PRESS RELEASE: BAGL merges with leading Sunshine Coast firm Stratum Legal

PRESS RELEASE: BAGL merges with leading Sunshine Coast firm Stratum Legal

2nd February 2023.

We are pleased to announce we have signed an agreement to complete a merger with a boutique body corporate law practice on the Sunshine Coast.

Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers (BAGL) has confirmed that from 15 February 2023 it will amalgamate its Queensland practice with Sunshine Coast-based specialist strata and property advisory firm, Stratum Legal, owned by leading body corporate specialist Michael Kleinschmidt.

CEO David Bugden said the merger with Stratum Legal creates a further expansion opportunity into body corporate legal work on the Sunshine Coast and throughout Queensland.

“Our senior partners Michael, Gary and Tim have known Michael Kleinschmidt for many years, having worked together on matters and as fellow members of the Australian College of Strata Lawyers. Michael and his team are highly specialised in this area, and their results-focused approach and innovation aligns well with our values and approach to legal work.”

The move will see 20-year strata law veteran Michael Kleinschmidt join as a Partner of the Queensland practice of Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers, along with his team of lawyers and support staff.

This is the second law firm Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers have acquired over the past 18 months, cementing themselves as one of the largest specialist strata and property law firms in Australia.

The firm is investing heavily into technology, and this merger with Stratum Legal will bolster their capabilities in the Queensland market, especially South-East Queensland which is set for a property boom thanks to the Olympics coming in 2032.

“The team at Stratum Legal have an approach to excellence and innovation that aligns with the values our team lives by every day,” Mr. Bugden said.

Echoing this sentiment, Michael Kleinschmidt described his reasons for the merger and his excitement for the opportunities the combination presents for his team.

“Over recent years I have watched with interest the formidable firm that Gary, Michael and Tim were assembling. With their depth of experience and expertise, including in the southern states and most recently Western Australia, I knew that my team would both complement the firm as a whole and the existing BAGL team in Queensland.” Mr Kleinschmidt commented.

“I had no hesitation in advising them that my staff and I would be delighted to join them.  I have been lucky enough to assemble a fantastic team of solicitors, paralegals and support staff and I’m very much looking forward to watching them develop with, and contribute to, the success of BAGL.” said Mr. Kleinschmidt.

The team at BAGL look forward to welcoming Michael, his team and his clients from 15 February 2023.