Lucy Stramandinoli and Anna Neilan opened their family law firm in January 2017, wanting to provide a boutique service to family law clients that focuses on the most efficient and cost-effective solutions. Anna and Lucy are passionate about assisting their clients, with a genuine care for their clients’ outcomes that sets them apart. They each bring over 20 years of experience working in family law.
What tactics have you found most effective for building professional relationships?
We work closely with other professionals such as counsellors, psychologists, accountants and financial planners to provide a holistic approach to a client’s family law matter. We have excellent referral relationships with other professionals so that we can focus on the law whilst the client is receiving all the support and guidance they need.
What advice do you have for women looking to advance their careers in your industry?
Find your “tribe” – lawyers who share the same values and work ethic as you. We have had some great mentors and support as young lawyers, and we pass that mentoring and support to our younger staff members.
How important is continuous learning is in your field?
Being up to date, particularly with the law is extremely important when looking after clients. We give advice, represent clients in court proceedings and other forms of dispute resolution processes such as mediation, collaboration and negotiations. It is imperative that we are up to date with legal changes and developments to provide our clients with the best possible advice and assistance.
How do you stay up to date with developments in your industry?
As we are at the coalface of how the Courts apply the law, it is important that we are continually updating our professional development by being up to date with law changes, emergence of case law, and social science research. We support our staff attending regular professional development opportunities such as conferences, seminars and other educational opportunities. It is also part of our yearly requirements when applying for a practicing certificate that certain hours of professional development be completed.
What are some important qualities women require to excel in their careers?
Be genuine and respectful of clients and other professionals. It is important to understand a client’s problem to be able to not only provide advice but to create a process that is best suited for their circumstances so that a resolution can be achieved as quickly as possible. We are fierce advocates for our clients whether in the negotiation space or the Court space.
Are there any challenges you are currently addressing in your role?
Access to justice is a significant barrier for many people. We are conscious of this and work with and volunteer for organisations that provide legal support to vulnerable people.
How does your business contribute to your local community?
One of our values is to give back to the community. We do a lot of volunteer work including volunteering at advice clinics and some legal aid work. We regularly donate to causes in the community and are involved in fundraising efforts for various causes, not necessarily related to family law. For example, in addition to our regular charitable contributions, we were part of this year’s Hands Across Canberra Appeal supporting local charities.
Call Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law on 02 6152 0493 or visit nsfamilylaw.com.au to see for yourself.
