Here’s our story
WYNNUM WEST, BRISBANE
Empire Legal.
Est. Nov 2017 in Abi’s
spare bedroom
1.
Abi knew of a guy called George, but they’d never met.
She did know George’s mum, though. And George’s mum was a conveyancing lawyer. AND the coolest mum ever.
2.
Then one day, George wrapped up his career working with Apple, finished his studies and got a job at the place where Abi worked.
3.
Abi was 8 months pregnant at the time.
And between work, meetings and pickle sandwiches, she and George started chatting.
4.
With George keen for a new adventure and Abi’s new bub arriving in a matter of weeks, it was decided: they’d open their own property law firm.
5.
But what would it look like? What would be their irresistible *thing*? Could they have beer taps in the office? Questions, questions, questions…
6.
Abi and George put their noggins together. And decided they’d start small. Spare bedroom small. Craft incredibly connected, personal experiences, offer excellence and exceed expectations at every opportunity.
Also, yes to the beer taps.
7.
Then, the name. Empire Legal.
Not wanky (they hoped). Empire stands for you. Creating your empire. Whether that’s a three-bedroom house in the ‘burbs, a donut shop in downtown Brissie or an aquarium (because why the hell not).
Empire Legal
/ˈɛmpʌɪə/ /ˈliːɡ(ə)l/
noun
An innovative property law firm that specialises in efficient, friendly and experience-driven conveyancing for everyday people, and the lives they live.
8.
The pair got to work. Using 100% virtual systems to support clients with the simplest process possible.
Soon, the 5-star reviews flowed in. Then, the word of mouth enquiries. Before long, they needed to hire, graduate from the spare room and move into a real, grown up office. Enter: a small office space in Fortitude Valley.
9.
Two years in, and their sunny team had doubled, twice. With a diverse client base, many commercial clients wanted to meet in person. It called for an office in the heart of bustling Brisbane. Soon their fingers jingled with the keys to their Spring Hill digs.
10.
By year three, the nimble team had grown to 20. They soon returned to Bayside, opening a second office in Manly.
As big believers in work-life ~balance~, by year four, Empire Legal needed more space for hot deskers. “What about something by the beach?” Along came the Burleigh Heads joint.
Which leads to now
What started as a guy and gal giving this biz thing a crack, has transformed into today’s multi-location property law firm with, 2,000+ 5-star reviews (and counting).
Over the years, many things have changed. The one constant remains: a true commitment to, and deliberately engineered law firm with a primary focus on personal client experiences, excellence in service and exceeding expectations at every opportunity.
A little less lawyer
It’s our job to make your process simple. Also, you’ll be pleased to know that we keep the boring legal stuff locked away in an underground cellar, so you never have to see it.
Besties with tech
Virtual systems support you through the entire process. So if we’re doing our jobs right, you should be able to complete 99% of the steps from your phone. On the couch. With a Friday frothie.
Here for happiness
We help everyday Queenslanders buy and sell properties, businesses and houses homes. We also strive to create a happy experience for you. Guiding you to your next exciting chapter address with ease and confidence.
We are Empire Legal
You may remember us from places such
as ‘we just sold your mum’s house’ and
‘your best friend’s dream home settled splendidly’.
Get to know our happy-to-see-you team.
Proud mum to 2 humans and 3 cats. Straddie is her happy place. 18(ish) years in the legal space, but not a lawyer. Red wine, please. Lots of meetings. Surprisingly knowledgeable about songs from musicals.
Abi Wright
Co-Founder & Director
Brisbane/Bayside/Gold Coast
Runs on “Greek time” for Abi’s requests, but never with clients. Loves a beach trip, a mountain hike or a waterfall trek. Bachelor of Laws and IT. Name a better meal than Nachos. He’ll wait.
George Sourris
Co-Founder & Legal Practice Director
Brisbane/Bayside/Gold Coast
Gives random massages to the team. Can’t say no to stew, ramen or 90s grunge rock. Angry women music rules. It isn’t just a job. Bookworm. And Veronica Mars is the perfect comfort show.
Kirsty McKay
Personal Assistant
Brisbane
It’s pronounced “Lanay”. Antique shops for fun. Worked in the legal space since she was 16. Could’ve passed as Stevie Nicks in her teens. Loves being a part of clients’ home-owning dreams. Total pineapple lump freak.
Lohenay Trewheellar
Senior Conveyancer
Bayside
Big fan of clean things. Has always thrived in a fast-paced, slightly chaotic environment. Drinks beer. Rides a motorbike. Hilarious (*and* modest). Contrary to office gossip, does not have a foot fetish.
Chanel Thornton
Practice Manager
Brisbane
Helps people not buy property lemons. Loves a good adventure with the fam. Feels the Empire team are all same- same, but a little bit different, and that’s why it works. Turn up the Metallica. Has a wild side (don’t ask questions).
Nicole Currie
Senior Conveyancing Paralegal
Brisbane/Bayside
Do not challenge her on the fact that Sex and the City is the best show ever. Double degree in Media and Communications/Business. Legitimately loves long walks on the beach and dat coast life.
Maddison Sourris
Assistant/Social Media Kween
Gold Coast
AKA Office Mum. Gives a 10/10 pep talk. Count her in for movies, cocktails, Italian and seafood (don’t make her choose just one). Began in law, then became a manager in Computer Training, Franchises, Sales and Marketing, Financial Services, a Medical Centre, and now she’s back, baby.
Cathy Horvath
Office/HR/Project Manager
Gold Coast
A little weird, a little stubborn, pretty level-headed. No qualifications, just "old". Been helping out file handlers with everything and everything for yonks now. Into markets, travel and any footy game available. Mexican makes her happy dance on command.
Rebecca Cavendish
Conveyancing Assistant
Brisbane/Bayside
Lives in the moment. Go-getter. Sundays are for local markets with doggos Simba and Bruno. Play her RnB and hip hop for bonus points. If she wasn’t a solicitor, she’d be an air hostess. Acai bowls are an appropriate any-time-of-day meal.
Emma Hughes-Gage
Solicitor
Bayside
Mum of 2 little humans and 1 tiny dog. Started in Real Estate but moved to Law and hasn’t looked back. May be addicted to online shopping, definitely addicted to chocolate. Loves a gym sesh, a day on the boat or a long lunch.
Allie Crean
Senior Conveyancing Paralegal
Bayside
Self proclaimed bookworm with a passion for property law. When she’s not helping clients achieve their property related dreams, you’ll likely find her listening to Taylor Swift tunes, learning the art of rapid-fire-banter by watching Gilmore Girls reruns or strategically coaching AFL players from the comfort of the couch.
Maddie Cafarella
Senior Property Lawyer
Brisbane
Studying psychology but doesn’t want to be a psychologist. Has done not one but two student exchanges overseas. Loves a good festival, especially if it involves Spacey Jane.
Sasha Ingall
Administrator
Brisbane
She loves hanging out with friends and road trippin’ to the beach. Playing tennis is her thing. Spacey Jane is her jam and her fav food is Japanese.
Charli Baker
Administrator
Brisbane
She loves to hang out with her three dogs and make people’s days brighter. You’ll either find her at the gym, drinking a glass of wine or eating butter chicken. She never imagined she would get into Conveyancing / Law (and actually enjoy it) after she graduated High School.
Kaylee Oostendurp
Legal Assistant
Brisbane (Spring Hill)
We’re hiring!
Want to help us revolutionise the world of conveyancing through connection with others?
We take law seriously, but not ourselves
That’s why while we’re experts in the legal space, you might’ve just as easily met us down at the pub, walking our dogs or bumpin’ burritos by the sea.
Actually, that might have something to do with why people like Brent say we’re ‘absolute professionals, but also very, very personable’. Or why Rhiannon thinks we’re ‘by far the best solicitors [she’s] worked with – ever.’
VALUES
Our pinky promises
CONNECTION
Maybe you have a true hatred for phone calls. Or you love ‘em. No matter your preference, you’ll always know what’s happening and when
SIMPLICITY
In our books, easy = good. So we strive to make your time with us as simple as possible. And keep legal jargon out of plain sight, crammed in our desk draws (hey, keep it down in there!)
EXCELLENCE
We’re here to build lasting connections that transform lives like yours. That’s why our culture sets the standard at above and beyond (no pressure, team)
Hey, Empire!
Help me:
“Empire Legal made purchasing a property in Queensland literally a walk in the park. The whole process was so simple and easy! And the best thing was everything was online.”
“They did a great job at simplifying the complex, and making my purchases as straight forward as was possible.”
“We have had the privilege of using the EMPIRE Legal for multiple transactions now and if there was a 6-star rating available they would receive that from us.”
“Empire Legal never miss a beat, we absolutely love working with them as they make the buying and selling process very easy for our mutual clients!”
“My wife and I found them easily contactable, flexible, and approachable despite this being our first home purchase and having lots of questions. They made sure we were a step ahead throughout the contract period and communicated well with the other involved parties.
I would easily recommend them to any of my family and friends.”
“Even though the process can seem daunting at first with the help of the team at Empire legal we always knew what stage of the process we were at and there was no surprises throughout the process.
If anyone is looking for a Professional as well as streamlined process, then this is the last review you need to read, You have found them.”
