125 Years

Trusted connection

1900s:

• The practice was first established by Solicitor Maurice E. Price who practiced at 60-66 Hunter Street, Sydney, from the City Life Assurance Society office, his largest client.
• Henry Abbot joined Maurice Price at the Hunter Street office, forming Maurice E Price & Abbot.

Shaping the future

1920s:

• Colin Biggers was employed by Maurice Price as a Law Clerk.

1930s:

• Colin Biggers advised on Royal Commissions in the pharmaceutical and petroleum industries and represented Independent Oil Ltd (Purr Pull, later acquired by H.C. Sleigh Ltd). His work as a private prosecutor led to his appointment as a Director of Independent Oil Ltd.

1932:

• Colin Biggers approaches Henry Abbot to act as “locum tenans” where he agreed to remain as the sole solicitor and the practice name changed to Maurice E Price & Abbot.

1934:

• Colin Biggers dissolved his partnership with Henry Abbot and continued to practice under his own name.

1939:

• Robert Paisley joined Colin Biggers, as a solicitor.

Commitment to community

1942:

• Interested in civil matters, Colin Biggers served as Alderman for Burwood Municipal Council and Mayor until 1943, and again in 1945.

1948:

• Colin Biggers & Robert Paisley enter into a partnership, forming Colin Biggers & Paisley.

1954:

• Geoff Biggers, son of Colin Biggers, became a partner, specialising in commercial law.

Industry specialisation

1963:

• The firm expanded with new partners, John Powe and Adrian Bellemore, bringing in clients from the insurance, property, and construction industries.

1971:

• A branch was opened in Epping, Sydney.

1974:

• Colin Biggers retired.

1975:

• The office was relocated to 33 Bligh Street, Sydney.

1979:

• Gregory Skehan was admitted to the partnership, expanding the firm’s presence in the insurance sector.

Innovation and transformation

1980s:

• Chris Rumore becomes the practice’s first managing partner.

1983:

• Parramatta, Sydney office opens.

1986:

• Pamela Jack was admitted to the partnership as the first female partner.

1987:

• Robert Paisley resigns.

1988:

• The firm moved to 140 Phillip Street, Sydney.

1990:

• The firm’s insurance practice grew rapidly, with clients such as CE Heath Underwriting Agency Pty Ltd and GIO Insurance.

2000s:

• The Sydney practice relocated to 2 Park Street, Sydney.
• Focused on growth and geographic expansion along the eastern seaboard.

2007:

• Dunstan de Souza appointed as managing partner.

2012:

• Melbourne insurance firm Monahan & Rowell merged with the practice, and renowned insurance law expert Patrick Monahan joined the insurance team.

2013:

• Expanded to Brisbane through a merger with Hemming + Hart. Jon Meadmore, Hemming + Hart owner, was appointed as a partner at Colin Biggers & Paisley, leading the Corporate & Commercial sector.

2016:

• The Colin Biggers & Paisley foundation was established to support the rights of women, children, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2017:

• Nick Crennan appointed as managing partner.

2021:

• Melbourne practice Logie-Smith Lanyon joined Colin Biggers & Paisley.

Today:

• We are proudly ONE Colin Biggers & Paisley – one practice, one team.