73 Years On, Mcinerneys Depart From Law Services
Illawarra Mercury
Friday June 30, 2006
THE gavel is about to come down on the McInerney family's 73-year link with the Wollongong legal profession.
Lawyer Frank McInerney, 63, will retire today after 38 years of practising law.He said yesterday it was time to "smell the roses" and spend a bit more time with his family and on the golf course.Mr McInerney began his legal career as an articled clerk and then solicitor for the Sydney firm Murphy & Moloney.But strong family and social bonds led to his return to Wollongong in 1969 as a partner in Maguire and McInerney, the firm founded in 1933 by his father, Tom, and Tom Maguire.His departure ends the family's ties with Maguire and McInerney.Mr McInerney and his wife, Kerin, have two children - Peter, an antiques dealer, and Angela, a teacher. But he has no regrets."There comes a time in the affairs of men to move on," Mr McInerney said with a chuckle.He is well known in legal circles for his quick wit, big laugh and love of the law, and is also well regarded for his contributions to the community.Mr McInerney was on the advisory board to the Catholic Bishop of Wollongong for many years and chairman until 2004.Like his father before him, he is a life member of Wollongong Golf Club and was a life member of the now-defunct Apex Club.Mr McInerney is a former first grade cricketer and rugby player in Sydney and has a passion for horseracing.He said technology had brought immense changes to the practice of law."The efficiency of modern technology has certainly speeded up the process. And it is just as well, given the demands on the legal profession these days."
© 2006 Illawarra Mercury