Fortitude Legal takes the top prize

BALLARAT’S Fortitude Legal was named Boutique Law Firm of the Year at the recent Law Institute of Victoria’s 15th Annual Law Awards.

Fortitude Legal is a relatively new kid on the Lydiard Street legal block specialising in personal injury law.

“Having opened our doors less than 12 months ago, bringing to life our vision to provide exceptional legal services to Ballarat and region, we are both humbled and thrilled to have our firm recognised in this way,” cofounder Cameron Cowan said.

Fortitude Legal’s four directors all worked for large firms with a shared background and knew each other well in Ballarat before founding the business.

Mr Cowan lives in Ballarat, attended high school here and recently completed an MBA at Federation University.

“We believe we can provide best quality legal services to regional people,” Mr Cowan said.

“Our point of difference is that clients deal directly with us, we are the business, effectively from first hand shake to last.

“If you deal with someone at a larger firm you are dealing with an employee of an organisation.”

While Mr Cowan and co-founder Katalin Blond live and work in Ballarat, fellow directors and founders Tom Burgoyne lives close to Geelong and Fleur Jackson lives in Bendigo.

This has enabled the business to open offices in Geelong, Bendigo and Maryborough.

Mr Cowan said the peril of distance can hamper access to lawyers.

“We are conscious of not spreading ourselves too thin but we want to continue to grow and provide the best possible service to our clients in the easiest way and easiest fashion.”