Business Showcase
BARBER PORTER SOLICITORS
COOLUM’S longest-running law firm is set for a bright future and continued growth with a new name and a change of leadership. As of July 1, 2024, Ray Barber Solicitor has become Barber Porter Solicitors, with Julian Porter becoming the firm Principal and Ray Barber lending his forty years of experience to a new Consultant role.
Mr Porter has been with the firm for a couple of years and explained that they have been moving towards this official direction for some time.
“After years as professional colleagues, Ray brought me in from Suncoast Community Legal Service in 2021 to see how I liked general practice,” Mr Porter said.
“I’m happy to report that I’ve really enjoyed the work and the clientele and business is booming in our specialty areas of property, retirement and succession and now is the time for me to step up and shoulder the responsibility for the business.
“Ray will have the time to do more of the interesting legal work and begin a transition towards retirement.”
Not that Ray Barber is going anywhere just yet. Ray will continue to work in the business, seeing clients and running matters, but also assisting his younger colleague with guidance on the business side of things.
Mr Barber felt assured that the Coolum community were familiar with Julian as a legal face in the community.
“With all the marketing work and the public speaking gigs, with his column in the paper – a lot of new clients are asking for him rather than me,” Mr Barber stated.
“But I’ve made some great connections over many years with our regular clients, and they can rest assured I will still be available to meet with them if that’s their preference.”
Ray sang the praises of Julian and stated his expertise.
“Julian has a really broad range of legal knowledge and has no problem getting on top of any type of legal problem.
“I think my experience in business will be what he benefits most from come July 1.”
Mr Porter said changes to the firm’s operations will be minimal, with all staff being retained and the same service-driven ethos Ray Barber Solicitor has always been known for.
“Ray’s approach to being a lawyer has been a big influence on me,” Mr Porter said.
“It’s really important to him that regular people from Coolum and surrounds can obtain quality legal services locally.
“He’s the ‘family’ lawyer who looks after the conveyancing, drafts the wills and EPA’s and finally takes the stress out of the estate administration. It’s a really important role in a small community and it’s one I will be proud to make my own.”
Barber Porter Solicitors can be reached via 5446 4600 or at www.barberlaw.com.au