A W Simpson & Co

A W Simpson & Co began its practice in Armidale in 1863 when Albert Simpson was invited to represent a miner in the local Mining Court. After successfully winning the case, the townsfolk encouraged him to remain and offer legal services in an area that lacked a solicitor. He established the firm on 23 November 1863, making A W Simpson & Co one of Australia’s oldest law firms retaining its original name, and currently ranked as the ninth oldest in New South Wales. The firm has been located at its Faulkner Street offices since approximately 1875, when Albert Simpson commissioned a brick building featuring fireplaces and pressed metal ceilings. The premises were expanded in the 1970s to accommodate the growing practice, which is steeped in tradition with elements such as a reception counter originally from a local hotel bar. Over its extensive history, A W Simpson & Co has been carried forward through multiple generations of the Simpson and Johnstone families, many of whom have had distinguished service during both World Wars as well as in community roles. The firm has also included numerous other solicitors who have contributed significantly, including those who have gone on to practise as barristers in various Australian jurisdictions. The firm operates as a general country legal practice serving the New England area. Its core services cover the Local Court, conveyancing for properties and businesses, preparation of wills, powers of attorney, and appointments of enduring guardians. It also acts for executors in deceased estates and assists clients with family law, commercial law, and litigation matters. Additional expertise includes leases, mortgages, debt recovery, company and criminal law, personal injury compensation, probate applications, trusts, children’s court proceedings, and commercial agreements. When matters require further expertise, A W Simpson & Co readily refers clients to more specialised practitioners or engages barristers to provide assistance. Committed to accessibility, the firm offers assistance with applications for Legal Aid where eligible, covering Criminal Law, Family Law and Civil Law, and provides an initial obligation-free consultation to assess potential legal matters. Looking ahead, A W Simpson & Co aims to continue its service to the people of the New England region, maintaining the high standard of reliable, professional, and cost-effective legal support that has defined the firm for over 150 years.