Rich Stanley - Co-Founder of Stanley & Co Lawyers and legal innovator

How did you start down this career path

After accepting that I probably wasn’t going to make it as a rock star or footballer, I threw myself into the local music scene in Liverpool, working with bands, writing for a music magazine, and eventually joining the first-ever intake at Sir Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA), studying event management. One of the electives was contract law, and it completely shifted my focus. I realised I was far more intrigued by the legal side of the industry than anything else. That moment changed everything. I left the course and enrolled in law school, and haven’t looked back since.

What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?

The criminal justice system sits at the heart of some of the most difficult and defining moments in people’s lives, whether you're a defendant, a victim, or part of the wider community. What inspires me is the opportunity to help people navigate those moments with strength, clarity, and fairness. Criminal law demands a careful balance between protecting the community and upholding civil liberties. Being part of that process and ensuring it’s handled with integrity drives me every day.

Beyond the courtroom, I’m inspired by the responsibility that comes with being a business owner and leader. Building Stanley & Co. Lawyers alongside Amra Sabou has given me the opportunity to shape a workplace culture where people feel supported, challenged, and proud of the work they do. I believe in investing in our team, not just in their professional development, but in their wellbeing so they have the tools and confidence they need to thrive. Watching our people grow and succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

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

My approach to client service is built on clarity, honesty, and accessibility. At Stanley & Co. Lawyers, we pride ourselves on delivering straightforward, no-nonsense advice cutting through the legal jargon to make complex matters understandable. Clients come to us during incredibly stressful times, and our job is to make things clearer, not more confusing. I believe effective communication is about respect, respecting a client’s need to understand what’s happening and empowering them to make informed decisions. Whether it’s a high-stakes criminal matter or a complex dispute, we speak in plain English and offer practical guidance. That’s what sets us apart.

How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?

At Stanley & Co. Lawyers, innovation is embedded in how we operate. We've always embraced technology to enhance client experience, whether that’s through early adoption of video conferencing or, more recently, leveraging AI to improve efficiency and streamline internal processes. These tools allow us to remain agile and accessible, even in the face of major disruptions like the COVID 19 pandemic. Beyond tech, we’re also forward-thinking in how we support our people.

One of our most unique initiatives is offering monthly one-on-one coaching sessions with our leadership coach, Shane Daniell. This personalised program helps our team set and achieve both personal and professional goals, fostering growth, motivation, and long-term success. We believe that staying ahead of the curve isn’t just about tech, it’s about investing in our people, too.

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

One of the earliest challenges I faced was transitioning from the UK jurisdiction to practising law in Australia some 10 years ago. While the foundations of the law were familiar, adapting to new procedures, legal frameworks, and professional networks required persistence, and a willingness to learn quickly. It was a formative experience that strengthened my ability to adapt and reinforced the importance of continuous professional development.

More recently, the biggest challenge has been navigating the changing landscape of staffing. We have seen a shift towards prioritising flexibility and work-life balance. To support this, we’ve built a workplace culture that offers flexible hours, remote work opportunities, and multiple bonus schemes. We’ve worked hard to ensure Stanley & Co. is a place where people feel motivated, supported, and proud to work. I can confidently say our culture is the strongest I’ve experienced in my career.

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

Over the next five years, my focus is on continuing to grow Stanley & Co. into one of Adelaide’s most respected and progressive law firms. A key goal is to become an employer of choice, known not just for our legal expertise, but for our outstanding workplace culture, leadership, and professional development opportunities.

We are also committed to embracing the evolving role of technology in the legal profession, particularly through the integration of AI to drive efficiency and deliver even better outcomes for our clients. With renovations underway, we’re preparing our office to accommodate future growth, creating space to expand our team and open the door for several new partners to join the firm.

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.