Oldest legal firm on the go

Andrew Palmer and Gerard Houlihan of Rees R & Sydney Jones outside its historic location on Quay Street as they prepare to move to a new loaction after a memorable 36 years.

Allan Reinikka Rokareesr

WHEN the last Rees R & Sydney Jones sign is taken down from 186 Quay St, many memories will go with it.

The oldest legal firm in Queensland is moving to a new location at 55 Denham St in April.

Three of the six partners of the Rockhampton firm, Andrew Palmer, Gerard Houlihan and Geoff O'Driscoll are the only three remaining members who were with the firm when it moved into the Heritage listed building 36 years ago.

Managing partner Mr O'Driscoll said there had been many great memories during that time.

"It's with regret that we leave this building but it will be good to have everyone in the one place when our new office opens," he said.

The law firm has been working from two locations for almost five years due to its steady growth with 42 staff members.

Nine of these have been based in East St during that time.

Partner Mr Houlihan said it was with a sense of sadness the team would leave 186 Quay St.

"This building is synonymous with our name brand," he said.

"However, it is now impossible to house our growing business and unfortunately, the time has come to move on.

"Geoff and I started here as articled clerks when we were 17.

"I had my 50th birthday party on the upper veranda of the building here, so it's been a big part of my life and a big part in Rees Jones history," Mr Houlihan said." Rees R & Sydney Jones was established in 1864.

It was founded by Rees Rutland Jones and is the oldest legal firm in Queensland still bearing its founder's name.

It has had 26 partners including the founder.

The firm had conducted its legal practice from several locations before moving into its current building at the corner of Quay and Denham streets. That was in 1976.

In 1989, after celebrating 125 years in legal practice, the partners decided to have a book written about the firm's history.

This book was written by Dr Lorna McDonald and called A Proud Name.

LONG HISTORY

Rees R & Sydney Jones is the oldest legal firm in Queensland.

Its 42 staff members will be moving to a new location at 55 Denham St in April.

The firm has been located at the heritage listed building on the corner of Denham and Quay sts for 36 years.