Instead of a career working on engines or with animals, Ayr solicitor Bruce Medley found himself celebrating 50 years in the law on Thursday night.
The Senior Partner at Groves and Clark was presented with a Queensland Law Society golden membership pin at the Townsville Celebrate Recognise Socialise event.
“Law was never my first choice – in fact it had never crossed my mind,” Bruce said. “I firstly wanted to be a motor mechanic but because I was doing well academically at school, my father convinced me to aim higher.
“He had spoken with John D Francis, who was a sole practitioner in Ayr, and who my father knew through a common interest. At the start of my year 11, John offered me a position as an Articled Clerk when I finished senior year – two years away.
“I was tossing up between veterinary science and law. I had made arrangements with our then vet in Townsville to do some work experience during my school holidays. But before that happened, I went with a friend to get the tails docked on his litter of boxer pups and that ended any thoughts of becoming a vet. Law it was!”
Born, raised and educated in Ayr, Bruce was destined to hang his shingle in the Burdekin.
“Regional practice is all I have ever known. I am a country boy at heart,” he said.
“I like the personal contact with clients and often meet them in the street or at local events. With some clients you become almost part of their family.
“It is much more relaxed than what I see when involved with city solicitors. I could never see myself practising in the city, and in fact, turned down an opportunity to do so towards the end of my studies.”
And Bruce chose a firm with a proud history in North Queensland, established in 1934 by two young Brisbane lawyers who headed north to establish their own practice. Charles Grove and Frank Clark opened their doors in an old, timber building in Queen Street.
Sadly, Charles was killed in 1942 at Milne Bay, New Guinea on active service with the army in World War II.
Frank continued in the practice until 31 December 1983 when he retired and became a consultant. He continued to hold a Practising Certificate until he reached his 50th anniversary of his admission and now the firm celebrates Bruce’s 50th milestone.
“As well as 50 years in the law itself, I have also racked up 50 years with the same firm,” he said.
“I finished the last nine months of my studies with Groves and Clark following John Francis’ move to Townsville and a week after being admitted as a solicitor, Frank Clark, Ian Macdonald and John Gaviglio offered me a partnership with them.
“The rest is history, as they say. I’ll be forever thankful to them for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. It has enabled my wife and I to have a stable life in a town which we love.”
Judge Bowery OAM gave the toast to the profession.
Bruce said he focus was not on recognition but on his loyal clients.
“I am not one who looks for awards. I simply try to do the best for my clients,” he said.
“I guess receiving a 50-year pin signifies a life-long career practising law. Not a lot of people stick to the same job throughout their life these days.”
More articles on Proctor this week about 25-year membership recognition in Townsville.
Share this article