Stowe Family Law has completed an investment in Unified Lawyers (Unified), a specialist family law practice with offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland.
This agreement marks the first investment outside the UK for the technology focused firm, which was founded in Yorkshire in 1984 and has expanded into a national platform with over 90 offices and more than 400 lawyers and professionals.
Dedicated exclusively to family law, Stowe advises more than 5,000 clients each year. Backed by investment company Investcorp, the firm achieved revenue of approximately £50 million in the last financial year, placing it among the top 100 law firms in the UK.
Australia was chosen as a priority international market by the firm due to its mature legal system, strong regulatory alignment with the UK, and strong demand for high-quality family law services, Stowe said.
The firm added:
“The market also presents a strong cultural fit and shared client values, providing an ideal foundation for international expansion.”
Ken Fowlie, executive chairman at Stowe Family Law (pictured), said:
“Our purpose has always been to help people navigate family change with confidence and compassion. Expanding into Australia allows us to do that for even more families, while building on our reputation for combining empathy, expertise, and innovation.
“With the investment and support of Investcorp, we’ve been able to accelerate our growth and technology strategy, strengthening our ability to deliver an outstanding client experience. Unified shares our values and commitment to holistic client care. Together, we’ll work in partnership to create a more connected and compassionate model for family law, one that’s powered by technology but driven by people.”
Unified is one of Australia’s largest and fastest growing family law firms. Established in 2014, the firm services clients throughout Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
CEO Mark Machaalani said of the deal:
“Partnering with Stowe is an exciting opportunity to build on what we have already achieved by joining a firm that shares our passion for helping people through life’s most challenging times. We’re aligned in our values, innovative use of technology and approach to client care. With a team of over 60 lawyers and professionals across key metropolitan hubs, we’re proud to bring deep local expertise to this international partnership.”
The partnership will give Unified access to enhanced resources, operational expertise and international perspectives, Stowe said, helping to boost growth across Australia.
Since becoming Stowe’s majority owner, Investcorp has invested significantly in growth and technology in a bid to enhance client experience and improve the delivery of family law. As part of its growth strategy, Stowe aims to serve more than 10,000 clients by 2029.
