Founded in 1986, Watts McCray Lawyers has grown into one of Australia’s most respected family law firms, built on a foundation of legal excellence, integrity, and genuine care for clients.
Over four decades, the firm has supported generations of individuals and families through complex and deeply personal legal matters, while continuing to evolve alongside Australia’s family law landscape.
A Legacy Built Over Time
1976–1985: The Foundations
- Ledlin Watts was established in Bankstown by Garry Watts and Terry Ledlin.
- In 1978, Greg McCray joined the firm, and a Parramatta office was opened.
- Following Terry Ledlin’s retirement, the firm became Watts McCray, marking the beginning of a new chapter and a name that would become synonymous with family law excellence.
Growth and Identity
- Watts McCray purchased The Stables in North Parramatta, a historic sandstone building constructed by convicts in 1840, which served as the firm’s home for many years and became central to its identity.
- The practice expanded with the addition of highly regarded family lawyers, including Ross and Eloise Riches.
- Justin Dowd joined the firm in July 1994 and became a partner in 1995, forming a partnership that has now spanned decades.
Expanding People and Places
- Through the late 1990s and early 2000s, the firm experienced significant growth, welcoming talented lawyers and future leaders, including Michelle Brown (who joined as a paralegal), Ric Gonzales, John Pollard, Mary Gleeson, Samantha Murdoch, Taia Rowe, Paloma Sessions, and many others.
- Additional office space was established near The Stables to support the growing team.
- A Sydney CBD office was opened, initially led by Graeme Hearl and later strengthened by respected practitioners including John Brennan, Suzanne Christie, Barry Frakes, and Ciara Tyson.
- The firm also established offices in the Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, and Illawarra, all of which continue to play an important role in the Watts McCray network, serving their local communities with the same depth of expertise and care.
Innovation and National Reach
- Watts McCray became a founding partner of Supersplitting Pty Ltd, alongside Taussig Cherrie and Stephen Burke, following the introduction of superannuation splitting legislation—an innovative and pioneering step at the time.
- Leadership transitions, including the appointment of Ron Friesen, ensured continued growth and success, alongside expansion into improved premises.
Leadership, Evolution, and Judicial Contribution
- Robert Benjamin joined as a partner in the early 2000s, adding further depth and strength to the partnership, and served as President of the Law Society of NSW in 2003 and later was appointed as a Judge of the Family Court in Tasmania in 2005.
- Tony Hercok later joined as a partner, creating a rare and forward-thinking multi-disciplinary partnership structure for its time.
- Over the years, Watts McCray has had a significant number of its solicitors appointed to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA), reflecting the firm’s standing and contribution to the profession. These appointments include Justices Watts, Benjamin, Tyson, Altobelli, and Christie in the First Division and Judges Murdoch and Harland in the Second Division.
- Jackie Vincent joined Watts McCray’s Parramatta office in 2021 and has played a pivotal role in the firm’s modern evolution. She later became a partner and, following the incorporation of the firm, was appointed Watts McCray’s first Managing Director, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s governance and leadership structure.
Distinguished Lawyers and Professional Leadership
- Watts McCray proudly acknowledges the contribution of The Honourable Eric Baker, who served as a consultant for 10 years with the firm and later became Special Counsel following his retirement from the bench.
- The firm also recognises other notable figures associated with Watts McCray, including Michael Kearney SC and Dr. Michelle Byrne, President of The Hills Shire Council, who is also a former solicitor with the firm.
- Chris Dunn, President of the Greater Western Family Law Practitioners Association, and Maurice Edwards, Arbitrator, Mediator, and Special Counsel, are also acknowledged for their leadership and ongoing contribution to the family law community.
Looking Ahead
As Watts McCray celebrates 40 years of impact and leadership in family law, we also recognise the extraordinary individual milestones that collectively shape this journey, including recent and upcoming career anniversaries across the firm:
- Justin Dowd – approaching an incredible 50 years since admission, including service as the President of the Law Society of NSW in 2012
- Barry Frakes – 40 years in the profession, joining Watts McCray in 2000
- Jackie Vincent – 30 years of service, joining Watts McCray in 2001, and her leadership as a partner and Managing Director
Congratulations to the Watts McCray team, past and present, and thank you to everyone who has contributed to four decades of trusted advocacy, innovation, and care.
