Amra Sabou - Co-Founder of Stanley & Co Lawyers and respected leader & advocate.

How did you start down this career path

I began my legal career in commercial law and wills and estates, thinking that would be my long-term path. That changed when a friend referred a family law matter to me. With the guidance of a mentor and support from my team, I took it on and quickly realised how much I enjoyed the personal and complex nature of family law. That experience sparked a genuine passion, and it ultimately led me to build my career in this area.

What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?

What inspires me most about working in family law is the opportunity to support people during some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments in their lives. Unlike other areas of law, family law allows you to make a very real and human impact. Clients are often emotional, overwhelmed, and uncertain, and guiding them through that with clarity and compassion is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping people find a path forward.

As a leader, I’m also inspired by the chance to shape how we practise as a profession. I take pride in modelling a respectful, considered approach and encouraging others to do the same.

What's your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?

At Stanley & Co. Lawyers, we don’t just provide legal advice, we provide an experience that’s clear, down to earth, and client-first. We know that many people come to us at vulnerable points in their lives, so we remove the overwhelm that can come with engaging a lawyer. That means avoiding legal jargon, being upfront about fees, and ensuring clients always feel informed and in control.

In addition, we have created an office environment that is calm and welcoming because we understand how overwhelming it can be to see a lawyer. From the moment clients walk through our doors, they’re greeted by compassionate, attentive staff who genuinely care. We’ve also developed comprehensive welcome packs that clearly explain the process ahead, helping clients feel informed and supported right from the start. Whether the matter is emotionally complex or relatively straightforward, we’re committed to making the experience feel respectful, reassuring and completely tailored to each individual.

How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?

I stay ahead of industry trends by remaining curious, open-minded, and adaptable, particularly when it comes to how we work and the tools we use. At Stanley & Co. Lawyers, we’ve embraced flexible working arrangements, including work-from-home options, adjusted working hours and part-time roles, to create a culture that supports our team both professionally and personally. I believe this kind of flexibility isn’t just good for wellbeing, it’s also key to retaining great talent and keeping pace with the evolving expectations of both staff and clients.

We also actively leverage technology to improve the way we work. Whether it's refining internal systems or exploring emerging tools like AI, I’m always looking for ways to increase efficiency, streamline processes, and deliver a better experience for both our team and our clients.

What is the toughest challenge you've faced in your role? How did you overcome it?

Balancing staffing needs in an ever-evolving environment has been a rewarding challenge. Finding and retaining great people is at the core of our practice. I’ve focused on doing what we can to make our team feel supported, valued, and fulfilled, whether that’s through flexibility, mentorship, or investing in their development. I believe a positive culture is one of the most powerful tools we have, and I’ve worked hard to foster an environment where people enjoy coming to work.

In relation to my family law work, there are many challenges each day! A challenge that particularly sticks out to me is when I was acting for a long-term client over the course of five years, only to be unexpectedly made a witness in the matter by the other party. It meant I had to step away from the matter, despite the longstanding relationship I’d built. As difficult as it was, I knew I had to put the client first. I ensured a smooth handover to another trusted lawyer and remained available behind the scenes to support them through the transition. It reminded me that integrity and professionalism are core to this job.

What are some of your goals for the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, my focus is on driving meaningful growth within our firm. One of my key goals is to continue embracing innovation by leveraging technology and AI to streamline our systems, improve client experience, and create efficiencies that allow our lawyers to focus on high-value work. I see this as essential to staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving profession.

I’m also passionate about continuing to grow the capability and culture at our firm. This is through the development of our people and strengthening our brand as a progressive, client-focused legal practice.

I aim to have a positive influence on the family law profession more broadly, advocating for respectful, solutions-focused practice and helping to shape a legal industry that is forward-thinking.

About Stanley & Co Lawyers

Stanley & Co. Lawyers is a modern, client-focused law firm based in Adelaide, known for doing things differently. Founded in 2016 by Amra Sabou and Rich Stanley, the firm was born out of a desire to challenge the traditional legal model, prioritising transparency, efficiency, and a more human approach to legal services.

With a team of specialists across family, criminal, commercial, and estate law, Stanley & Co. Lawyers is committed to delivering high-quality outcomes while making the legal process less intimidating. Our approachable culture, combined with a relentless drive for results, has earned us a reputation as one of Adelaide’s most trusted and progressive firms. Whether you're facing a complex legal issue or just need clear guidance, Stanley & Co. offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional law firm experience.