The grandson of S F Milford, Queensland’s first Supreme Court judge, 24-year-old Ernest Alexander Milford opened the firm in 1884.

Early clients included the Hop Wah Syndicate, a group of Chinese farmers who established the area’s first sugar plantation and mill, chairman of partners Russell Beer said.

Other early clients included Alfred Street, one of the city’s first storekeepers, and the Municipal Borough of Cairns, which became a client in 1885 for an annual retainer of five guineas.

The firm has continued its association with the Queensland sugar industry, retailers and local councils, it stated.