The White family of Sautelle White Lawyers recently celebrated a milestone of their family run legal practice – the 100th anniversary of Cecil Patrick White.
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In June this year, Hugo White was pleased to welcome his son Oliver White to the family business, which has been practicing law since 1865.
Together they celebrated the 100th anniversary of the family’s third generation lawyer, CP White, being admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW.
Hugo (fifth generation) and son Oliver (now sixth) are also solicitors of the Supreme Court of NSW and practice locally between Merimbula, Bombala and Eden.
The Whites expressed how intrigued they are by their family’s history, laughing over the idea of CP White witnessing the change in technology developed since his time in practice from 1889-1948.
“CP White would be envious of how quick we can now type things,” Oliver said.
“Apparently he would get cranky at the secretary and throw the typewriter out the window onto Burwood Rd,” Hugo laughed.
Hugo brought the practice from Sydney to Merimbula in 1990 joining his practice with John Sautelle of Bombala who is now retired.
During his time as a solicitor, Hugo said technology is not the only thing that has changed the industry.
“Back then it was common for the local lawyers to go down to the local court and appear for anyone, when they couldn’t appear or afford to be represented whereas these days they only do it if there is legal aid available,” he said.
The Whites treasure their family history, keeping old documentation and practicing certificates of their ancestors.
“It is pretty cool seeing the old books and ledgers we have, I like the letter book the best,” said Oliver.
Oliver brought out a large book of handwritten letters dated before the times of typewriting machines.
“They would have only had handwritten letters, so to keep a record for yourself they would have to hand write another copy into the book,” Oliver said.