Family Law Firm Picks London for First of Many International Offices

The Manely Firm, an Atlanta-based family law firm, has always touted capabilities spanning Georgia and “all around the world.” 

Until recently, that was a jurisdictional argument, simply meaning the firm would take on cases involving divorce, child abduction and other issues where international law was in play. 

Soon, however, this will become a literal statement as the firm opens its first overseas office in London to complement its expansion around Georgia. 

Interacting with an average of nine countries (outside the U.S.) per week, the firm started to feel somewhat like a manufacturer weary of distributors that didn’t truly understand its product.

Hiring local partner firms in various markets, the fit and the knowledge baseline wasn’t always just right, founding partner Michael Manely told Global Atlanta in an emailed interview from London in July. 

“Opening in London is the first step in taking a far more direct role in ensuring our clients’ success when we litigate abroad,” Mr. Manely said after touring a space undergoing finishing work in London’s posh Mayfair neighborhood, just across Green Park from Buckingham Palace. “This will mainstream our delivery of legal services since all of our efforts will remain in-house.”

The small office, at least in comparison with the firm’s six Georgia locations, will open with three people, but Mr. Manely expects the local team to grow quickly as the firm seeks to ensure it has a culturally appropriate presence that upholds its standard of excellence.

“While we practice international family law, it certainly remains true that family law is half law and half politics, with a little ‘p,’” Mr. Manely…