Local law practice Sarinas Legal is going from strength to strength with Director Evan Sarinas and his team recently celebrating 13 years in business. With plans to expand the firm’s Family Law and Estates Litigation departments, he is excited to further evolve their legal services within the region.
Tell us about yourself and Sarinas Legal.
We’ve recently celebrated 13 years in business for Sarinas Legal and it’s been quite a journey!
I’ve been a Lawyer for over 30 years, spending the bulk of my career as the principal of my own legal practices. My foray into operating my own business started in 1990, when I first established Sarinas & Associates Lawyers.
Seeking exposure to more complex litigation opportunities, I relocated to Brisbane for a time, and was rewarded with the role of State Manager of a large national law firm, leading their class action and medical negligence departments. The cases I litigated were both fascinating and intricate.
In 2008 I moved back to Townsville to spend more time with my family, before re-establishing Sarinas Legal in January 2011. I now lead a team of talented lawyers assisting clients with Family Law, Business Law, Commercial Litigation, Property, Wills and Estates and Compensation matters.
What has been the most challenging aspect of starting/owning Sarinas Legal?
Within the legal industry, a unique challenge is the public perception around the value of the work that lawyers do. The sheer magnitude of work that quietly occurs behind the scenes with any legal matter is often underestimated.
Successful lawyers work long hours and employ an arsenal of various professional skills to secure the best outcome for each unique client case. It’s these skills, refined and honed over many years of experience, together with a tenacious attitude for results, which separates a good lawyer from a great one.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
For several years, I owned and operated a popular three-level restaurant in Brisbane’s CBD. We were renowned for innovative cocktails, amazing food, and atmospheric live music, including hosting live acts from all around the world.
It’s an exhilarating feeling when you build and forge a successful business from scratch, and witness your vision come to life. Many of my clients have benefited from the business skills and experiences that I accumulated operating the venue.
What is the best piece of career or business advice you have ever received?
My Dad, Con Sarinas, once told me: “Always buy the corner block.” Whilst he was specifically referring to real estate at the time, this mantra equally sums up Dad’s natural talent to identify potential opportunities and take the calculated risks needed to seize those opportunities and bring them to life.
I’m proud of what my parents have achieved and how they contributed in so many positive ways to the Townsville community. After emigrating to Australia as young people escaping civil unrest (Mum) and warfare (Dad) overseas, they married and worked hard together for decades, building several successful businesses including Con’s Fruit Market, Odyssey Café and Miniversity Early Learning Centre.
My parents taught me to never rest on my laurels, and to constantly think ahead for security and opportunities for the future. They have imparted so much wisdom to me over the years. I hope to pass on this same entrepreneurial and gutsy spirit to my young children.
Going forward, what is next on the cards for Sarinas Legal?
Our future plans involve strategically expanding our Family Law and Estates Litigation departments, leveraging the experience and tenacity of our talented lawyers, and to continue making a positive difference for our clients. Expanding these practice areas is a natural decision for us to continue making a positive difference for our clients.
We are ready and excited to continue growing and evolving our boutique and modern legal services for many more years to come.
If you are interested in knowing more about our services, please visit our website, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
Main image – Evan Sarinas, Director, Sarinas Legal.
Images Credits – All images supplied.
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