100 years of community connection

Not many organisations get the chance to say they have been operating for 100 years.  

For one law firm however, that centenary milestone came this year, and their humble beginnings out west tell an incredible story of commitment and community. 

100 years ago, Robert McCullough from Barcaldine in Western Queensland and Jack (known as Jock) Robertson from Brisbane started a law firm called McCullough & Robertson – now known as McCullough Robertson. 

In those early years, the firm worked with primary producers, wool growers, cattlemen and small businesses in Western Queensland and Brisbane. Some of their clients from those early days are still operating today. 

Chair of Partners, Kristan Conlon, reflected on the long-term relationships she’s built:  

“I’m advising clients whose family members started working with McCullough Robertson not long after 1926 and we are excited to be working with the next generation now,” she said. 

Throughout the years, the firm has survived the ups and downs of wars, the depression, droughts, stock market crashes, economic recessions and a pandemic. McCullough Robertson has always looked for opportunities in the most challenging times. 

So, what’s changed since 1926? Their staff now work across three floors in Brisbane. They have expanded to Sydney. There are 60 Partners instead of just two, and they now service clients from every industry and across the world. 

But at McCullough Robertson, some things never change. 

The down-to-earth culture remains the same and it’s ingrained in the values of its people. It’s clear that their commitment to community stands the test of time, with the small-town country values that started the firm in 1926 remaining today. 

Back then, the firm’s founding partners had a passion for the communities they served. They donated their time and expertise on boards and organisations, including the Barcaldine Hospital Board and the Red Cross Society. 

Today, McCullough Robertson has followed the lead of their founding partners and is celebrating their 100th year by committing $1M of pro bono legal services to the community housing sector in 2026. 

Pro Bono Partner, Tim Longwill, says: “There are limited funds for legal aid and community legal services, so pro bono helps fill that gap. It works well for us because it is just part of giving back to the community. It is not seen as a favour or an exception. It is a fundamental part of what we do.” 

As part of this year’s Outback Trail, McCullough Robertson returned to Barcaldine for Outback Exchange, a pay-as-you-can event at the town’s iconic Tree of Knowledge. 

Hosted by Dominic McGann, Partner McCullough Robertson and former Chair of QMF, the event saw poetry, performances and Q&A sessions with artists including Leroy Wilson, Will Remedy (Good Will Remedy), and Tori Darke.