years is a strong encouragement for attracting repeat business. But the most important aspect is giving our clients exceptional service. They often comment that they wouldn’t go anywhere else as they have had a great experience and feel at ease knowing that they are being fully supported.”
This is clearly reflected in Lane & Lane’s impressive ability to retain 5.0 stars on google. One of these recent reviews noted, “we felt that Fiona had our best interests at heart, and the professionalism and care provided gave us complete peace of mind throughout the entire process”.
Fiona Sephton’s dedication to her profession and her community is what sets Lane & Lane Conveyancing and Property Law apart. Her focus on building lasting, meaningful relationships, both with clients and local businesses, has been the cornerstone of the firm’s success. Whether through consistent communication, active collaboration, or engaging in community events, Fiona and her team have created a trusted network that supports the local property market and ensures clients feel supported every step of the way. As Lane & Lane continues to thrive, their commitment to exceptional service and community involvement remains at the heart of their business—proving that success is built on trust, expertise, and genuine care.
