Why do local people choose McManus & Co? We asked one to find out.

McManus & Co have been lawyers in the Inner West since 1975. As a family-owned and run business, community is important to us. Our loyal clients are part of the family.

Many of these clients have been with us for a long time, like Norma Wilkinson, who has lived in Seddon for 40 years and is a grandmother to five kids.

Norma’s local through and through. She was born in the neighbouring suburb, Maidstone, and her family has lived in the area for decades dating right back to her grandparents.

"My mum and dad bought a house in Maidstone, and I lived there until I moved to my grandfather's house in Seddon to look after him. We've lived here ever since,” says Norma.

Although she thinks the West is ‘too busy' these days, she enjoys the local area with its cafes, shops and sense of community.

"It's close to everything; you can get the train in any direction…get into the city easily or walk into Footscray”, says Norma.

“We just love it here - we know all the other locals. Everyday we say hello to the owner of our favourite cafe, Alfami's - her family has also been here for ages.”

Norma came to see us for the first time about seven years ago about estate administration. Why did she choose us initially?

“We had to redo my father's will after mum passed away. I was looking around the area and thought McManus was in a good spot - central to my father's place, and you could park for free. We went there, and they seemed very friendly,” says Norma.

She chose to return to us when she needed help with conveyancing and legal support.

"When dad passed away, we went back to them - they did the probate for me and everything. Gab, Alison and the rest of the team are easy to get on with. Everyone I've dealt with has been helpful, friendly, lovely and really supportive,” she says.

However, during this time, COVID put a spanner in the works for Norma and her family.

“We got stuck in NSW because of COVID. We thought it would only be a couple of months, but it turned out to be 9 instead. We couldn't clean out Dad's house or anything, so it was ages before we could sell it,” says Norma.

“We had a few hiccups, but McManus just solved it for us. It was a big weight off my shoulders."

Norma's daughter is now also one of our clients. One of the things we love about being local lawyers is servicing different generations of the same family.

Would Norma recommend McManus & Co to other friends and family?

“Yes, absolutely. They helped us out in lots of little ways. If I had an issue [outside of legal matters], they would always find someone who could help, for example, an accountant or real estate agent. If you need help, they will try to assist 110%.”

“I've been to a couple of different solicitors over the years, and I just found McManus & Co more family-friendly, which was important to me. Going to a solicitor can be daunting and stressful, but you don't feel stressed going to McManus - they don't talk down to you."

If you would like help with wills or estate planning, get in touch, and we'll talk through your options.