A new model for providing legal services enters the Australian market today, with the official launch of Keypoint Law.

Established by Keystone Law – one of the UK’s fastest growing law firms – Keypoint Law will see senior lawyers enjoy unparalleled freedom, flexibility and autonomy, backed by the infrastructure of a national firm.

Keypoint Law will be run by Warren Kalinko, formerly head of legal for the OneSteel business – a $3bn division of ASX-listed Arrium Limited.

Mr Kalinko states:

“I am delighted to be able to introduce to Australia a new law firm business model that has already demonstrated such success in the UK”.

“Our lawyers won’t be weighed down by an avalanche of law firm administration or the need to operate within centrally dictated budgets, pricing and billable hours,” he said.

“For clients, the benefits are tangible. They are serviced exclusively by talented senior lawyers, who provide a personal and dedicated service. Lawyers set their own fee structure with clients, without any billable hour demands by the firm,” said Mr Kalinko.

Keypoint’s technology and unique structure enable lawyers to operate from their own offices and earn 70 percent of fees generated, well above that of conventional firms.

The Australian firm launches with five senior lawyers already on board and a high level of interest from others across the country.

The lawyers joining Keypoint Law are:

  • IP and IT specialist Philip Argy joins from Mallesons where he was a partner and head of IP and IT;
  • Shana Schreier-Joffe joins from Harmers Workplace Lawyers where she was the managing partner and CEO;
  • Internationally recognised insolvency expert Lee Pascoe joins from Libero Legal, having previously been at Norton Rose;
  • Paula Natasha Chavez, a patent and IP specialist, joins from PNC Consulting IP Legal Services where she was a consultant; and
  • Justine Toohey joins from her own practice and specialises in native title and cultural and natural heritage.

UK-based Keystone Law pioneered the model 12 years ago and has grown in size to over 150 lawyers, now offering services across 24 practice areas. Both the firm’s expertise and that of its individual practitioners are recognised by Chambers and the Legal 500.

“In the UK we’ve had former managing partners, high-profile in-house counsel and a range of well-regarded leaders in their practice areas join the firm,” said Keystone Law UK Founder, James Knight who will sit on the Keypoint Law Board.

“The reason that Keystone continues to grow very quickly in the UK is because it offers something to lawyers and clients that simply cannot be found elsewhere. The work satisfaction experienced by lawyers is unparalleled whilst clients receive the level of service and value they require.We are now very excited to be introducing the concept to Australia where the market conditions are very similar”.

“Warren Kalinko is superbly placed to help us capitalise on the opportunity. Aside from his personal qualities, his combined experience in both private practice and in-house roles positions him well to appreciate the needs of both lawyers and clients. We look forward to Keypoint building upon the knowledge and experience we bring to the table after 12 years of proven performance in the UK” said Mr Knight.

Keypoint Law launches operations and its website, www.keypointlaw.com.au, nationally today.