PRESS RELEASE: 107-YEAR-OLD REGIONAL LAW FIRM ANNOUNCES HISTORIC MERGER

One of the Riverina’s oldest law firms, Tierney and Dowd, established in Leeton, New South Wales in 1916, has merged with Narrandera-based practice, Patrick Dawson Law.

The merger, which has been in the works for two years and settled on July 1, will see the firm become one of the most experienced legal teams in the region.

“Our newly expanded team of solicitors has over 60 years of combined experience. This will offer our growing client base an unrivalled level of legal knowledge,” said Partner of the merged companies, Patrick Dawson.

Tierney and Dowd owner, Mark Del Gigante, who will stay on as Partner, said he is excited about the opportunity the merger offers existing and new clients across the region and beyond.

“This is a perfect partnership of two firms with synergistic values and practice styles, coming together to strengthen their position both in capacity and experience, which will ultimately benefit our beloved regional clients,”

Patrick Dawson Law, founded in 2019 by Narrandera-born lawyer Patrick Dawson, last year expanded into the small regional centre of Coleambally, whose residents often had to travel up to 100 kilometres or more to speak to a lawyer face-to-face.

“Both firms are committed to servicing the region with the best legal representation they can get, no matter their location, age, income or status. We practise with empathy, care and integrity with the intention of creating long-lasting social impact. This will continue even more so now with this historic merger,” said Mr Dawson.

Patrick is a known regional advocate, often publicly spruiking the benefits of a tree change to his city peers via the media.

“Returning to my hometown to start my own firm when I was 27, gave me a leg-up that many legal professionals would envy. Low overheads and loyal customers is a winning combination in the country!” He added.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES OR INTERVIEWS
Laticia Braving mb: 0413 342 735 e: [email protected],
Patrick Dawson Law Ph: 02 6914 9119

——————————————————————-

ABOUT PATRICK DAWSON LAW
Patrick Dawson Law was Established in 2019 and offers a range of legal services, including family law, property law, mediation, commercial law and wills and estates. Patrick Dawson Law aims to break away from the traditional legal practice model, which focuses heavily on litigation. Their approach empowers the client to ensure a swift resolution. They now have offices in Narrandera, Leeton, Coleambally and Griffith, which are serviced by 10 staff and various other contract specialists.

ABOUT PATRICK DAWSON
Patrick Dawson is a revered member of the Riverina community, serving on the Board of Directors for Kurrajong and hosting and facilitating a number of free legal workshops to empower people on their legal journey.

He is also passionate about mental health and has completed a Mental Health First Aid Certificate, and introduced a mental health hour for all staff, enabling them to access one hour a week to spend on their mental health. Patrick is committed to providing ethical, affordable and accessible legal support to all.

Patrick was also a 2022 finalist in the Lawyer’s Weekly Regional and Suburban Lawyer of the Year, and is a passionate advocate for regional Australia and was recently named as a 2023 finalist for the same award category.

ABOUT TIERNEY AND DOWD
Tierney and Dowd (formerly known as Cater and Dalton) was established in 1916 by William Rupert Cater, who operated as a sole practitioner until the late 1930’s, when he was joined by Roger Atkins and, shortly after, Greg Dalton. That practice opened branch offices in Griffith and Deniliquin. The firm changed its name from Cater and Dalton to Tierney and Dowd in 1971.
John Martin and Mark Del Gigante acquired the practice from Michael Dowd (the former Leeton Magistrate), in 1993, with Mark taking over the firm as sole owner in 2011.

ABOUT MARK DEL GIGANTE
Mark’s legal career started in 1986. Starting in commercial law in Sydney, he moved back to his hometown area of Griffith/Leeton in 1989, working with Lancaster & Del Gigante. He joined Tierney and Dowd in 1993 and became a joint principal with John Martin within 6 months of working at the firm. When John retired in 2011, Mark became the sole principal before they merged with Patrick Dawson Law in 2023.