How Insight Advisory Group Helped Steedman Stagg Lawyers Establish a Boutique Legal Practice With Big-Firm Capability
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When seasoned Perth lawyers James Steedman and Nick Stagg decided to start their own boutique legal practice, they brought with them decades of experience, a reputation built at top firms, and a shared belief in the power of authenticity and direct client relationships. It was a bold move—leaving big‑firm security to build something from scratch—but it was grounded in confidence: over their 60 combined years in practice, the pair had not only mastered their craft but built deep trust with clients, colleagues and each other.
What began as an idea became Steedman Stagg Lawyers, a dispute resolution and commercial law practice located in the centre of Perth’s CBD. In the firm’s first three years, the business grew rapidly—from four to 14 team members—supported by longstanding client relationships, high‑profile legal expertise, and an early decision that would prove foundational: partnering with Insight Advisory Group to build the financial backbone of the firm.
Laying the Foundations With Insight Advisory Group
Before Steedman Stagg Lawyers officially opened in March 2021, the founders brought in Stewart Blizard and Domenic Manno, principals at Insight Advisory Group, to help structure the business correctly from day one.
Insight took responsibility for:
- Establishing the firm’s initial accounting systems
- Managing taxation, compliance and payroll
- Implementing bookkeeping processes
- Building financial infrastructure that could scale
- Providing ongoing strategic guidance as the firm grew
For a law practice built on trust, responsiveness and candour, the relationship with Insight fit immediately.
“The relationship with Stewart and Dom is dynamic and responsive,” Mr Stagg said. “When we need something done it’s rare that it’s more than a 24‑hour turnaround.”
For the founders, trusted advisors are essential—not optional.
“As lawyers, we must build relationships of trust and confidence with our clients,” Mr Stagg added. “It’s the same for us with Insight Advisory Group. At times you’ve got to have tough discussions. You need candour and frankness to get through it. That’s part and parcel of business.”
The Making of Steedman Stagg Lawyers: A Partnership Decades in Development
The professional relationship between Steedman and Stagg began in 2009 during the Great Southern litigation—one of Western Australia’s largest corporate legal disputes. At the time, they were representing clients from different firms but working side by side, quickly discovering a strong alignment in their styles, work ethic and strategic approach.
“It was the start of a close, dynamic and trusting professional relationship,” they reflect.
Their paths converged again at Lavan, one of WA’s leading law firms. Mr Stagg served as a senior partner in the dispute resolution and litigation team for more than a decade, while Mr Steedman spent seven years at the firm after previously becoming a partner at a boutique litigation and property practice.
Mr Stagg’s renown as one of Western Australia’s leading defamation and media lawyers had already been established. Prior to entering legal practice, he spent several years as a journalist at The West Australian, giving him unique insight into the media landscape. He later built a career representing media organisations, including Seven West Media, along with politicians, business leaders, major resources companies, educational institutions, and individuals involved in complex legal disputes.
Steedman Stagg Lawyers: Big‑Firm Capability in a Boutique Environment
From the outset, Steedman Stagg Lawyers positioned itself differently: delivering highly specialised legal services with the accessibility, responsiveness and personal involvement that clients often miss in large firms.
“When clients call us, Nick or I pick up,” Mr Steedman said. “That accessibility is a big point of what we do.”
The firm services a wide range of matters, including:
- Litigation and dispute resolution
- Media and defamation
- Corporate and commercial disputes
- Mining law
- Property disputes
- Trusts, wills and estates
This diversity is backed by decades of experience and a deep understanding of Western Australia’s corporate and resource‑driven economy.
And as the business has grown rapidly, so too has the complexity of its financial, operational and compliance needs.
“As the business has gotten busier and more people have come on board, we’ve had to step up the level of advice and guidance,” Mr Steedman said. “Having Stewart and Dom walking that journey with us is a big thing.”
Creating a Modern Legal Practice for a Changing Profession
The legal profession has transformed significantly over the span of Stagg’s and Steedman’s careers. Mr Stagg recalls his early days as an articled clerk in 1995:
“Back then we didn’t have computers on all desks. The fastest form of written communication was a thermal fax machine.”
Today, the profession—like many others—has accelerated dramatically. Technology has increased speed, competition and client expectations.
“There’s now an expectation of almost instantaneous response,” Mr Steedman said. “Technology has changed so much, and with that, expectations around service delivery have changed.”
Amid these shifts, Steedman Stagg Lawyers maintains a focus on quality, personal service and strategic thinking—values that resonate with clients and differentiate the firm in a crowded market.
Investing in People: A Boutique Firm That Builds Careers
Beyond legal expertise, the firm is committed to cultivating the next generation of lawyers. Steedman and Stagg have worked in major firms where young lawyers often see only fragments of a matter. Their goal is to create something better.
“What we’re trying to do is help develop the best practitioners and create the right culture,” Mr Stagg said. “You’ve got to enjoy what you’re doing and enjoy who you’re doing it with.”
The firm regularly hires:
- clerks
- interns
- Juris Doctor students
- graduates
…giving them exposure to the full lifecycle of legal matters.
“In a small place like this, clerks and graduates see the entirety of how the business works,” Mr Stagg explained. “On big ships, everyone has their role to play. Here, they see matters from cradle to grave.”
This hands‑on experience helps build well‑rounded, confident legal professionals—something the founders consider part of their legacy.
Building a Firm That Lasts
For Steedman and Stagg, the goal is long‑term sustainability.
“We’re striving to create something meaningful and long‑lasting,” Mr Stagg said. “We want to hand the reins to others with a strong foundation and a clear succession plan.”
With the support of Insight Advisory Group, the firm has established strong financial processes, scalable systems and an operational rhythm that will support growth for decades to come.
What began as a partnership between two seasoned lawyers has become one of Perth’s most respected boutique legal practices—built on experience, trust, accessibility and the right professional advisors walking beside them.
