Law firm is 100

By Nathan Johnston
ONE of Dandenong’s oldest businesses, Macpherson+Kelley Lawyers, celebrated its 100th anniversary in fine style on Saturday evening.
The business began in 1905 when Jeffrey Macpherson, of Dandenong, took on the legal practice of William Brocket and based his Dandenong practice at the Royal Hotel. He already had an office in Collins Street.
The business now employs more than 100 people including 18 principals, 40 lawyers and includes as partnership companies RMBL Investments and GMK recruitment services.
The black tie function to celebrate the 100 years was held in a marquee at Dandenong Park, and included a special presentation from Australia’s leading historian Professor Geoffrey Blainey.
M+K marketing manager Candida Beltrami said it was fitting the celebrations were held in the middle of Dandenong.
“The business has been here from the beginning. As a market town, Dandenong was an ideal location.
“It was close to Melbourne and well served by road and rail networks. For decades, it was the mainstay of commerce.”
Ms Beltrami said the business grew steadily from the first days in Dandenong based at the hotel.
She said Mr Macpherson maintained a sole practice for more than a decade until Charles Kelley, also of Dandenong, became his junior partner.
“Jeffery Macpherson died in 1938, and Charles Kelley died in 1959. Together they laid the solid foundation of today’s firm which expanded rapidly in the 1960s and 1970s.
“The firm is now large and diverse in its legal business interests,” Ms Beltrami said.
Macpherson+Kelley lawyers (M+K) is a commercial law firm and advises public companies, authorities, international subsidiaries and private businesses in industries including franchising, manufacturing, professional services, property development and construction, wholesale and distribution.