History

The Beginning:

In the mid to late seventies the expansion of Woden and its environs together with the proposed development of Tuggeranong was proceeding at a rapid pace. Canberra was on the move. The National Capital Development Corporation (NCDC) had designated the south-western region for development. The public service sector was increasing, bringing an influx of new citizens to the ACT. The necessity to house and provide appropriate supporting conveniences for their needs was paramount. These were exciting times, new homes, new businesses, new opportunities.

Ken Johnston and Allan Bedford recognized the opportunities. They also recognized the requirement for their services to be localized within that area, for community convenience and expediency. Ken commenced practicing as a sole practitioner in January 1978 after retiring as a partner from the firm then known as Gallen Guild & Johnston. Allan joined the firm in November 1979. They formed a partnership and commenced operations in January 1981 in Woden to provide "quality" legal services at affordable prices. Ken Johnston Bedford & Co was established.

Growth and Development:

The original offices were located on the first floor of "Adelaide House" (now known as "Bonner House"). To cater for the growing demand, Ken and Allan had the support of six, very enthusiastic staff members. The premises were small with heavy wooden desks, leather chairs and mountains of legal reference books. 2010 technology wasn't available! A manual typewriter with an 18" extended carriage, electric typewriters (remember the 'golf ball'), eons of carbon paper, no facsimile machines, hand written accounting records and client ledger, and a thermal photocopier (noted for the images fading away over a period of time.) Communications with clients were via telephone calls or written correspondence reliant upon hand delivery or the Australian Post.

It was a busy and productive time – residential property sales were at a premium and our young law Firm shared the fruits of the buying and selling of real estate with a number of prominent law firms at that time. It was soon apparent that more staff and larger premises were required. The Firm subsequently moved to the MLC Tower (now "Lovett House") and employed two in-house solicitors together with additional clerical staff to assist them in keeping up with the needs of the general public for legal services. It was in these early stages that we acquired some of our most valued and long-term clients. It was also in 1995 that we obtained the services of a promising young law graduate, Andrew Freer, who immediately took a very significant role in the structure of the Firm.

Again, in August 1997 a move was necessary. The firm relocated to the ground floor of the GIO/SUN Corp Building in Brewer Street Woden. Larger offices with modern décor presented a highly attractive and motivational atmosphere for both clients and staff.

In February 2000 our senior partner, Ken Johnston retired. Ken had practiced law in the ACT since 1964 and was very well known and respected member of the Canberra community. He had held the position as Director with the Canberra Southern Cross Club and was also heavily involved with the ACT Australian Football League (ACTAFL). In anticipation of Ken's eventual retirement and the loss of his expertise and popular status within the Firm much forethought and succession planning had taken place. Andrew Freer was keen to specialize in the area that Ken had successfully developed. Andrew had focused his interests on the Litigation, Wills and Probate areas of Law. He was extremely well received by Ken's clients and was ready to become the Firm's new partner. Ken Johnston Bedford & Co. was now known as KJB Law.

2011 and Beyond:

Our Client base has grown considerably and more staff employed. Our latest "new kids on the block" are Claudia Maclean and Kelly Irvine whose 'sometimes' fresh and innovative suggestions give new life to old methods. Not only are we providing an essential service to the community but we are also establishing employment opportunities and security for staff members.

Our growth has been and continues to be assisted by keeping abreast of changing legislation, community values and developments. Periodic staff training programs, new technology and the upgrading of equipment on a regular basis supports this continuing growth. By adopting this policy the Firm has been and is able to continue to provide our clients with efficient and prompt service at a realistic price.

Our task was to primarily serve the people and business community of the Woden Valley region. This now extends to the whole of the ACT and interstate as our reputation has grown. We look forward to our future commitment with assurance and enthusiasm, feeling confident that we are providing an essential and successful legal service on behalf of our clients.