Rees R & Sydney Jones may be the oldest law firm in Queensland, recently celebrating its 160th anniversary, but Managing Partner Melanie Findlay says the firm is not resting on its laurels.
The Rockhampton firm, which proudly faced the Fitzroy River – an integral part of the city’s and office’s history – returned to its original home temporarily to mark the milestone in October.
On display were papers and documents dating back to the Privy
Council. Highlighted in some of the original documents were the
1885 Mount Morgan syndicate law claims.
“I know I am constantly feeling like I need to protect and nurture the great reputation we have,” Melanie said. “The firm has such a Proud Name (there is a book about the firm that has this name as the title), I feel like I need to steer the ship in a direction we can remain proud of.
“Whilst we do have a wonderful reputation – we have to be conscious we can’t rely on the name, we have to keep working at it. We do not want to be Nokia.
“The staff at the firm are very proud of where they work. It was lovely to see the retired Partners in attendance at our 160th celebration. They still love the firm and were very kind offering time to help us plan the event.”
Former Partners returned for the anniversary event.
Rees R and Sydney Jones was founded in September 1864 by Rees Rutland Jones, making it the oldest law firm still bearing its same name in Queensland. Mr Jones arrived on the paddlewheel steamer “Clarence” with two other solicitors, who were also intending to practise in Rockhampton.
He initially practised in his own account. In 1872, he took on his brother-in-law William John Brown as a partner and the firm of Rees R. Jones & Brown was formed.
Charles Sydney Jones became the third partner in the firm in 1884 and the name of Rees Jones, Brown & Jones was adopted by the new partnership. When William John Brown retired as a partner in 1886, the present name of Rees R & Sydney Jones became the name of the firm. This name has remained unchanged since 1886, and the firm is the oldest firm in Queensland practising under its original name. It is one of the oldest legal practices in the country.
There have been 32 partners over the years and the firm currently has three partners – Melanie, Kerry Attwill and Nicole Collins.
“The firm now has three female owners. This is the first time this has occurred in the history of the firm,” Melanie said.
“We have gone from a system of generalists to four specific and succinct teams. We believe that in a world where law is becoming more complicated, specialisation and experience in our distinct areas makes us more efficient and knowledgeable at our chosen fields.
“It has always been a challenge finding qualified solicitors in the regions. Since COVID there has been a trend for capital city law firms to employ staff in the regions, to work for their city firms. Whilst we do have staff that work from home, we believe that this trend will be a challenge for us in the future.”
And while there may be challenges ahead for such an established regional practice, Melanie puts the firm’s success down to the people.
Melanie says Rees R & Sydney Jones is all about its people.
“The Partners at the firm and employees are genuinely are good people,” she said. “We have a bit of a motto at the firm which is ‘do good work for good people with good people’.
“The Partners are ethical and community minded. We endeavour to teach these values in our staff and employed lawyers.
“We have acted for grandparents, then parents and children. Clients are proud to tell us that years ago, this ex-Partner did XYZ for their father. We feel we genuinely know and care for our clients.
“We also care deeply for our staff. We have staff workshops and regular training and we believe that if we take care of our people, they will in turn care for our clients.” 
The firm has a motto centring on good people.
And Melanie recalls when she joined the firm and became one of the those people.
“I remember being flown up from Brisbane to attend an interview at the firm when I was almost finished my Articles,” she said. “I was interviewed in the old premises on Quay Street, which is a stunning building on the Fitzroy River.
“I immediately fell in love with the building. I loved the view of the river from the French doors in the old library that opened onto the river. I knew I wanted to work for the firm when I saw this room.
“We unfortunately had to move out of our beautiful old building about 12 years ago when we outgrew it.
“Our lovely old building is now known as Riverston Tea Rooms. We held our 160th function in the old building. It was a perfect.”
Guests admire the display at the 160th anniversary celebrations.
Melanie said as a part of the celebrations, the firm curated a selection of exhibits for the attendees to walk through and view.
“The exhibits, dating back as far as 1885 related to the Mt Morgan Cold Mining Company and the firm’s involvement in the mine at that time,” she said.
“The mine was very famous in Australian history. The owners of the Mount Morgan Mine were subject to nine attempts to ‘jump’ the mining leases and the freehold lands.
“Two of the ‘claim jumpers’ appealed the decision of the Supreme Court of Queensland to the Privy Council in London in 1886. These documents were displayed for all to enjoy.
“William Knox Darcy, an original member of the Mount Morgan gold mine syndicate, used the proceeds to fund oil exploration in Persia. The exploration was successful and the Anglo-Persian Oil Company was established. That company became BP in 1954.”
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