Andrew Johnson believes that understanding the business of his clients is critical to his firm’s success. His young firm, AJandCo, has recently been named a finalist in the Client Choice Awards, an honour he credits to his collaborative approach to client relationships. Insights spoke to Andrew about his client-centric approach to delivering legal services, what he enjoys most about being a lawyer,
Inspired by family to stay true to the law’s ideals
Andrew comes from a proud family of lawyers, and was inspired by his father to join him in a legal career.
“I enjoyed watching him as I progressed through school, through the type of law he did and the advocacy he practiced,” said Andrew. “I stayed true to this example by staying true to myself. Law is and was my only chosen career and I enjoy what I do each day. I approach each day keen to help people achieve and exceed their goals.”
As a lawyer, he enjoys connecting with people, working closely to help them reach their personal and professional goals.
“For me, working as a lawyer is an important part of how I build relationships with people, instill confidence and grow with them,” said Andrew. “It’s an honour to be relied upon by clients as a trusted adviser and as an independent facilitator to assess and help them achieve their commercial goals. I also enjoy working with intelligent self-starting individuals and business owners.”
Driven by collaboration, innovation and passion
AJ&Co Lawyers provides legal services ranging from real estate and commercial, corporate advisory, litigation and dispute resolution, building and construction, planning and environment, workplace relations, and private advisory.
“We focus on providing commercial solutions to our clients while keeping a careful eye on future industries and opportunities to help them excel,” said Andrew. “Our firm fosters a collaborative, innovative and passionate approach to both client service and professional development.”
“As a young firm, we are privileged and humbled to have been recognised as a finalist for this award, a recognition that strengthens our passion and dedication to delivering legal services that focus on the growth of our clients’ businesses - partnering with them to achieve their short and long term goals.”
Putting the client first
According to Andrew, what sets AJ&Co Lawyers apart is their approach on client relationships.
“We always put the client first,” said Andrew. “We focus on outcomes for our clients. This is a simple approach, but it underpins everything we do. It is why we emphasise industry and business experience in our recruiting, why we always consider value before issuing an invoice and most importantly, why we make sure that any advice we provide cuts through legal jargon and focuses on what the client actually requires to achieve their business objectives. This approach attracts people who are self-motivated, service oriented and want to be part of a culture that delivers results, whilst genuinely enjoying what they do”
To develop these skills, Andrew encourages lawyers to find mentors who understand the business of law.
“At AJ & Co Lawyers, we ensure that our training for internal promotion to partner allows the partnership and our internal business team to encourage the development of these skills at a Senior Associate and Special Counsel level. This ensures our leaders understand the drivers of their clients, as they are better positioned to provide proactive, commercial and holistic advice. If you can’t get this experience at your firm, you need to invest in your own personal and professional development.”
Interested in developing your commercial acumen to improve client relationships and provide practical advice your clients appreciate? Master the business of law with our Master of Legal Business, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate. Start with a single subject, or enrol in electives as part of our LLM (Applied Law).
The Client Choice Awards are an initiative of George Beaton, of beaton. George is also the program board chair of the College’s Master of Legal Business.