On this day (22 January) 100 years ago a partnership agreement was signed, forming law firm ‘McCullough & Robertson’ with effect from 1 January 1926.
Over the next 100 years McCullough Robertson has become a leading Australian independent law firm, maintaining its fierce independence and its name, only dropping the ‘&’ in 1987.
Robert McCullough came from Barcaldine in Western Queensland and Jack (known as Jock) Robertson was from Brisbane. Together they formed a generalist law firm with an agricultural base of predominantly pastoral clients. The firm expanded through the 70s and 80s with the addition of tax and estate planning practices and corporate law, and in the 90s, full service corporate and commercial practices were added to complement traditional services.
Today McCullough Robertson (McR) has 60 partners, and over 450 people across Brisbane and Sydney, and is known for its unique culture and commitment to creating opportunities for its people.
The firm acts for domestic and international corporates, SMEs and private clients across exciting industries including resources and renewables, technology, media and telecommunications, food and agribusiness, government and community housing. Its talented, down to earth people are focused on understanding industry and always being there, providing frank, commercial and timely advice.
‘We are really excited about our centenary and celebrating with all of our clients, people, alumni and community partners who have made this achievement possible. We recognise and are incredibly grateful for the contributions of so many in making McR what it is today, and for the trust our clients have placed in us. But we are most excited about the future and the next 100 years, driven by collaboration, the success of our clients and our people, innovation and community impact.’
Kristan Conlon, McCullough Robertson Chair of Partners says: ‘We have built a firm that stands strong and independent. We honour our history and the leadership that has brought us here, and we are proud of the platform we have for the future. Our commitment is to preserve the essence of McR and to leave a legacy of community contribution as we embark on the next 100 years.
As a firm, we believe everyone deserves and needs a home.
With several years of hands on experience working in the community housing sector, and with the current national housing crisis affecting our community, I am proud to announce that in 2026 McCullough Robertson is committing $1,000,000 of pro bono legal services to the housing sector. This builds on the pro bono advisory support provided to the sector during recent years through our Community Partnership Program. As our firm turns 100 we are looking to work with government, industry leaders and housing providers to design and deliver practical and much needed step change solutions.’
