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By lawyers, for lawyers · Since 1993
Clarence
Clarence members working together in a meeting room
In their own words

How lawyers are thriving at Clarence.

Our members all have their own stories about how they arrived at Clarence, and what their life as a lawyer is like now.

What follows is their account of it, including the parts that were hard.

The stories

Their words, not ours.

More member stories are being filmed. Each one becomes a full page as it clears.

Helena Mrmos speaking during her Clarence member story interview

“You can knock on someone’s door, get a second opinion, chat about a matter. You feel like you’re in a bigger firm without being in a big firm.”

Helena Mrmos

Read Helena’s story →
Chelsea Baker, Principal Lawyer at Baker Hastings Lawyers, laughing during her member story interview

“I’ve probably had 17 meltdowns. It’s that imposter syndrome. You’ve just gotta back yourself and keep going.”

Chelsea Baker

Read Chelsea’s story →
Phil Ridgway, Partner at Pearson Emerson Family Law, during his member story interview

“I told my partners I was thinking of moving back to Brisbane, why don’t I start the branch office.”

Phil Ridgway

Read Phil’s story →
Laura Blandthorn, Principal Lawyer at Solidarity Solicitors, with her assistance dog in her Melbourne office

“I’m not subsidising a crazy office. Access to justice is very important to me.”

Laura Blandthorn

Read Laura’s story →

What they have in common

Not much, and that is the point. The practices here run across commercial litigation, family law, conveyancing, criminal, wills and estates and more. Some are one person. Some are eight.

What they share is that the work of running an office is not theirs. Reception answers the phone. Court filing gets done. The IT works. The meeting room is booked. That is the whole proposition, and it is why 600+ independent practices work from Clarence.

Thinking about it yourself?

The unknown only lasts until you have done it.

Most of the lawyers on this page will tell you the same thing. If you are weighing it up, the guide below is the practical version, costs and all.

Read the guide to starting your own practice →Going independent →
The coworking cafe at Clarence, 456 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

The fastest way to know if it fits is to stand in it.

Book a tour in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, meet the local team, and see the network you would be joining.