Our History

Carroll & O'Dea celebrated its centenary year in 1999.

The firm was founded by John Joseph (JJ) Carroll who commenced practice as a solicitor on his own in 1899.
In 1925, J J Carroll was joined by his son, S J Carroll and the firm became known as J J Carroll & Son.

In 1940, the firm merged with the practice of Cecil O'Dea who had been admitted as a solicitor in 1929
and had been practising in his own right in Park Street and then in Martin Place. The merged firm became
known as J J Carroll, Cecil O'Dea & Co until it changed its name to Carroll & O'Dea in 1972.

For 40 years the firm practised from the premises at Cathcart House, 11c Castlereagh Street, Sydney
and between 1962 and 1980 practised out of Berger House at 82 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Since 1980,
Carroll & O'Dea has been situated at the St James Centre at 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney.

The family tradition continued with Michael O'Dea, son of the late Cecil O'Dea and then later Tony Carroll, 
son of the late S J Carroll, both holding the position of Managing Partner. 

Today, as Carroll & O'Dea expands and looks to the future, we are are happy to welcome Howard Harrison 
as our new Managing Partner.

In 1999, author and playwright Justin Fleming published a history of Carroll & O'Dea's 100 years.
Click here to read an extract.