A journey of excellence.
A future of impact.

Celebrating 125 years of legal service is a remarkable achievement.
For Colin Biggers & Paisley, it has been a journey of excellence.

For 125 years, Colin Biggers & Paisley has provided trusted legal services in Australia. From our early 20th-century beginnings, we’ve grown into a leading practice with expertise in insurance, property, and construction.

2025 heralds a celebration and recognition of our accomplishments over the past 125 years, while reinforcing our determined focus on the future.

Our strength lies in our culture, built on trust and core values that have guided us through the evolving landscape of our nation’s commerce. As we look ahead, we remain focused on growth, driven by excellence, diversity, and innovation. Proudly, we remain ONE Colin Biggers & Paisley—one practice, one team.

A journey of legal excellence, as shared by Nick Crennan, Managing Partner.

Nick Crennan reflects on our 125-year journey of legal excellence and the defining moments that have shaped who we are today.

Year

1900 - 1920
Year

1920 - 1940
Year

1940 - 1960

Interactive timeline of key impact moments.

Colin Biggers & Paisley reflects on 125 years of achievement. From our inception in the early 20th century, we’ve embarked on a journey of growth—expanding in numbers, expertise, and talent—evolving into a leading practice today.
A journey of excellence.
A future of impact.
Year

1960 - 1980
Year

1980 - 2000
Year

2000 - Present
Working hand in hand to strengthen and protect the future of our communities.

Our stories of impact reflect the deep care we have for the people we work with, guided by our core values of balance, respect, loyalty, and integrity.

Sibhoan

Community

Siobhan Bryson, CEO of WEAVE, and Shaun Christie-David, CEO of Plate It Forward, speak on the dedication and impact of the Colin Biggers & Paisley Foundation.

Trusted connection

1900 - 1920

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.

Pictured: Colin Biggers.

Shaping the future

1920 - 1940

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.

Pictured: Robert Paisley.

Commitment to community

1940 - 1960

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.

Pictured: Purr-Pull advertising, Bathurst Rd NSW.

Industry specialisation

1960 - 1980

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 A. Skehan joins as a partner, expanding the firm’s presence in the insurance sector.

Pictured: City Mutual Life Building, 66 Hunter St.

Innovation and transformation

1980 - 2000

1980s:

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

1983:

  • Parramatta, Sydney office opens.

1986:

  • Pamela M Jack joins the practice as the first female partner.

1987:

  • Robert Paisley resigns.

1990:

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

1999:

  • The firm moved to 140 Phillip Street, Sydney.

Pictured: Greg Skehan, Adrian Bellemore and Chris Rumore.

2000 - Present

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.