Remarkable Regional Business

Bonnie Phillips & Stefan Manche, Coulter Legal (Part Two)

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 41 (Part Two) 
Guests: Bonnie Phillips & Stefan Manche
Business Name: Coulter Legal
Website: https://www.coulterlegal.com.au/
They rebuilt their whole office and the interesting part was not the design. It was why they refused to follow the open plan trend.
In Part Two of this episode of Remarkable Regional Business, Caleb Maxwell continues the conversation with Bonnie Phillips and Stefan Manche from Coulter Legal. The discussion shifts inside the business to explore how leadership works, how the firm approaches workplace design, and how modern law firms are rethinking the client experience.
Bonnie and Stefan explain how the director group shares responsibility while still maintaining client work, why their new office design prioritises focus and confidentiality, and how changes to pricing and intake processes are helping reduce stress for clients.
Topics Covered
/ Leadership structure and shared responsibilityHow the four directors divide portfolios, manage governance, and make strategic decisions without becoming overwhelmed by operational detail.
/ Balancing leadership and client workWhy maintaining client involvement helps leaders stay connected to the realities of the business.
/ Designing a workplace that supports better work Why Coulter Legal chose private offices over full open plan, and how their new Geelong headquarters was shaped through staff input.
/ Modern client experience How relationship first intake and value based pricing reduce client stress and provide greater certainty.
/ What makes a great lawyer Why rapport, empathy, and the ability to ask better questions often matter more than technical expertise.
/ Personal brand and community connection How lawyers are encouraged to develop their own professional brand while staying deeply connected to the regional communities they serve.
This is Part Two of the conversation with Bonnie Phillips and Stefan Manche from Coulter Legal.
If you have not listened to Part One yet, start there to hear the full story of how the firm grew to where it is today.
// Links
https://www.coulterlegal.com.au/

Bonnie Phillips & Stefan Manche, Coulter Legal (Part One)

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 41 (Part One) 
Guests: Bonnie Phillips & Stefan Manche
Business Name: Coulter Legal
Website: https://www.coulterlegal.com.au/
So we were talking about why some firms grow and others fall apart… and honestly it usually comes down to one thing. Not strategy. Not marketing. Just whether they actually have the right people in the room.
In this episode of Remarkable Regional Business, host Caleb Maxwell sits down with Bonnie Phillips and Stefan Manche from Coulter Legal in Geelong. With offices across Geelong, Torquay, Barwon Heads, and Melbourne, Coulter Legal has grown into a mid sized firm of more than eighty people while staying deeply connected to the communities it serves.
Bonnie and Stefan share how the firm has grown through major workforce change, including rapid expansion during COVID and the shift to hybrid work. They unpack what it takes to scale a professional services team without stretching people to the point where quality slips, and why hiring for culture is often more important than hiring for technical ability.
Topics Covered
/ Growing from Geelong to a multi office firm across Victoria How Coulter Legal expanded beyond its regional roots while maintaining strong community connections.
/ Hiring for cultural fit and capability Why recruitment is treated as high stakes, and how cultural alignment protects both team wellbeing and client outcomes.
/ Scaling a legal practice sustainably How the family and relationship law team grew from four lawyers to around thirty while maintaining service quality.
/ Building systems that support people and clients How resourcing, support staff, and pairing senior and junior lawyers helps manage workload and maintain standards.
/ Leading culture in a hybrid workplace How communication rhythms, team meetings, and intentional connection help maintain culture across multiple offices.
This is Part One of the conversation with Bonnie Phillips and Stefan Manche.
Go to Part Two next to hear how the firm approaches leadership, workplace design, and modern client experience.
// Links
https://www.coulterlegal.com.au/

BBEA 2025 Limited Series - Creative Industries Winner - Hebron Films

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025
Awards Category: Creative Industries 
Business Name: Hebron Films
Presented to: Caleb Maxwell
 
// About the business
Hebron Films is a boutique Bendigo-based video production and storytelling studio that helps regional businesses grow with strategic, high-value video content. They partner with companies and marketing teams to craft creative films backed by clear strategy—bringing stories to life that attract attention and drive results. Known for personalised collaboration, they handle everything from concept to production, delivering engaging videos that elevate brands on the world stage. 
 
// Links
https://hebronfilms.com
https://bbea.com.au/

BBEA 2025 Limited Series - Health and Care Award Winner - 3D Physiotherapy Health Group

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025
Awards Category: Health and Care Award
Business Name: 3D Physiotherapy Health Group
Presented to: Julie Sheahan
 
// About the business
3D Physio Health Group is a purpose-driven physiotherapy and wellness clinic in Bendigo and Boort that goes beyond pain relief to help people move better, recover faster and live stronger. Their personalised care uncovers root causes, builds strength, and boosts confidence through evidence-based treatment, exercise programs and rehabilitation. With friendly physios and tailored plans, they support injury recovery, pain management and long-term health for every body.
 
// Links
https://www.3dphysio.com.au/
https://bbea.com.au/

BBEA 2025 Limited Series - Climate Leader Award & Social Procurement Award Winner - Flash Farm

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025
Awards Category: Climate Leader Award & Social Procurement Award
Business Name: Flash Farm
Presented to: Kristy Kemp
 
// About the business
Flash Farm is a farm-based allied health service near Myers Flat, Victoria that uses nature, animals and evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support people’s wellbeing, skills and confidence. Founded from a vision that connection with animals can enhance therapy, Flash Farm offers individual and group programs—like life skills, social development and horticultural activities—framed around personalised, experiential learning to improve mental health and life outcomes.
 
// Links
https://www.flashfarm.org/
https://bbea.com.au/

BBEA 2025 Limited Series - Young and Professional Award Winner - Shaun Stephenson (Beck Legal)

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winner 2025
Awards Category: Young and Professional Award
Business Name: Beck Legal
Presented to: Shaun Stephenson
 
// About the winner
Shaun Stephenson is a senior associate at Beck Legal in Bendigo and the 2025 Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Young and Professional Award winner. A commercial lawyer specialising in mergers, acquisitions and succession planning, Sean is recognised not only for professional excellence but for his deep commitment to mentoring, education and community leadership—reflecting Bendigo’s culture of developing talented young professionals who give back and help others thrive.
 
// Links
https://becklegal.com.au/asset-protection/meet-our-team-shaun-stephenson/
https://bbea.com.au/

BBEA 2025 Limited Series - Not-for-profit Award Winner - Bendigo Theatre Company

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Not-for-profit Award Winner 2025
Awards Category: Not-for-profit Award
Business Name: Bendigo Theatre Company
Presented to: Vern Wall
 
// About the business
Bendigo Theatre Company is a long-running community theatre organisation in Bendigo, Victoria dedicated to producing high-quality live theatre that entertains and engages local audiences. Since 1952, it has staged a wide range of musicals, dramas and productions while providing opportunities for performers, creators and behind-the-scenes volunteers of all ages. The company also fosters youth involvement through its Tribe Youth Theatre program and nurtures local theatrical talent.
 
// Links
https://www.bendigotheatrecompany.org.au/
https://bbea.com.au/

BBEA 2025 Limited Series - Customer Focussed Award Winner - A L Parker Electrical

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025
Awards Category: Customer Focussed Award
Business Name: A L Parker Electrical
Presented to: Adam Parker
 
// About the business
Al Parker Electrical is a local, award-winning family-run electrical services business based in Bendigo, Victoria. Founded by qualified A-Grade electrician Adam Parker, the team delivers reliable, safe and high-quality electrical solutions for homes, businesses, new builds and renovations across Bendigo and surrounds. They’re known for clear communication, professional workmanship and dependable service—from everyday repairs to solar, EV chargers and full installations. 
 
// Links
https://www.alparkerelectrical.com.au/
https://bbea.com.au/

BBEA 2025 Limited Series - Manufacturing Award Winner - Fabriq

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025
Awards Category: Manufacturing Award
Business Name: Fabriq
Presented to: Melanie Clark
 
// About the business
Fabriq is a family-owned and operated window furnishings business serving Bendigo and Central Victoria since 1995. They specialise in custom curtains, blinds, upholstery and interior décor, offering bespoke design, colour advice and personalised service to make decorating enjoyable. With quality craftsmanship and trusted expertise, Fabriq helps clients create beautiful, lasting spaces they’ll love for years to come.
 
// Links
https://fabriq.com.au/
https://bbea.com.au/

BBEA 2025 Limited Series - Gastronomy Award Winner - Noble Bootleggers Distilling Co

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025
Awards Category: Gastronomy Award
Business Name: Noble Bootleggers Distilling Co
Presented to:  Kristen and Daniel Lemu
 
// About the business
Noble Bootleggers Distilling Co is a boutique, family-run distillery and regenerative farm on the outskirts of Bendigo, Victoria. They craft unique small-batch spirits like gin, amaro and whisky with bold, innovative flavours and quality ingredients. Focused on sustainability, community and meaningful experiences, the Mum-and-Dad team loves connecting with customers at markets and events while creating memorable drinks that celebrate creativity and place.
 
// Links
https://www.noblebootleggers.com/
https://bbea.com.au/