Canberra family law firm Parker Coles Curtis is at the forefront of Australian legal innovation.
With three female directors at the helm, the pandemic saw the firm launch their Loungeroom Lawyer digital service in September 2020, providing an online lifeline to those struggling to access family law support in the traditional way.
Parker Coles Curtis director Jacquelyn Curtis said her firm’s strong values to provide care and choice to clients navigating their way through a separation and family law issue is at the heart of their Loungeroom Lawyer product.
“We are conscious of providing flexible times for people to engage with us and the need to cater to people from diverse backgrounds,” Ms Curtis said.
“The idea came from my own personal experience with having a family law relationship breakdown and being time poor as a single mum to a young child.”
The Loungeroom Lawyer initiative uses technology to break down barriers by having video conference or phone appointments scheduled from 6.30pm onwards at a fixed fee, unlike other law firms where clients are required to try and work around their job and childcare, and might have no idea how much they’ll be paying until they walk out the door.
Loungeroom Lawyer charges a fixed fee of $299 for 45 minutes with a family law expert lawyer, sessions are offered five nights a week and can be arranged within 24 hours of booking an appointment.
“The community-based services where people are looking to get one-off advice are so overwhelmed, and people needing family law services need prompt and accurate advice,” Ms Curtis said.
“We’ve found virtual communication has been a really good option for women, in particular, who just can’t face going through a traditional legal process. They can talk to a lawyer after the kids have gone to bed, in the comfort of their own home, without any pressure, and at a time that’s convenient for them.”
So far, over 80 per cent of people using Loungeroom Lawyer have been women and Ms Curtis said they feel it’s an affordable, non-threatening way to access legal support and find some peace of mind.
Parker Coles Curtis have also received an inaugural Lawyers Weekly Champions of Pride Award for diversity within their firm and committing to being culturally and LGBTQI+ friendly.
To find out how Parker Coles Curtis can help you, visit parkercolescurtis.com.au or call 5114 2660.
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