About Us
Established in 1824
Butler McIntyre & Butler is the oldest law firm in Tasmania continuing to operate and perhaps the oldest in Australia. Our firm evolved alongside the Island's history.
Although sighted by the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman in 1642, Van Diemen's Land, as Tasmania was then known, was not settled until 1802 when the British sent a small landing party from Sydney to claim the island. A year later in 1803, the first town was established at Sullivan's Cove -- Hobart's wharf area.
Twenty years later, in 1822, Britain began her infamous, thirty-year history of transporting convicts to the Island -- ground ripe for a law firm to establish.
"3 September 1824"
In 1824, Gamaliel Butler and his wife Sarah set out on the "Prince Regent", sailing from London to Van Diemen's Land. They reached Hobart Town in July 1824, leaving their 10 children behind in England. Gamaliel intended his time to be short -- however, he soon realised the business opportunities Van Diemen's Land offered.
On 3 September 1824, Gamaliel commenced legal practice in Hobart and so began the strong and long-standing presence of Butler McIntyre & Butler in Tasmania.
The Waterloo
The firm is synonymous with Hobart and its building -- a well-regarded landmark on the corner of Murray and Davey Street. In the early 19th century, the building at 20 Murray Street was an Inn known as "The Waterloo".
The property was rebuilt in 1907, replacing the original two-storey, convict-built stone brick building with a three-storey brick and stone dwelling. The verandahs surrounding the building were retained to take advantage of the views.
Today, Butler McIntyre & Butler occupies both 20 and 22 Murray Street. The historic buildings accommodate over 50 staff, striving to achieve the best for its modern-day clients. An old cellar -- which staff jokingly refer to as "the dungeon" -- still links the buildings to their historic past.
Modern Practice
Today, the partnership of 12 lawyers is recognised for not only their legal skills, but also their integrity. With over 40 legal professionals, we serve a broad client base including interstate and international clients.
A Name Retained
There is no longer a Butler or McIntyre in the firm, but the partners today, like the 28 before them, have retained the name out of respect for the long family history attached to it.
Historical Legacy
Our part in the early history of Australia and Tasmania has seen Butler McIntyre & Butler form associations with legal advocates in all States, giving us a broad and well-connected practice.