ABOUT NEXUS
Is Nexus a virtual firm?
No. Nexus Law Group is a uniquely structured dispersed law firm which provides a wide range of legal services through a national network of dedicated specialist lawyers. We have physical offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Newcastle.
What makes Nexus different from other firms in the NewLaw space?
We are a NewLaw firm built on the principle of true partnership and collaboration.
We are a full business ecosystem – a law firm, a secondment service and a legal technology company.
By establishing an infrastructure that rewards collaboration and entrepreneurship, we attract high quality senior lawyers looking for a better way to progress their careers and service clients in an innovative environment.
Does Nexus cover my Professional Indemnity Insurance?
Yes.
What is the difference between being a Nexus Group Principal and having my own firm?
Our Group Principals are consultants and independent, but together we are a single law firm with a ‘One Team’ philosophy.
As part of the Nexus Network, not only do Group Principals receive all the administrative and IT support required, they are also able to access sector expertise from other lawyers within the network.
Together these benefits allow you to be free to concentrate on practising law and supporting your clients.
Can I undertake legal work outside Nexus?
No. The multiple benefits available through the Nexus Law Group network are for Group Principals and Nexus clients only.
What if I want to take on a contract role?
Click to find out how you can access a variety of contract or secondment roles throughNexus Expedite
Can I offer a ‘non-legal’ consultancy outside Nexus
It is not recommended.
Giving ‘non-legal’ advice to clients who know you are a lawyer and who might not appreciate your advice is ‘non-legal’ raises a professional indemnity risk for you and Nexus.
Therefore, any work that Group Principals undertake that is in any way derived from their persona as a lawyer must be done through Nexus.
ABOUT MY CLIENTS
How will my clients benefit if I bring them to Nexus?
We connect the best of the profession. The power of independent practice combined with an innovative group-based infrastructure.
Our clients enjoy direct access to senior lawyers who are trusted advisors and use our advanced technology and administrative group systems. This allows us to deliver time and substantial cost efficiencies to clients.
What do I do if a client needs help on a matter but it isn’t in my area of expertise?
We are uniquely structured dispersed law firm. We provide our clients with access to a wide range of legal services through a national network of dedicated specialist lawyers.
One of the benefits of joining Nexus is that Group Principals are able to access sector specialists available within our network.
Within the network, you are able to cross-refer entire matters or particular tasks within a matter in the same way as in a traditional firm – but within Nexus, you dictate the nature of the referral and receive a referral fee of 15%.
If I join Nexus but later want to move, can I take my clients with me?
Yes. Your clients are your clients, whether you bring them with you or develop them after you join.
You do, however, get the reassurance of knowing the lawyers you refer work to ARE restrained from approaching your clients.
ABOUT ME
Will the Nexus model work for me?
If you share in our Cultural Values, then undoubtedly yes.
With Nexus, you will be able to enjoy:
- A network of independent and engaged senior practitioners you are able to cross refer matters to with confidence, and still participate in the financial rewards
- Administrative and IT support systems and resources, leaving you to market to new clients, or simply focus on the practice of law
- Brand recognition that comes from the quality of our lawyers, the innovation of our systems, and the quality of our support structures
How much experience do I need to have?
To join Nexus Law Group as a Group Principal, you must have at least 10 years post-admission experience, specialist expertise and a realistic expectation of portable clientele.
Do I need to have a portable client-base?
An existing client-base is preferred because it makes the transition to establishing your practice within Nexus easier.
We provide the support necessary to you to focus on building your client portfolio, but there is no getting around the need of developing clients for yourself.
Will I earn more with Nexus than with a traditional law firm?
In a traditional law firm, Lawyers usually earn 20–30% of billings.
With Nexus, you will receive 60–70% of your billings and 15% of any billings on matters you refer to others.
Use our NEXT LIFE CALCULATOR to see what this could mean for you.
Do I have to come into the office every day?
No. Nexus’ dispersed model allows our GPs to choose where they want to work from: Either from home, a client’s office, home office or at one of our national office locations.
I have already set up my own small practice. Can I still join Nexus?
Yes. Many lawyers step out of Big Law without fully appreciating what it takes to run a law firm. Nexus allows smaller firms and teams to work with us, benefiting from our branding and support systems, and allowing the lawyer to return to what they do best: practicing law.
How much does it cost to set up with Nexus?
The cost of setting up with Nexus is minimal.
You ensure you have Practising Certificate, a laptop and up-to-date software, then we do the rest — including taking care of your professional indemnity insurance.
What if I want to take a break?
With Nexus, you are part of a much larger whole. While away, you are able to refer your carriage of matters to a colleague.
What do I get for the 30% Nexus charges me?
You get a law firm.
Nexus gives you everything you need to practise.
If you are spending as little as 15% of your time on non-billable practice management, then you would financially be better off with Nexus.
With Nexus, we unshackle the time you spend on non-billable work. This has an exponential effect, as you are free to undertake more billable work and more client development.
We handle anything administrative, leaving you are free to focus on client activity. You can spend the time you would have spent on non-billable work practising law, doing business development or taking a break.
Need specifics?
In addition to a national brand and network, Nexus delivers:
- Professional Indemnity insurance
- Trust accounting services
- Reception services
- Administrative services
- Accounting/billing support (including debtor management)
- Office space
- Meeting and board rooms
- Presentation support
- Transcription services
- Practice-management system
- IT services, support and backup
- Email accounts and signatures
- Online knowledge bank and precedents
- Marketing and business development support and materials
- Client secondments
- Business cards and stationery
- Paralegal/junior lawyer support
- CLE training
- Archiving and secure storage facilities
- Networking opportunities
- Senior experienced colleagues with complementary skill sets and expertise
