This marks the second Australian firm Stowe has picked up
UK firm Stowe Family Law has acquired Victoria family law boutique Emera Family Law.
The deal was completed this month and marks Stowe’s second acquisition of an Australian law firm. According to a media release, the UK firm opted to invest in Australia as a priority global market given its mature legal system, regulatory alignment with the UK, and the demand for family law services.
Mona Emera, Emera Family Law’s founder and principal told Australasian Lawyer that the opportunity to partner with Stowe “felt like a very natural fit”.
“I've known Stowe's executive chairman and CEO, Ken Fowlie, professionally for many years. Throughout that time, I've admired his work, the firm he and his team have built in the UK, and the way they've combined exceptional client care with a modern, forward-thinking approach to family law”, she said. “When Ken first told me about Stowe's plans for Australia, I was naturally curious. As our conversations continued, it became clear that we shared many of the same beliefs about what great family law looks like: putting people first, building outstanding teams, and creating a culture where lawyers can do their best work”.
The acquisition will grant Emera Family Law access to Stowe’s wider resources, operational expertise and global perspective. The deal also puts Emera in a position for accelerated growth.
“Stowe have clearly achieved great things in the UK. Stowe is the largest specialist family law firm in the United Kingdom, with around 200 lawyers, recognition across The Times Best Law Firms, Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners”, Emera told Australasian Lawyer. “When I started Emera Family Law, my goal to was to build a firm where good people could do meaningful work and genuinely help clients move forward optimism. Joining Stowe allows our team to continue that vision, with access to greater resources, technology and opportunities than we could create on our own”.
Emera will remain at Emera Family Law’s helm, with the rest of the team continuing to run the firm.
“I share Stowe's ambition to become Australia's first choice for family law. With Stowe’s proven track record in the UK, I am confident we will achieve this goal,” Emera said. “On a more personal note, I’m looking forward to working with and learning from a team of like-minded individuals with a shared goal around client service. So far, the energy has been wonderful, and the Stowe team have been very welcoming”.
Emera Family Law has offices in Melbourne and Sunshine. In January, Stowe made an investment in Unified Family Lawyers, which has a presence in Sydney, South East Queensland and Melbourne.
