Being the self-declared “oldest man in the room”, Hamilton Locke Partner Brett Heading wanted to make a few points at Saturday’s Excellence in Law Awards – six points in fact.
The lawyer of more than four decades’ experience received the Queensland Law Society Award for Solicitor of the Year (Large Firm), with the Beatles song, Long and Winding Road, playing as he walked to the City Hall stage, which prompted a quip from emcee Libbi Gore.
“I am the oldest man in the room. I have worked out the odds that the judges feel sorry for me, and have given me the gong,” Brett joked.
“So I have prepared, I’ve got only six points. Any more than that Matt Dunn and Peter Jolly would struggle to keep up. The first one is it is a genuine honour to receive this recognition after being in practice for 45 years and I thank my clients for the loyalty and support over that time.
“Secondly I’d like to acknowledge my wonderful partners at Hamilton Locke who nominated me. I’m having a ball at my age with the clever, collaborative and caring partners around me.”
His third point was to recognise “from whence I’ve come”, acknowledging mentors and his old firm McCullough Robertson, and those who moulded his career.
The fact he was the son of a stock and station agent was Brett’s fourth point.
“A lot of the young people here tonight won’t even know what a stock and station agent was but his service ethic was renowned. I thank my late father Jim for teaching me how to work hard, and to be able to talk to the ringer, and talk to the Queen, and it has very served me well in my career.
“Fifth point to Susan, the grey filly on table 12 who has come down from the farm tonight. She keeps me grounded and she copes with my lack of work-life balance with a beautiful smile and her reciprocated, unconditional love.
Comedian Libbi Gore also has a law degree and
was an articled clerk in Melbourne.
“And number six Libbi, finally, Hamilton Locke has taken a whole floor at the waterfront. I’m going to die with my spurs on.
“If you’re passionate about clients and the law, but you don’t like your environment Fran (Becker) and I will be at the bar until late. You can have a dark and stormy with me, but I’ve also managed to sneak in some Devil’s Advocate Gin as well.
“And I’m going to make you, Libbi, an offer you can’t refuse.”
Libbi was quick to respond about “a white, baby boomer man winning an award” but said Brett must be a caring partner.
“You had me at ‘filly’. No wonder you love him when he calls you his filly,” she said.
The Honourable Justice Debra Mullins rounded off the evening with the toast to the profession.
First Title was the award partner for The Solicitor of the Year (Large Firm) .
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