McLean McKenzie & Topfer was this week named a finalist for the 2016 regional/suburban law firm of the year award.

Hosted by LawyersWeekly, the annual awards recognise excellence in law throughout Australia. McLean McKenzie & Topfer was the only Tasmanian firm to be named as a finalist.

Associate Alexander McKenzie said the team strives to serve the whole community.

“Being in the regional hub of Burnie and therefore servicing remote communities, we don’t like to say we don’t do a particular type of work,” he said.

“There’s not much we won’t do, and if we can’t then we’ll at least help people to get access to the legal services that they need, in terms of providing them with the names of lawyers who do the type of work they’re looking for.”

Partners Colin McKenzie and Leanne Topfer have worked in the North-West for much of their careers and involve themselves with several local groups and causes.

Mr McKenzie is a board member of Ability Tasmania and Ms Topfer is a member of the University of Tasmania’s governing council and Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission.

However Alexander said staff are accustomed to dealing with the community at a more personal level.

“You play sport with the people that are your clients,” he said.

“You see the people on the opposite side of files down the street and you have to manage that.”

The firm is one of the largest on the Coast and employs a staff of about 14. Alexander said while the North-West often comes up short, staff are proud of their community.

“The North-West Coast is often trotted out as being an example of how bad Australia can be. We’re always the electorate that’s the worst for adult literacy, the worst for unemployment,” he said.

“I know that we’re all really glad to be able to help people that sometimes think there aren’t people who can help them.”

Winners will be announced in Sydney on September 2.