Robertson Hyetts Solicitors is proud of its long history in providing legal services to Central Victoria and has longstanding associations with firms in both Castlemaine and Bendigo. As we celebrate Law Week next week, we look back on our history and how we have been proudly serving the local community since 1882.
The firm of Hyetts began when Barkly Hyett joined John Phillip Motteram’s practice on the Bendigo goldfields in 1882. Successive generations of Hyetts continued in the business until Barkly’s grandson John, retired as a consultant in 2002. Barkly Hyett was also commemorated for 50 years of service on the board of the Bendigo Base Hospital. The law firm that was started by Barkly Hyett is now known as Robertson Hyetts Solicitors.
One of Hyetts’ celebrated employees was Sir John Quick, who worked as a solicitor for the firm after his time as a journalist and as a member of parliament. Sir John Quick came from a poor background, was educated at a Bendigo school until the age of 10 and went to work in a Long Gully foundry. He strove to improve his education and better himself and became a journalist for the Age and the Bendigo Independent. Quick also studied law at the University of Melbourne.
Quick was elected Member for Sandhurst (now Bendigo) in the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 1880. He was instrumental in the Australian Federation movement, drafting a bill enabling the establishment of a Federal Constitution for Australia. In recognition of his passionate advocacy work, Quick was elected as Member for Bendigo in the House of Representatives in the first Federal elections following Federation in 1901 and was subsequently knighted for his services.
Sir Harry Lawson was a founding partner of the firm Lawsons in Castlemaine, which was later acquired by Robertson Hyetts and continues to provide quality legal advice to the Castlemaine community. Lawson was Mayor of Castlemaine 1905 – 1906 and a member of the Victorian parliament from 1900 – 1928. Lawson first represented the Castlemaine and Maldon electorate in 1904 as an independent before he became Premier of Victoria. He was later a member of the Federal Senate from 1928 to 1935 and received a knighthood in 1933 for his services.
Our firm’s long history of service in the greater Bendigo region is testament to Robertson Hyetts Solicitors established reputation as experts in law, with a strong and ongoing commitment to building long standing relationships and providing quality, expert advice.
Our firm strives to embody the values and dedication of our founding members and their strong commitment to the law.
