When it came to litigation, Derek Cronin says, he was initially attracted by "the battle" and inspired by a boss that was "a bit of a samurai". One of the first students to graduate from Bond University, Cronin has practiced for 20 years and worked as a partner in a Brisbane-based firm. In 2006, he moved back to Surfers Paradise because he craved the lifestyle and set up his own firm, Cronin Litigation.

The firm specialises in commercial litigation, debt recovery, insolvency and bankruptcy, but also focuses on mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Central to the firm's success has been the decision to specialise, says Cronin.

"We have been able to attract as referrers other solicitors in our region who would rather not be engaged in litigation matters," he says. "So we can take referrals from them and look after their client and then hand their client back to them after the matter has been concluded."

The firm employs 10 staff members, including five lawyers, a clerk, three support staff and a part-time office junior. Staff retreats are held each year and destinations have included Sydney, Hamilton Island and Noosa.

But rather than encountering the problems other regional firms face in attracting staff, Cronin says he has had to turn away graduates who are looking for work and also want to make a lifestyle choice.

"It's difficult because sometimes you see a graduate who looks very attractive from the point of view of their qualifications and skills and their academic background and sometimes it's difficult to say no. But in this environment we have tried to be focused on controlled growth, rather than growth for growth's sake," he says.

The current economic climate has also had a positive effect on the practice, with expansion in bankruptcy and insolvency. The firm, however, remains cautious, says Cronin.

"I have found that the levels of commercial litigation work have always been constant through the good times and the bad, but at the moment there is a greater emphasis on ensuring that a client is adequately funded to see them through the process. In other words, there is more emphasis on money upfront," he adds.

Cronin says a mantra of the firm is to "stand in the shoes of clients" and appreciate the position they are in, in order to understand what they are feeling and what they need to know.

"I get most satisfaction from the moment you say goodbye to a client who has been through the process of litigation and is happy with the outcome. Because we are a boutique firm in a regional 'city' of the Gold Coast, our clients are primarily small business people," he says.

"Although they usually have had some previous litigation experience, they really appreciate receiving a simple explanation to what can be potentially difficult legal problems. Having a happy client at the end of a matter is often very satisfying if they first come to the office with a very sad problem!"

By Sarah Sharples