Henry Vincent Harris

In 1892 a Mr Henry Vincent Harris established his own legal practice at 23 Bolton Street, Newcastle; a firm which has continued through to this day as Harris Wheeler. H.V.Harris earned five pounds in his first week and went on to become highly experienced in conveyancing and company law and eventually also became one of the the oldest practising solicitors in New South Wales.

Since its foundation there has always been a Harris family connection in the firm which continues today through John Williams, a Partner based at our Toronto office, who is a great grandson of the firm’s original founder Henry Vincent Harris and the fourth generation of his family to practise law as a partner of the firm. 

Harry Lambert Wheeler

The other prominent figure in the early history of the firm was Harry Lambert Wheeler. Mr Wheeler was articled to H.V.Harris, admitted as a solicitor in 1913, and went on to serve more than 60 years as a solicitor, in the process becoming a significant character in the history of Newcastle.

'Bert' Wheeler was an alderman on the council for several years, Mayor from 1928 to 1929 and instrumental in the planning of both City Hall and the Civic Centre, as the name Wheeler Place attests, and was awarded an O.B.E in 1961.

Track record

Harris Wheeler has played a key role in the success of both commercial enterprise and public sector achievements in the Hunter, along with a long history of commitment to the local community through support and sponsorship of many worthy causes.

The firm has continuously provided legal services to Newcastle City Council since that Council’s inception, being the only legal firm to do so. EnergyAustralia and Port Stephens Council are other long term clients of the firm.

Over the years several of our long term clients have expanded and relocated with the consequence that our legal services now extend well beyond the Hunter Region. We will expand our practice over time to ensure we continue to meet the growing needs of our clients. However, in doing so we are focused on excellence in service rather than upon expansion in size.