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AAR contributes to Queensland's legal heritage

31 August 2006

Allens Arthur Robinson (AAR) has appointed the Supreme Court of Queensland Library to preserve over 120 years of priceless Queensland legal history.

In the first arrangement of its kind between the Supreme Court Library and a legal firm, the Library will preserve and hold the Feez Ruthning Collection of Opinion Books. Dating from 1874 to 1996, they contain the opinions of many important counsel including the first Chief Justice of the High Court, Samuel Griffith, and 11 other chief justices of the High Court or Queensland Supreme Court. One of these, Sir Charles Lilley, was also a Queensland Premier.

The 30 volumes of Opinions were commissioned by law firm Feez Ruthning (now Allens Arthur Robinson).

The Chief Justice of the Queensland Supreme Court, The Hon. Paul de Jersey, AC, accepted the Opinions on behalf of the Supreme Court Library in Brisbane earlier this week.

'They offer a fascinating insight into the economic, legal, political and social history of Queensland,' said Chief Justice de Jersey during the handover ceremony.

'I am very pleased to accept this legacy on behalf of the Supreme Court Library, Queensland courts, and indeed the people of Queensland.'

'We are happy to assist in the preservation of Queensland's legal heritage and hope others will follow,' said Allens Arthur Robinson Partner, Peter Allen.

'The Opinions will enable historians to study the economic and social development of Queensland from 1874 onwards.'

Confidentiality of client matters was a significant concern. Therefore an amendment to the Supreme Court Library Act 1968 was required to overcome issues of client confidentiality. The amendment means the giving of the document does not affect legal professional privilege. The Opinions can only be accessed for 'historical or educational purposes' and only if the document is over 100 years old.

'It is an innovative solution from the Smart State to the problem of client confidentiality, allowing the Opinions to be available for later generations,' said Mr Allen.

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Notes for editors.

Allens Arthur Robinson was Best Large Professional Services Firm of the Year and Best Large Law Firm in the 2006 BRW-St.George Client Choice awards, and the Chambers and Partners 2005 Australasian Law Firm of the Year. AAR has been awarded an EOWA Employer of Choice for Women citation by the Federal Government's Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA). Allens Arthur Robinson offers one of the most comprehensive legal networks in Australia and Asia with staff based in 14 cities and eight countries across the region. It was founded in 1822.