The Queensland Law Society was saddened to learn of the passing of Geoffrey Porter, former Partner at Porter Hulett, in the Brisbane bayside suburb of Wynnum.
His Partner of 35 years, Jon Hulett writes:
“Geoff grew up with his brother Phillip in Biggenden in Central Queensland. He was the son of the local butcher. For his secondary schooling he boarded at Scots College in Warwick. Thereafter he studied law at Queensland University, graduating in 1971.
“Geoff was articled to Malcolm Thomas in Wynnum and was admitted to practise in 1973. Soon afterwards he joined in partnership with Malcolm Thomas and Keith Genninges under the name of Thomas Genninges.
“I joined the firm in 1976 and became Geoff’s partner in 1980. Malcolm Thomas left the practice some years earlier and Keith Genninges retired in the early 1980s. Geoff and I remained partners until we sold the practice to ALG in 2015, that is to say we were partners for about 35 years. We changed the firm’s name to Porter Hulett in the 1990s, and operated two offices, at Wynnum and Morningside. Geoff practised in Wynnum for his entire career.
“Ours was a general practice. In the early years Geoff was active in the local community, and acted for the Wynnum RSL, among other groups. Over the year he secured work for insurers and mortgage work. He was an early adopter of computer technology, at least in suburban firms.
“He was a valued mentor of several articled clerks and younger colleagues. He was very hard-working, putting in very long hours over many years. He was well-read and researched on a wide range of legal matters, with an impressive memory for caselaw.
A rare photo of Jon and Geoff.
“Geoff enjoyed advocacy, and family law in particular. Geoff was a fierce advocate for his clients, always well-prepared, and a good man to have on your side. I know he is fondly remembered by many. A somewhat brusque exterior concealed a generous and humorous character.
“I knew Geoff for 48 years, and we were partners for 35 years, which speaks volumes of Geoff’s commitment and steadfastness, of mutual trust and respect.
“I know of no other practitioners who have survived 35 years together, and remained on good terms. We were very different personalities, but we complemented each other, which enabled us to navigate our partnership and careers without serious blemishes.
“After selling the practice in 2015, Geoff worked as a consultant for ALG until about two years ago, when he reluctantly retired at the age of about 71. His short retirement was beset by ill health. He also lost mobility following a bad fall while holidaying in Budapest several years earlier.
“In his scant leisure time, Geoff built a boat and enjoyed sailing it on Moreton Bay. He liked to read. He is survived by children Craig and Amanda, grandchildren, and wife Faye.”
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