The philosophy behind By Lawyers legal guides is simple – to help law firms complete matters for their clients in the most efficient and precise way possible across all common areas of law – making practice a little easier and more enjoyable.

Identifying that the success of law firms hinges on building organisational systems that allow for maximum productivity Guy Dawson, solicitor of 50+ years specialising in general practice, and his partner Danni Larney developed By Lawyers publications through trial and error in their own law firms. Years were dedicated to find the best process to deliver information and guidance in a way that empowers legal practitioners and support staff to conduct matters with maximum productivity and minimum risk.

The goal was simple – to create organisational systems that ensured the success of the business. What they came up with was revolutionary – start to finish guides incorporating precedents and commentaries that lead practitioners through every step of a matter in a practical and efficient way.

Guides are organised into specific areas of law such as wills, estates, conveyancing and family law. So, for family law there are four matter plans as well as two related reference manuals:

1. Children
2. Property settlement
3. Divorce
4. Financial agreements
5. 101 Family Law Answers
6. 101 Subpoena Answers

Each matter plan contains links to commentary and precedents arranged in a clear, logical sequence following the normal process of a matter. There are also ‘If required’ folders and ‘Libraries of. . .”, for those occasions when the matter requires something beyond the usual steps.

The By Lawyers matter plans are a valuable risk management tool. They not only allow support staff to confidently work on matters in areas with which they are perhaps unfamiliar, but also allow for precise answers to be found quickly. Users have the freedom to access as much or as little guidance as is needed, with the ability to easily navigate to the commentary and/or precedents required.

With By Lawyers legal guides firms can confidently take on new work in areas outside their experience or expertise, relying on the comprehensive and up-to-date commentary and precedents to guide them through the matter. The need to refer work away and even the extent to which counsel need be briefed can be minimised.

This clear structure, combined with plain language, provides the user with practical content which is always kept up-to-date with any legislative changes and the evolution of the common law. By Lawyers offers a one-stop resource making the practice of law a little easier for our subscribers.