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High-profile lawyer Peter Boyce stepping back after 45 years at helm of firm

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While he may be stepping back from regularly seeing clients, one of the region’s most highly regarded lawyers will continue to consult with the firm’s directors who are vowing to continue his legacy.

After 45 years at the helm of Butler McDermott Lawyers, Peter Boyce has decided it’s time to pursue other interests. However, that doesn’t mean he will be putting away his legal pad anytime soon.

“While I plan on spending a lot of my time with my family, I am staying on as a consultant as the law is in my blood. It is not something that I think I could ever truly walk away from,” Mr Boyce said.

Sharing the values upon which Mr Boyce built the business, Al Upton and Brent King acquired the firm in November 2021 and have continued to operate it as a multi-disciplinary firm that services all areas of law.

“We are fortunate to have an incredible team of just over 31 people working for us who all specialise in different areas of law, meaning we can assist clients with most of their legal matters,” Mr Upton said.

“Both Brent and I worked for the firm and directly with Peter for several years prior to taking it over and saw how effectively it worked for clients to be able to access legal advice, across many areas of law, quickly and efficiently.

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“Although we are a large law firm, with a history that dates back well over 100 years, we operate in a boutique manner where old-fashioned service is combined with the tenacity and commitment of a dynamic modern firm.

“Consequently, we have many long-term clients who not only continue to support us but who also refer others needing legal advice – and that is the best testimonial you can get.

“Peter has been slowly reducing his workload over the last 18 months throughout the transition and we are delighted he remains involved as a consultant on an ongoing basis.”

Mr Boyce said he would give his continuing support to the business.

“The firm is in really good hands with Al and Brent as directors and they are supported by a capable team of people which has made the transition much easier for me,” he said.

“Having said that, I don’t know that I could ever walk away entirely and will be here if they need me.”

Butler McDermott Lawyers supports a number of organisations across the broader Sunshine Coast with the current directors sitting on the boards of Wishlist, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and Sundale Community Foundation.

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