Anne Stanley (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Marsden family have been part of the fabric of the Campbelltown community for decades. Jim Marsden's parents, Guy and Tibby, were well known in the town as publicans. Nowadays, the Marsden name is synonymous with the legal practice established by Jim's late brother John in 1968. Jim joined his brother in the practice in 1973.

Jim Marsden was admitted as a lawyer in 1975 and celebrated 50 years as a solicitor last year. To recognise this milestone and Jim's significant contribution to the law, the Law Society of New South Wales bestowed Jim with life membership on Friday 6 March. Jim has been recognised by the Law Society of New South Wales, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the legal profession. This recognition reflects his professional attainments, expertise, leadership and dedicated service to the community of the Macarthur and beyond over this time. This prestigious honour is well deserved, and I congratulate Jim on the outstanding achievement.

Jim is a committed family man, loyal to his community. Over the years he's been involved in many charitable, civic and sporting organisations. Currently he's on the board of the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, leading groundbreaking research to improve the health of locals in south-west Sydney. Jim has always been a generous supporter of any worthy cause in the region. The Marsdens group is often acknowledged for their support for kids charities, cancer charities and sporting groups.

In 2011, Jim was the winner of the law society president's award for his pro bono work in our community. He was also awarded an OAM in 2013 for his continuing contributions. In 2017, Jim was awarded an honorary fellowship by Western Sydney University. He also received the very special honour of being made a Campbelltown ambassador at a function at the New South Wales parliament house in 2018 in recognition of his efforts in promoting and supporting the Macarthur community.

Over the course of his career, Jim has shown himself to be an outstanding practitioner, leader and mentor. Marsdens Law Group is synonymous with excellence, and that's largely because of Jim's leadership. Nowadays, Marsdens group in Campbelltown employs over 170 staff across five offices. It's more than a law practice; it's an institution. I, along with hundreds of others, am lucky to call Mr Jim Marsden a friend. I'm personally delighted for him on the honour bestowed on him by the law society. I wish Jim many more years of practice, confident in the knowledge that he will continue to contribute to the region that means so much to him.

See this speech in context