Five Decades of Ingwersen & Lansdown

OUR RICH HISTORY

Although we’ve been practicing for 50
years, our team gives us a collective total of
over 160 years of legal experience, both
nationally and internationally – it’s what sets
us apart.

During the 1970’s Tony Ingwersen would be know to paddle out on his surf ski and spearfish Palm Beach Reef on days that were “good fishing”. His secretary at the time had a flag she used to wave if he had to come in and sign something or to see a client. He was know to see clients in his wetsuit.

Throughout the 1980’s the Ingwersen and Lansdown Christmas parties were a big event (back in the day when entertainment expenses were tax deductible!). Their last Christmas party of this era in 1987 was at Bond University with a guest list of about 350 people. All real estate agents along with myriad of others on the gold coast were invited to attend.

In the 1990’s the partners had a fascination with fireworks. So much so that David and Tony Ingwersen obtained their pyrotechnics licence and most staff Christmas parties had fireworks that rivalled the new year’s eve fireworks.

When the current office was built, our reception included a 4 meter long fish tank – clients were drawn to it. Tony’s friend used to gather everything from tropical fish, moray eels, wobbegong and crayfish from Palm Beach reef (including living coral) rotating them regularly. Unfortunately with the retirement of our “Fish Man”, the iconic tank was decommissioned.

In 2000 Brett Lansdown came into the office with his wife Deborah – both looking like they’d seen a ghost. They walked straight into his office and shut the door. Everyone was particularly worried. After a couple of phone calls Brett came out of the office to explain that they had just had their first scan for a new addition to their family and that they were having twins! The office buzzed with delight but Brett and Debbie were still shell shocked so took the rest of the day off…

Enjoy a snapshot of our last 5 decades …

1972 IN OUR INFANCY

Anthony Joseph Ingwersen known as Tony moved from
Melbourne to the Gold Coast with his wife Sandra in
1972 to commence legal practice with Doherty &
Associates at James Street, Burleigh Heads and
eventually ran the Palm Beach sub branch.

1974 IT’S OFFICIAL

Tony Ingwersen commenced the practice of Anthony J
Ingwersen in April 1974 in the mechanics car bay of the Shell
service station at the corner of Gold Coast Highway and 4th
Avenue. In 1977 Tony invited his brother David Ingwersen to
move from Melbourne to the Gold Coast to study Law and
work in the business. The office consisted of Tony, David and
a par legal/secretary Rachel.

1980 EARLY GROWTH

Our office expanded and moved to an old two storey house next to
the Bare Foot Barista Cafe at No 13 Palm Beach Avenue.

1982 DAVID INGWERSEN AS PARTNER

David was admitted as a Solicitor and become a Partner of the Firm which
then became known as Ingwersen & Associates. In 1980 David Lansdown
Joined the firm whilst studying to complete his Law degree.

1986 DAVID LANSDOWN AS PARTNER & A NAME THAT WOULD STICK

David Lansdown joined as a Partner and the Firm evolved to its current name
of Ingwersen and Lansdown. By that Stage the office expand its staff to a
team of 12 secretaries and 3 lawyers.

1987 OFFICE UPGRADES AND OUR FIRST FEMALE PARTNER

Palm Beach Qld Surf Life Saving Club - Palm Beach

The Ingwersen Office moved to the second floor of the newly constructed
building at the westerner corner of Palm Beach Avenue and Gold Coast
Highway, Palm Beach (opposite to our current location).
Rosemary Neal joined our firm in 1987 as a para legal and shortly
thereafter commenced her studies for her law degree. Rosemary became
admitted in 1995 and a partner in 1998. Rosemary retired in 2014.

1991 AN EXPANDING PARTNERSHIP

Tony and David’s other Brother Damian joined the partnership
with Warrick Parer soon to join them.

1992 A MORE PERMANENT MOVE

The Partners purchased the current location
at 1065 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach from
St Vincent’s De Paul and constructed the
purpose built office building where we remain
to this day.

1994 THE BEGINNING OF OUR SISTER VENTURE

Although the Law firm had been lending finance since its inception Warrick
and Tony set up the Mortgage practice on a more formal business basis.

1997 A BUDDING PARTNER

Brett Lansdown commenced working whilst completing his studies
(Brett was admitted to practice in 1999).

1999 INGWERSEN & LANSDOWN SECURITIES

the business split into 2 and Ingwersen and Lansdown Securities Ltd
was created to comply with ASIC’s requirements to take over the
Lending/Investment side from the law practice and the governance
of the Qld law Society.

2004 LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Brett Lansdown purchases Warick Parer’s share of
the Law Practice and the Lending business.

2010 UP AND COMING

Luke Berrigan (David Ingwersen’ s son in law) commences
working as a solicitor with Ingwersen & Lansdown Solicitors.

2014-2015 A DEPTH OF SKILLS & TALENT

Future Firm Partners, Nicholai Poulson and Morgan Reid
commence work with Ingwersen & Lansdown. Both were to
become Partners of the Firm in 2021.

2019 A PASSING OF THE BATON

Luke Berrigan purchases Tony Ingwersen’s Partnership
share after Tony’s passing the year before.

2022 A NEW ERA OF PARTNERSHIP

Luke and Brett then transferred the Law practice from the old partnership of Ingwersen
& Lansdown to the new company of Ingwersen & Lansdown Solicitors Pty Ltd upon the
transfer of David Ingwersen’s & David Lansdown’s share to them in 2022.
Both Davids are still consultants to the Law firm and continue to be directors of the
Securities Business.

2023 ANOTHER GENERATION

Hayden Lansdown as the third generation Lansdown
joined the firm as a law clerk in 2023 whilst he
continues studying for his law degree.

2024 CELEBRATING OUR HISTORY, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

As we reflect on the past 50 years we’re awe-struck by the support we’ve been
shown by our clients – not only locally, but nationally and internationally.
We’re proud to share our history and we’re incredibly excited about what the
future holds for our Firm, our team and our clients.