HISTORY

The origins of Foley’s List date back to 1860 when Mr. F Corfield commenced as the second clerk in Melbourne. He continued until Mr O’Day took over in 1903 and then Ernest J Muir in 1917. Muir died during the great depression when FL Muir assumed the role of clerk.

Jim Foley a managing law clerk at Moule Hamilton & Derham started the Foley dynasty in 1947 following Muir’s death. In the mid 1950’s Foleys was situated in Selbourne Chambers next door to the Menzies Hotel. Apart from Selbourne barristers were also in The Eagle Star building in Bourke St. and Saxon House in Lt Collins St. Frank Costigan QC was housed in a small room in the basement of Saxon House.

In 1957 Joan Rosanove who originally signed the Bar Roll in 1923 was the only female at the Bar. In 1965 she was the first woman to take silk.

Kevin Foley joined his father in 1959 becoming a partner in 1961 until Jim’s retirement in 1973. Jim died in 1979.

Kevin continued in his father’s footsteps at the same time introducing modern technology for accounts and barristers diary system. These innovations amongst other things allowed barristers to be paid daily rather than weekly.

Over the years Kevin employed and trained many of the clerks who were ultimately licensed by the Bar to establish their own clerking list.

Prior to construction by the Bar of Owen Dixon West Chambers the clerking office was in the area currently occupied by our mailroom and accounts.

Kevin Foley died in 1994 when John Kelly was appointed clerk. The offices were modernised in 1996 and computer enhancements continued.