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| James McKean |
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| Les Park |
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| Richard Park |
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| Geoff Park |
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Very few law firms in Australia can claim 140 years of continuous operation and few others have an original part of their name still in use.
McKean has been with us from inception and when Les Park joined the practice in 1939, McKean & Park was formed. Coincidently, our Associate firm in Sydney - Pigott Stinson, was also established in 1863.
The firm was established in 1863 by James McKean, who was born in Belfast and came to Australia in 1853. He was appointed a member of the first Mining Court and later elevated to the positions of President of Lands & Works and Commissioner of Crown Lands and Survey, and became Minister for Lands in the Victorian Colonial Government.
Harry McKean joined his father's firm in 1898 and in 1939 formed a partnership with Les Park. The family tradition has continued with Les' sons Richard and Geoff joining the firm in 1966 and 1968 respectively.
Today the firm comprises 7 Partners - Anne Marie Gasbarro, Jim Mellas, Kim Whitby, Mark Flynn, Stephen Roache, Tim Graham & Tony Rogers.
The Important Dates
1863: James McKean began his first practice at 42 Collins Street, Melbourne
1870: McKean & Wilson founded
1875: McKean, Wilson & Leonard founded
1878: McKean & Leonard established - 11 Collins Street West, Melbourne
1898: McKean & McKean - Harry McKean (son of James) admitted
1939: McKean & Park founded - formed partnership with Les Park
1959: McKean, Park & Cooper - Don Cooper admitted to partnership
1966: McKean & Park - Richard Park admitted
1968: Geoff Park admitted
1982: Firm merged with Pitcher & Butt
1990: Firm acquired F.W. Cox & Son
1997: Firm acquired part of Godfrey Stewart's property section
2003: Celebration of our 140-year anniversary. The firm committed to contributing 140 Acts of Kindness for the year. This initiative was aimed at giving something back to our community.
2007: Today the firm comprises 45 dedicated staff specialising in all major areas of legal practice at 405 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne.
Our "Badge" or "Logo" is in fact a "Garter" (a strap buckled in a circle with its free end hanging). The Garter is an heraldic symbol of integrity with its origins in the 14th Century.
It was still commonly used on professional stationery until the first half of the last century, and has been in continuous use by our firm since our founder commenced practice in 1863.
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