Mills Oakley Lawyers garnered the number 1 spot in the ALB Fast 10 survey as it was named "Fastest Growing Law Firm of the Year".  The ranking was based on fee growth, as well as increases in offices, partners and fee earners.  Last year was a busy year at Mills Oakley as income from its commercial practice areas grew by 54%.  In addition, four new partners were appointed and the firm's geographical reach was expanded by opening a Brisbane office.

Winning the award, based on market surveys and extensive interviews with managing partners and CEO's, is the end result of three years of strategic planning for the firm.  Since then Mills Oakley's fee base has more than doubled in size, outpacing both the mega firms and its mid-tier competitors.  
 
"We are all thrilled," said John Nerurker, Chief Executive Officer at Mills Oakley Lawyers, "Making the ALB Fast 10 is a testament to the dedication of our partners as well as to the loyalty of our clients.  This recognition is a complete validation of the hard work and effort that all our staff make every day". 

In announcing the news to staff, Nerurker attributed the growth to the talent of the firm's lawyers, "What is particularly satisfying about this measure of success is that our growth is a natural result of assembling expert lawyers who share our passion for superior client service." 

Without merging or acquiring any other firms, Nerurker explains that the firm's strong results have been achieved by maintaining a relentless, yet controlled, growth strategy.  "We are highly selective about which partners we employ.  We've been known to take over a year interviewing forty candidates before making an appointment."

Recent growth areas for Mills Oakley have been Corporate Advisory, Tax and Building & Construction.  Nerurker expects these areas to remain strong, although he doesn't take any of the firm's recent success for granted.

He said, "We are fortunate to have clients experiencing significant growth and who are true leaders in their industries.  However, the heart of our success lies with our 150 staff and partners who are dedicated to providing exceptional client service."

According to Nerurker, everyone who joins provides a stepping stone that helps the firm reach the next level.  If there is a common characteristic it is that lawyers are attracted to Mills Oakley because they have good practices they wish to grow.  He says, "By joining forces, we have been able to achieve that goal very quickly." 

While size is no substitute for excellent service, it does increase the breadth and depth of legal talent that a law firm can offer its clients.  Having grown so rapidly, Mills Oakley's new aim is to capitalise on its premium mid-tier firm status.

The expansion plan currently underway could see the firm double in size again over the coming years.  Last month, Darren Ho, formerly a partner with Ebsworth & Ebsworth joined to lead a new Brisbane-based construction team.
 
Darren Ho commented on his appointment, "I am delighted to have joined Mills Oakley as there's a wonderful sense of camaraderie.  The firm has a reputation for excellence, and its motivation and sense of purpose is inspiring.  I am very much looking forward to complementing its practice and contributing to its growth and success."

Mills Oakley's meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed in the business community.  Its growth has been fuelled by several new clients that have left national firms because they were dissatisfied with cost or service.  Mills Oakley is also seeing a number of new clients that are turning to the firm for its Building & Construction and Corporate Advisory expertise.

"Over the last few years we have made many improvements to enhance the quality of our services," added Nerurker. "We've employed industry experts to help establish a leading professional development programme and have expanded our graduate intake each year since 2004."

With big ambitions and lots of exciting developments promised in the near future, there's little doubt that Mills Oakley is one law firm on the move.