Establishment and Early Years

Our story dates back to 1877 when Thomas Napier Whyte founded his legal practice in Geelong. Born in 1848, Thomas completed his education at Geelong and then began his professional training at the law firm Taylor, Buckland, and Gates, where he was mentored by Stephen Buckland. Admitted to practice in 1874, he represented Mitchell & Nevitt at Ballarat and Ararat before establishing his own practice in Geelong.

Thomas Napier Whyte’s Legacy

Thomas Napier Whyte was known for his all-around ability, particularly as a police court advocate, securing one of the leading practices in Geelong. He was exceedingly charitable, giving liberally and unostentatiously to any deserving cause. His death on August 17, 1904, marked the end of an era for the firm he established, but his legacy continued through the practice he built and the community he served. The traits of excellence, charity, and a commitment to community that Thomas embodied still survive in our firm’s ethos today.

Our History to the Formation of Our Modern Firm

In 1904, our practice underwent a significant transformation when Aurel Victor Jung Just and Frederic William Drummond Moore, who had been practicing together since 1896, acquired Thomas Whyte’s practice. This acquisition led to the formation of our firm as it is known today, Whyte, Just & Moore.

Aurel Victor Jung Just, born in 1870, brought a wealth of knowledge and a forward-thinking approach to the firm. He had a strong legal background and was known for his dedication to client service. Frederic William Drummond Moore, his partner, complemented Just’s capabilities with his own legal expertise and commitment to excellence. Together, they transformed the practice into a cornerstone of legal service in Geelong.

Growth and Community Involvement

Throughout the decades of our history, we have established ourselves as a trusted and knowledgeable law firm. Our firm has been located at its current premises on Malop Street, Geelong, since our formation, providing a consistent and reliable presence in the local legal landscape. Our growth has been marked by our ability to adapt to changing times while maintaining our core values of excellence and client-focused service.

In addition to our legal practice, we have a long history of community involvement. We support a variety of local initiatives and charitable organisations, providing both pro bono legal advice and direct financial contributions. This commitment to community service reflects our dedication to giving back to the region, which has supported our growth over the years.

Modern Leadership and Services

In recent years, we have continued to evolve under the leadership of principals Aaron Jolly and Will Punivalu. Both have brought fresh perspectives and a drive for innovation, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the legal profession in Geelong. We offer a wide range of legal services, including business law, wills and estates, property law and conveyancing, dispute resolution and litigation, and insolvency. We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive yet compassionate service. Our experienced team of lawyers and paralegals work collaboratively to meet the diverse needs of our clients, from individuals to businesses across the Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, and Surf Coast regions.

Moving Forward

As part of our ongoing evolution and commitment to providing the best possible service, we are embarking on a significant change. For the first time since 1904, we will be moving from our historic location at 27 Malop Street, Geelong. This move signifies a new chapter in our history aimed at accommodating growth and further enhancing the quality of service provided to clients. Our new office location, designed with modern facilities and technology, will enable us to continue our legacy of excellence in a contemporary setting.

Looking Ahead at Our Office Move

As we move into the future, we remain committed to the principles that have guided us for over a century: integrity, excellence, and a deep connection to the community. With a solid foundation and a forward-thinking approach, we are well-positioned to continue serving our clients with distinction for many years to come.

We’re still open for business and if you need legal assistance during our move, our friendly staff are here for you.