Founded in Cairns in 1884, MacDonnells Law has grown considerably from its early beginnings and now ranks as one of the largest independent firms in the State and in the top five privately owned law firms in Queensland. Today the MacDonnells Law network comprises offices in Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville, fulfilling our strategy to deliver a seamless service throughout Queensland.
Some important milestones highlighting our growth include:
- 1884 Ernest Alexander Milford, aged 24, established the Cairns legal practice now known as MacDonnells Law
- 1889 The MacDonnells name commenced when Adam MacDonnell bought the practice from Milford, and for more than 60 years a MacDonnell remained senior partner of the firm. Early clients of the firm included the Hop Wah Syndicate, a group of Chinese farmers who established Cairns’ first sugar plantation and mill (now Mulgrave Mill) and the Municipal Borough of Cairns (now Cairns Regional Council) which became a client of the firm in 1885 for an annual retainer of five guineas
- 1996 Visited office in Innisfail opened
- 1999 Brisbane office opened
- 2000 Townsville office opened
- 2004 Merger with longstanding and respected Brisbane firm Lees Marshall Warnick (est. 1970)
- 2006 Joined forces with O'Mara's Lawyers (est. 1913) from Brisbane as well as Townsville firm Suthers Taylor (est. 1983) complementing our existing operations and adding strength in our key service areas
- 2007 Ranks 91st in Q400, the Queensland Business Review's recognition of the top 400 leading private companies in Queensland
- 2008 Ranks 78th in Q400, a gain of 13 places
- 2008 Finalist in ALB Awards for Brisbane Law Firm of the Year
- 2008 Joins Meritas, an international network of law firms. Contact us to request a free information booklet about Doing Business in Australia and New Zealand today.
- 2009 Celebrated its 125th Anniversary
View Corporate Brochure
