‘Australasian Lawyer’ has released the 2022 Fast Firms list, comprising 20 firms that have capitalised on unique market conditions, and delivered growth both in revenue and headcount.
For the second year running, Melbourne firm Kalus Kenny Intelex has been recognised in this prestigious list.
Staying aligned to core values is one strategy that has paid rich dividends for Kalus Kenny Intelex (KKI) in 2022.
When asked about the reason for the firm’s revenue growth over the past 12 months, partner Sven Burchartz says, “Sticking to what we do best – straightforward responsive advice to our clients that gives them insight as to why we are giving the advice and how it meets their objectives. In the end, it’s about people. We’re in the people and relationship business and what stands out here is that everyone takes pride and gets a kick out of doing a great job.”
However, like other law firms, KKI has a good grasp on being adaptable and versatile. “We also look for what the clients might need and then offer it to them. And if we don’t have it, we’ll build it,” adds Burchartz. “Our estates and wealth protection and family law practices grew out of this philosophy. And we made sure we kept our people safe, informed and supported.”
Activity in the corporate and commercial law expertise has also ticked upwards; this ties in with KKI’s focus on investment and finance.
“We see great opportunity in the investment and finance sector to build on the terrific work we’re doing for family offices, venture capital funds and the non-bank funding sector,” Burchartz says.
Another side of the coin is how firms seek to bolster staff retention by providing opportunities for advancement.
“We try and make sure that everyone has a path to progress if that’s what they want or otherwise, if they have other objectives, we’ll accommodate that as well,” Burchartz says.
KKI believes that work comes along naturally when firms prioritise cultivating staff who are focused and motivated.
“The people we work for or [give us referrals] also see this and the energy and commitment, and they seek us out for it,” Burchartz notes.
“Adding to the depth of what we already do is the priority. We know who we are, what clients we have and want to work for and recognise that to be relevant, we must be at the top of our game.”
He adds that KKI is always on the lookout for legal talent and has grown its fee-earning staff, outside of partners, by 60%. In the past 18 months, the firm has also increased its client numbers, particularly in the commercial and corporate, structured finance and construction practice areas.
“We’re always looking to get talented people to join us and even if we don’t necessarily have a spot for them, we’ll back the right people to work with us to create something,” Burchartz explains.
