During the Young Justice event, where high school students from the region came together to explore various opportunities and consider a career in law, Jennifer Ball, the president of the Law Society, paid tribute to Hanson to recognise his outstanding legal career.

Ball described Hanson as a “living demonstration” of the vital role lawyers play in “reinforcing the public’s confidence in the rule of law” and their status as “leaders in their communities”.

Throughout a legal career spanning nearly seven decades, he began his professional journey as a bookkeeper at a law firm in Bega. Over time, he steadily climbed the ranks, ultimately becoming an articled clerk before achieving admission as a solicitor in 1957.

At the event, Elisa Shain, president of the Wollongong and District Law Society, praised Hanson for his significant contributions to the local community that extend far beyond his legal practice.

“Along with establishing one of Wollongong’s most prominent law firms, Mr Hanson has served as a Wollongong City Council alderman, founded the Wollongong Art Gallery, helped forge the region’s reputation as a tourist destination, and was instrumental in the establishment of Wollongong’s landmark Nan Tien Temple,” Shain said.

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Shain expressed that throughout his career, Hanson has provided invaluable assistance to “many thousands” of local community members, guiding them through significant life events such as “purchasing a home, assisting with their business affairs, and settling their estates for the next generation.”

In recognition of his exceptional service and contributions to the legal profession, Ball and Shain awarded Hason with a prestigious recognition award.

Hanson has indicated that he intends to retire from his legal career once his practising certificate for 2025–26 expires.

Reflecting on his extensive career, Hanson imparted valuable insights derived from his experiences, emphasising the importance of possessing local knowledge, meticulous preparation, and cultivating trust with both clients and fellow solicitors.

“Clients repose a great deal of trust in their solicitor. We are duty-bound, as a profession, to ensure that trust is honoured through delivering the level of professional expertise the client expects. Detailed and precise preparation is crucial, particularly in advance of an appearance in court before sometimes exacting judges,” Hanson said.