As we begin a new financial year, we are writing to let you know about some important milestones and changes at Crawford Legal.
Five Year Milestone
Although it is hard to believe, five years have passed since Crawford Legal first opened its doors for business.
A lot has happened over the last five years! Over that time our firm has grown considerably including by reason of our merger last year with Adam Gamble and his team. We now have 20 members of staff, the two City East and City West offices and the ability to assist clients with a full range of commercial and dispute resolution issues.
The growth and success we have experienced to date is in large part due to the close working relationships that we have established with many South Australian and interstate organisations.
We thank you and all our clients for having the confidence to let us become an integral part of your business activities.
We hope to continue building relationships over many more years.
Doyles Guide Rates Crawford Legal
In keeping with the success that our firm has enjoyed since its formation, Crawford Legal recently received accolades from the respected Doyles Guide to Legal Practice. Crawford Legal was given “pre-eminent” status as building and construction advisers in South Australia. Only one other firm was given an equivalent rating.
Doyles Guide also rated our firm’s Managing Partner, Victor Daminato, as South Australia’s “pre-eminent” construction lawyer and noted Chris Branson’s growing reputation in the area of construction based dispute resolution.
As noted above, the quality of Crawford Legal’s local and interstate work has helped grow an experienced team. We have now established that our firm has the resources and experience to handle large and complex infrastructure transactions including PPPs.
Most recently, Crawford Legal was the only South Australian firm to have participated in the “new” RAH PPP, acting as adviser to Hansen Yuncken.
Senior Appointments
We are extremely pleased to announce that as from 1 July 2011 there will be two new appointments in our firm.
Lisa Andonis will join Victor, Chris, Adam and Tom as a Partner of the firm while Tracey Visintin will be promoted to the role of Senior Associate.
Lisa has significant experience in the area of commercial litigation with a focus on construction based issues. She has overseen a number of alternative dispute resolution processes (including expert determination and mediation) over the last four years since joining our firm.
Tracey is one of our longest serving members of staff, having started with our firm as a graduate solicitor five years ago. Tracey is a valued member of our dispute resolution team.
We congratulate Lisa and Tracey on their achievements!
Wills and Estate Planning
We have continued to compliment our core capabilities by offering our clients assistance with estate planning matters over the past financial year.
We have done so through our ongoing alliance with SCT Legal. The Principal of SCT, Mauro De Judicibus, is a senior legal practitioner admitted to practice in both South Australia and Western Australia.
We hope that you, family and friends will take advantage of the expertise and services that Mauro can provide.
Charge Out Rates for 2011/2012 Financial Year
Like other businesses, our firm has been faced with a number of increased running costs over the past few months. In light of increased infrastructure and running costs, we will be increasing our charge out rates as follows from 1 July 2011:
- New rate for Partner/Special Counsel: $350.00 per hour
- Senior Associate (no change): $300.00 per hour
- New rate for Solicitors: $250.00 per hour
- Paralegals (no change): $200.00 per hour
We believe that our new Partner and Solicitor charge out rates remain extremely competitive as they are well below those charged by practitioners in the South Australian market.
In keeping with past practice, we will continue providing you with updated estimates in respect of any current or anticipated litigation/alternative dispute resolution processes that we are overseeing for you and/or your organisation. In transactional or advisory matters, we will also continue to quote a fixed fee where appropriate.
Please feel free to contact our Managing Partner, Victor Daminato on 8215 4200 if you have any queries or concerns about our new pricing structure.
We look forward to continuing to provide effective timely legal services to you and your organisation.