Breaking barriers: 50 years of client-centric legal services

Fifty years ago, the legal profession was a vastly different landscape – one that was often seen as opaque, intimidating and out of reach for many, especially women.

At a time when few women were entering the field, and even fewer were establishing their own firms, Beate McManus was a trailblazer.

Graduating in law in the 1970s, Beate recognised that the community had significant legal needs but was not readily accessing legal services due to the formal, complex and intimidating nature of traditional law firms.

In 1975, she set out to change that by founding what is now called McManus & Co Lawyers, a firm dedicated to accessible, personalised legal assistance.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Gabrielle McManus, an accredited specialist in wills and estate law, now proudly leads the team at McManus & Co.

With a strong focus on wills and estates, she sees her and the team’s role as making sure that clients leave the firm lighter, confident and in control.

The firm recognises that legal matters, whether drafting a will, managing an estate or navigating property transactions, are often tied to major life events.

That is why the team’s goal is always the same regardless of whether working with families, individuals or businesses: to make it as easy and stress-free as possible.

But like any business, the true strength of the firm lies in the incredible team, as well as the shared values that bind them together.

A quick online search of McManus & Co reveals a raft of glowing client reviews, many from families who have trusted McManus & Co for generations.

Some of the firm’s earliest clients now return with their children and grandchildren, sharing stories of how Beate’s guidance helped them move forward in life.

While the firm’s client-centric approach remains unchanged from those early days, the way it meets its clients’ needs has adapted to continue to make it easier for clients to get the help they need.

Understanding the work/life juggle, the firm also offers video consultations in addition to in-person appointments, and tailors its communication to clients’ preferences.

McManus & Co Lawyers not only redefines legal services, but also sets an example of strong, female-led leadership in the industry.

Last year, Beate and Gabrielle made history as Victoria’s first mother-daughter notary public duo, and they look forward to seeing more of same in the future.

If you’re looking for accessible, supportive and empowering legal advice in the areas of wills, estates or property law, look no further than McManus & Co, now also in Queenscliff.

For more information, head to mcmanuslawyers.com.au