History of Rudall & Rudall Lawyers, South Australia

With origins dating back to 1854, Rudall & Rudall is one of the oldest legal firms in South Australia. The historic legal practice that helped shape Gawler continues to serve the community today.

Rudall & Rudall continues its long tradition providing general law services to clients throughout South Australia – in particular Gawler, Adelaide Plains, Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, Yorke Peninsula, Mid North, Adelaide and the suburbs.

EXPLORE OUR TIMELINE SINCE 1854

John Rudall enters partnership with Thomas Powell as Powell, Rudall & Co in Adelaide before moving to commence practising in Gawler. John's career included the incorporation of Gawler as a municipality, appointment as the Town Clerk of Gawler, and appointment as a Stipendiary Magistrate when the Gawler Courthouse opened.

1859

The South Australian Banking Company opened its office at 25 Murray Street, Gawler which becomes the home of Rudall & Rudall in 1928. The building is of Italianate style and was described as the 'jewel' of Gawler in its early years.

1881

Samuel Bruce Rudall became a solicitor joining his father John Rudall as Rudall & Rudall.
Sam's career included appointment as the Town Clerk of Gawler and as the Member for Barossa in Parliament. Rudall, located on the Eyre Peninsula, takes its name in honour of Sam.

1906

Reginald ("RJ") Rudall commenced at Rudall & Rudall with his father Sam.
RJ was an athlete, Rhodes Scholar, served in the First World War, represented the Barossa in the House of Assembly and Midlands in the Legislative Council, was a minister in a variety of portfolios including Attorney-General.

1937

Lawrence McAusland Bills commenced at Rudall & Rudall as a solicitor taking over the practice following the death of RJ in 1955. Lawrie made a significant contribution towards the establishment of the Hutchinson Hospital which later becomes the Gawler Health Service.

1964

Anthony ("Tony") McAusland Bills commenced at Rudall & Rudall with his father Lawrie.
Tony's career as a lawyer spanned 45 years serving on the boards of the Hutchinson Hospital and Gawler & District Aged Cottage Homes as well as the councils of the Elsie Ey Kindergarten and Gawler East Primary School.

2015

Rudall & Rudall open branch office in Adelaide CBD to meet growing demand for its services.

2020

Rudall & Rudall open branch office in Tanunda, Barossa Valley

John Rudall

Born in Exeter, England in 1820.

Qualified as a lawyer in London before travelling to the Victorian goldfields in 1853.

Commenced a partnership with Thomas Powell as Powell, Rudall & Co in Adelaide and Gawler in 1854.

Appointed the first Town Clerk of the Town of Gawler in 1857.

Appointed as the resident Magistrate in 1881 to coincide with the opening of the Cowan Street Courthouse.

Recognised as a Significant Identity by the Town of Gawler in 2007.

Samuel Bruce Rudall

Born in Gawler, South Australia in 1858.

Admitted to the South Australian Bar in 1880 joining his father John at Rudall & Rudall.

Appointed Town Clerk of Gawler in 1881 where he served for 25 years.

Entered State Parliament in 1906 as the member for Barossa where he served until 1915.

Rudall, located on the Eyre Peninsula, named in his honour in 1910.

Recognised as a Significant Identity by the Town of Gawler in 2007.

Reginald (“RJ”) Rudall

Born in Gawler, South Australia in 1885.

Admitted to the South Australian Bar in 1907 and practised law with his father Samuel.

Awarded a Rhodes scholarship in 1908.

Enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1915 joining the 50th Battalion in France. Promoted to captain in 1919.

Member for Barossa, Angas and Midlands in State Parliament from 1933 to 1955 including seven years as Minister of Education and nine years as Attorney-General.

Recognised as a Significant Identity by the Town of Gawler in 2007.

Beatrice E (“Trix”) McConnell

Lived her entire life in Gawler, South Australia.

Worked as a typist at Rudall & Rudall for over 30 years.

Recognised as a Significant Identity by the Town of Gawler in 2007.

The Rudall Family connection was tragically affected by the loss of both children of RJ and Kathleen Rudall in action in the Second World War. Peter went down with the HMAS Sydney while John (or Jake) was killed leading his platoon in New Guinea.

Lawrence McAusland Bills

Joined Rudall & Rudall in 1937.

Member of Hutchinson Hospital Board of Management from 1938 to 1946 and as Chairman from 1945 to 1953.

Served in the Second World War with last rank as Sergeant.

Appointed Hutchinson Hospital Trustee in 1946.

Took over the practice following the death of RJ in 1955.

Anthony (“Tony”) McAusland Bills

Born in Gawler, South Australia in 1941.

Took over the firm from his father.

A tennis player, car enthusiast, handyman, and all-round great person.