McCullough Robertson celebrates centenary of service
East coast-based firm McCullough Robertson is celebrating 100 years in operation.
On 22 January 1926, a partnership between Robert McCullough and Jack (Jock) Robertson was formed. McCullough, hailing from Barcaldine in Western Australia, and Robertson, from Brisbane, signed a partnership agreement that put in motion over 100 years of enduring partnerships, varied clientele and “down-to-earth experts who relate to and support our clients, always”.
McCullough Robertson (McR) began as a generalist law firm primarily servicing pastoral clients. The ’70s and ’80s saw an expansion to tax and estate planning and corporate law, and by the 1990s, offered full-service corporate and commercial practices. The firm rounded out by serving national and international corporates, SMEs, and clients across a range of contemporary industries.
Gradually expanding to meet demand, the firm has over 60 partners and more than 450 people across Brisbane and Sydney.
Values haven’t changed over the years for McR, it said, noting it maintains a fierce independence and is known for a unique culture and commitment to creating opportunities. However, they did seem to move with the times, losing the & in 1987.
On reaching and celebrating this significant milestone, Damien Clarke, joint managing partner, recognised “all of our clients, people, alumni and community partners who have made this achievement possible”, crediting “the contributions of so many in making McR what it is today”.
Echoing this sentiment, Kristan Conlon, McR chair of partners, said: “We honour our history and the leadership that has brought us here, and we are proud of the platform we have for the future. Our commitment is to preserve the essence of McR and to leave a legacy of community contribution ...”
Clarke said: “We are most excited about the future and the next 100 years, driven by collaboration, the success of our clients and our people, innovation and community impact.”
And there is action behind these words, with Conlon announcing that, for the year ahead, “McCullough Robertson is committing $1,000,000 of pro bono legal services to the housing sector” as part of its continued “pro bono advisory support provided to the sector during recent years through [its] Community Partnerships Program”.
Conlon said: “As our firm turns 100, we are looking to work with government, industry leaders and housing providers to design and deliver practical and much-needed step change solutions.”