Our People.
At Abbotts & Co Lawyers, we’re a professional and passionate team, committed to excellent customer service and securing quality results.
We do not believe that being “professional” needs to come at the direct expense of being real people, who live in the real world and enjoy what they do.
Our principal Kieran Abbotts established Abbotts & Co Lawyers with the aim that its team should feel energetic and inspired about getting out of bed and coming to work. Having worked in other firms where employee morale was driven into the ground and team bonding was seen as a poisonous risk to profit, we strive to turn that all around and create a happy and healthy work environment.
A happy employee is a good employee; and we know they are our greatest asset. We love finding golden nuggets of legal talent right here in our Mid North Coast backyard. Should you wish to join our happy crew please reach out and help us keep the dream alive.
Want to be part of a new style of legal practice?
Meet Kieran Abbotts – the ‘non-lawyer, lawyer’.
Possibly the greatest compliment Kieran has ever received was when a senior colleague said that he didn’t come across like a normal lawyer. We are still not sure if that was intended as a compliment or an insult, but Kieran has been wearing it as a badge of honour ever since.
To be clear, Kieran loves and respects the law; it’s what he was born to do. However, he has always felt that the profession and the way law is practiced needs a total rethink.
Born and raised in Kempsey, the Mid North Coast of NSW has always been home for Kieran. Having such a strong connection to the area has seen him living and working in Tamworth, Taree, Forster and Coffs Harbour.
Since graduating with a double degree from The University of New England, Kieran’s legal career has been both varied and exciting. Obtaining a wealth of experience in the areas of estate planning and deceased estates (including complex estate disputes), Kieran has been able to help many local families efficiently resolve their legal matters. More recently, Kieran was the founding solicitor of a firm focused on assisting survivors of institutional sexual abuse.
Kieran knows that the cornerstone of a positive client–solicitor relationship is trust and understanding. He delivers a reassuring and compassionate tone toward sensitive matters, and is someone you want in your corner when things get tough.
Kieran is your classic country lawyer, yet provides his friendly service in a unique and modern way. Above all else, he is summed up as a sharp wit, a warm smile, and a safe pair of hands.
We look forward to getting to know you.
Question time! Getting to know Kieran – our Principal / Founder at Abbotts & Co Lawyers.
Starting with an easy one, why did you become a lawyer?
Over my legal career I have been asked this countless time. Generally it’s the first or second thing people socially ask when I tell them what I do (the other big one is … ‘I’m not being billed for this am I?’).
My answer is never a good one (I keep telling myself I need to come up with a polished answer). Generally, I fumble around saying that it was always my calling …. And then mutter something about Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Not coming from a family of lawyers, I can only say that as a teen (with the guidance of some amazing schoolteachers) I stumbled upon the law as a vehicle for bettering the lives of those around me. Where I saw discord and despair, I wanted to bring harmony and hope.
Who is your inspiration – both inside and outside of the law.
In the law it would be Justice Michael Kirby for his brilliant mind and progressive voice. I admire his ability to clearly look through the ink of legislation to see the soul – or vibe – of what was actually intended. He also stood his ground on some very important issues, even when popular opinion was not in his favour, and I admire that.
Outside of the law, I would have to say my mother. She worked hard and sacrificed a lot to give me the best possible start. Growing up surrounded by amazing women, I would also throw in my two grandmothers – Nell Abbotts and Olga Dunbar. Nell taught me compassion and how to maintain a positive outlook, regardless of what life throws your way. While Olga showed me how to be tough, headstrong and resourceful.
What character from film or tv do you most resonate with?
I would love to say that I am as sharp and wise as President Bartlett from the West Wing… but the truth is I am probably more like Michael Scott from The Office.
What is one thing that makes your day better?
If it’s morning it’s another coffee and if it’s afternoon then probably a cold beer or gin. A dip in salt water also makes the world look pretty good.
Apart from that I would say spending time with interesting people who inspire and motivate me to soak up all that life has to offer.
You are holding a dinner party, who is coming (alive or dead)?
John F. Kennedy, Ricky Gervais, Dolly Parton and … Jesus? (if we run out of wine then he could work his divine magic again).
Coolest place you have ever travelled?
The Republic of Ireland – These people ooze good vibes (or ‘craic’)! Not only a stunning place but I love how warm and welcoming the Irish are. Having seen the sights of Europe nothing compares to a pint of Guinness and a singalong in a real Irish pub.
Tell me your life story in one perfect sentence.
Hopefully that story is still being written! I’m sure there will be many more juicy plot twists. But maybe something like: “The little underdog who said he would, worked hard, and then he did...with a smile.”
Three things to take to a deserted island?
A good book, my Akubra and a boat to sail home on when it’s dinner time ( think outside the box 😉).
Best advice you have ever heard?
“Two mice fall into a bucket of milk. The first resigns himself and drowns immediately. The second struggled until he churned the milk into cream, then walked out. Be the second mouse.”
Either that or: “be whatever you want to be … just don’t be dull.”
Last four emojis used?
👍🏻🤠🍻🙄
Funniest work story to date?
In the law confidentiality is crucial, but it’s safe to say we have seen and heard quite a few funny and bizarre things.
At a BBQ , if you are given control of the music who would you play?
Depends on the vibe of the party (and the hour of day). Probably an old banger to get everyone feeling good. I’m thinking maybe ‘Flame Trees’ by Cold Chisel, ‘You Shook Me all Night Long’ by ACDC or ‘Dancing in the Dark’ by Bruce Springsteen.
Or who knows maybe I’ll spin some Slim Dusty (you can take the boy out of Kempsey but you cant take the Kempsey out of the boy right!).