Andersons Solicitors is one of the stalwarts in the State’s legal scene, building a name for itself in the areas of personal injury and civil law.

However, the last ten years have delivered the firm solid growth in commercial and business law and family law. Enough growth that the firm’s former slogan “We fight for you” feels somewhat combative and out of step with their full-service offering.

Andersons former managing partner Garry Palasis says the decision to update their branding, which had remained untouched for sixteen years, was mainly driven by the younger partners.

That said, he’s undeniably pleased with the result. “I like it. It’s refreshing and simple,” says Palasis.

He has also instigated a refresher of his own after sixteen years as managing partner, a time significantly longer than his originally intended five-year stint. In that period, he oversaw the firm’s expansion from three offices – at Adelaide, Port Adelaide and Murray Bridge – to six and the broadening of its legal services.

Now he feels it is “time for the younger voices to step up”.

Palasis stepped down as managing partner on 10 August, with Felix Hoelscher taking over the role.

Incoming managing partner, Hoelscher, who is also head of the commercial law team, has worked with Palasis for 22 years and calls him a “fantastic mentor”. He says the changing of the guard will not change Andersons’ values or commitment to their clients.

“Garry’s done an absolutely amazing job in taking the firm in the direction it needs to go,” he said.

“What this change brings is a continuation of what’s been and an eye for moving forward.

“It is quite simply a generational shift rather than a massive philosophical change.”

Growth in recent years has come from Andersons attracting and retaining what Hoelscher calls “a high degree of talent”, aided by the firm growing its reputation as “an exciting and progressive place to work”.

Acquisitions have also played a part. In July 2021, Andersons acquired the well-respected boutique firm Stokes Legal. This year, they also acquired Richard Miller Conveyancing in Tanunda, adding its full suite of legal services to conveyancing.

Hoelscher says the firm’s areas of expertise and its workload are evenly divided, unlike years past when personal injury and civil law dominated.

“We’re now fairly equally spread, with civil law – which includes workers compensation, industrial relations, personal injury and medical negligence – being a third of our practice.

“Then one third is family law and the remaining third is commercial law, which includes commercial drafting and business law, building and construction disputes, as well as other commercial litigation, estate advice and so forth.”

The family law department and future direction of the firm has also been greatly enhanced by partner Ryan Thomas who has grown that practice to include accredited specialists and multiply in size.

“This is a really exciting time for us at Andersons, with a fresh new look and new management, we have a fantastic opportunity to continue to drive the evolution of the firm,”  says Thomas.

Hoelscher says the firm plans to remain mid-sized. Currently, Andersons has over 80 staff across six offices, including Tanunda and Murray Bridge.

“Our philosophy has always been about servicing the needs of South Australians. Our primary work is for families and small business in South Australia – we don’t want to be a corporate behemoth, if you will. Our interest really is being able to represent all people from all levels who need us.”

This sentiment is echoed by Palasis.

“I think we provide a service that is in tune with the general public. We focus on mums and dads – the small businesses and small to medium enterprises – even though we also have a couple of corporates that we act for,” he says.

Going forward, Palasis says the firm’s clients can expect that “it will be business as usual”.

“We’re still offering the same quality service, with our approachable staff, that we’ve provided for the last 50 years.”