About Us
Lewis & McNamara traces its history to the first law firm in Hervey Bay. In the 1960’s Frank Carty, then Clerk of the Court at Scarness, went into private practice at an office in Main Street, Pialba in a building, since demolished, adjacent to the Memorial Hall.
In 1976 Frank decided to return to his home town, Dalby. David Lewis joined the firm that year and bought out Frank's interest soon after. David has continued as the senior partner since 1983, and is now Hervey Bay's longest serving local solicitor in full time practice.
The name Lewis and McNamara was first established when Andrew McNamara joined the practice in 1994. Andrew left the practice in 2000 to pursue a career in politics and he is currently the State Member for Hervey Bay and the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment. In 2001 Darren Hunter joined the firm as a solicitor before becoming a partner in 2002. Fred Kleinschmidt, a consultant with the firm, was also the Mayor of the City of Hervey Bay for three terms. The firm and its members over the years have enjoyed distinguished careers in civic service.
The firm prides itself on its continuing commitment to quality legal service. Keeping up to date is vital. As part of this commitment the firm arranges for its staff, both solicitors and supporting personnel, to attend a range of educational seminars each year to ensure staff members receive up to date professional development.
Our philosophy is that a good knowledge of the law and attention to detail are essential elements of any first rate legal practice. The firm's solicitors combine many years of study and practical experience and are well qualified to provide an excellent legal service.
The practice enjoys a good mix of private clientele from local families who have chosen to retain the firm over many years and often over generations. We also perform work for many small businesses in the region including developers and commercial builders. We provide services and advice to the local authority. While the firm does not accept Legal Aid work, the partners have provided professional assistance for many years to such local projects as the Taylor Street Legal Service (a free legal service).
Lewis & McNamara believes in total involvement in its local community - in business, cultural affairs, sport and recreation. The firm sponsors the prize in Business Law at the University of Southern Queensland Hervey Bay Campus each year. It also sponsors and supports a wide variety of community activities and groups including the “Cruise For Charity” yacht race in which David Lewis invariably competes each year. The firm acts as honorary solicitors for many clubs and associations and its lawyers are frequently seen serving in executive positions in Hervey Bay's community organisations.
Our firm is now moving into its next chapter. We have outgrown our Torquay Road premises and will move at the end of 2008 to new commercial 2-storey premises overlooking the lake adjoining the University of Southern Queensland Hervey Bay Campus. The change in address will complement the firm’s desire to embrace changes in the practice of law and the provision of quality legal services.