NDA Law has been nominated in four categories of the Australian Law Awards this year, proving boutique firms from South Australia can stand their ground against bigger national and multinational practices in Australia.
The prestigious annual awardsinclude a who’s who of the legal industry competing across 30 categories. NDA Law was selected as a national finalist for: Best Boutique Law Firm; Innovator of the Year; Managing Partner of the Year (Andrea Michaels), and NewLaw Firm of the Year.
Managing Director, Andrea Michaels, said to be nominated across a number of high-profile award categories this year was testimony to the expertise of her team of all-female lawyers, and to a targeted strategy that focuses squarely on SMEs throughout South Australia, as well as interstate.
“Our strategy has always been to remain a South Australian law firm with a national outlook. We understand that many of these smaller-to-medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our state – and legal services need to be tailored to meet their needs.
“It has been easy in the past for big name firms to ignore the requirements of the SME and family business client base. We wanted to change that by establishing a new kind of law firm that really values and welcomes smaller businesses, works in partnership with them, understands the challenges, and is incentivised to help them succeed. We do that without the need for timesheets which can create inefficiencies and prices legal services out of the market for many companies.”
The NDA team expanded to include an employment law practice offering services tailored to the SME marketplace. Fixed-fee billing options, lower cost monthly or annual retainers, industry specific legal and risk training, and HR support workshops are now available for clients.
NDA Law’s employment law specialist Thea Birss says research shows small businesses owners want more flexibility with legal services, and better value for money – especially in difficult periods like during the pandemic.
“Firms really need to make advisory services more accessible for SMEs, otherwise business owners try to navigate complex workplace laws on their own, often with damaging results. It’s not a good idea to try to go it alone or to wait until things get really bad. It’s better to seek advice at the beginning when we can help to do something about the issues.”
Ms Michaels says COVID-19 has created difficulties for many law firms, but NDA Law had been rewarded with clients who value the team approach to advisory services.
“When COVID-19 struck in March the phone was quiet for a few days, but then our clients started calling asking how we could help navigate the way through various workplace and business changes. We worked as a team alongside accountants, HR resources, and financial advisers to help many local businesses see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel and to make sure their businesses are robust enough to manage the storm. That’s what a good law firm can offer.
“We are delighted to be recognised as finalists in the Australian Law Awards. Our expertise can have a significant bottom line effect on SME business outcomes, and we are really proud of that.”
The national Australian Law Award winners will be announced in a live broadcast from Sydney on August 7th, 2020.