About Us
About Us
Twenty years ago, I set out to start my own firm here in Ottawa, a small litigation boutique I called “Mullowney’s Law”. I left the big-law environment because I was convinced the business model of almost every large Ottawa law firm, even the large national law firms, was in decline
My firm’s approach to the practice of law is based on three principles:
- Make use of cutting edge technology;
- Try not to be all things to all people; and
- Maintain an unshaken belief that a case is determined by the facts and the law, not the size of the firm (or the client) litigating it.
Technology has had an undeniable democratizing effect on the legal profession, greatly enhancing my firm’s ability to compete. Mullowney’s business model uses technology to gain a competitive advantage in the legal marketplace, enabling us to compete for work previously reserved for larger firms.
And while technology has increased the practice areas available to Mullowney’s, our goal isn’t to try to be every lawyer to every client. Instead, we created a business model in which our two largest practice areas are “estate litigation” and “contract disputes” complement each other. These practice areas go hand in hand, as both tend to arise from disagreements involving written instruments (wills and contracts) and the broken promises relating to them. To enhance these two main practice areas, we also offer contract management services, where we draft and negotiate contracts on behalf of our corporate clients, as well as probate services to assist clients with estate administration.
As a result of this approach, Mullowney’s remains small, nimble and focused. We encourage working smarter not harder. We also embrace the use of contingency fees, alternative fees, monthly retainers and virtual associates who are hired on an as needed basis.
For example, at Mullowney’s, we believe the hourly billing model is not always in the interest of clients, or law firms. Hourly billing often provides clients with little certainty regarding costs and its incentives for lawyers can at times result in perceived overbilling. As a result, we offer alternative forms of billing, such as flat-rate and contingency fee-based retainers. This approach helps to align our firm’s interests with those of our clients by promoting the successful resolution of cases in a more time and cost-effective manner.
Mullowney’s has also perfected the legal consumer experience by making legal services simpler for clients to use and by making their lawyer more accessible and responsive. By improving efficiency in our workload, we are able to focus more attention on each of our clients. Also, by utilizing the latest in communications technology, we are able to achieve unparalleled levels of client interaction.
In a tough economy, clients are always looking to economize, leading them to firms where they perceive better value is being offered. This is where Mullowney’s excels. We are not heavily leveraged (i.e., employing a large number of full-time associates). Mullowney’s pioneered the use of networked associates and support staff in Ottawa and hires both on an as-needed basis. This results in more effective legal representation, which is also more cost effective.
Most litigation is expensive. Trials are becoming priced outside the reach of the average litigant – not just the individual, but also the average corporate litigant. We recognize this fact and strive to find ways to make the courts more accessible. Mullowney’s believes that the ability of individuals and corporations to go to court and have their disputes resolved must be preserved. It is important to our concept of the rule of law and it is what makes commerce work more efficiently.
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Running a business is challenging enough without having to worry about whether you’re legally protected. When you or your company is under threat, you need an experienced lawyer to advise and guide you at every step along the way until it’s resolved.
Our job is to alleviate your stress and find solutions when a contractor, client, business partner, or other party fails to deliver on what they promised. We have the experience to resolve these disputes in a time and cost effective manner and stand ready to advocate on your behalf to protect your financial interests.
“I believe that our system works, that justice is done and that right triumphs over might in our courts. After twenty years in litigation, this belief remains unshaken and I am convinced now, more than ever, that when the facts and the law are on your side, the size of the opposing law firm, or the client’s legal budget, have little to do with a case’s outcome.”
(J.L. Lee Mullowney, Lawyer )
