Elliott Johnston QC
Elliott Johnston QC, the founder of Johnston Withers, is widely recognised for "his contribution to the pursuit of justice for all under the law, and to achieving equality for all before the law".*
At 90 years young he is still a visitor to the firm to meet and greet new generations of practitioners. The firm has seen well over 100 practitioners in its 60 plus year history.
Elliott recently celebrated his 90th birthday at a function at Chesser Cellars, which saw a large gathering of people from far and wide whose lives he has touched upon. He has always acted with empathy and compassion for those in less advantageous circumstances, legally or otherwise.
Elliott guided the firm from 1946 through to the turbulent 1970s where politics delayed his rightful elevation to that of Queens Counsel. Admitted as a Supreme Court Judge in 1983, he again displayed and exercised his fine legal mind with appropriate concern and empathy for those who came before him. Elliott throughout his life has displayed a fine understanding of the human condition and the manner in which circumstances can come to bear upon it.
Life after the Bench has seen Elliott enjoy an ever-evolving retirement! His retirement initially saw him being heavily involved with the Flinders University Law School and its initiation as an editor for the South Australian State Reports for many years. Elliott continues to enjoy good health and remains an active source of referrals to the firm that he left more than 25 years ago.
Recently at the 2007 Adelaide Festival of Ideas (which was dedicated to Elliott) the following words of the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Australia, Chief Justice Doyle are noteworthy:
"During his lifetime in the law, as a practitioner, as a judge, and as a former judge, Elliott Johnston has striven to realise the aspiration and value that is expressed in the judicial oath to do right to all manner of people according to law, without fear or affection, favour or ill will."
"He is and has been recognised as a leader in this respect. He has led by unassuming but powerful example. The example was given by his determination and commitment, by sheer hard work, and by the values that he espoused (in actions more than in words)."
"People like Elliott Johnston are few and far between. They leave their mark in what they do. But, more importantly, and certainly in Elliott Johnston's case, they leave their mark by the impact that they have on those whom they may encounter along the way."
"Elliott Johnston's example has encouraged many lawyers, and others, to strive to implement the values that he espoused. It may be that this is his real gift to us: the influence that his example has had on others, encouraging them to follow in his path."
Johnston Withers continues to follow "his path" in a number of aspects. Whilst operating in the competitive world of the 21st Century legal industry, Elliott Johnston’s influence remains evident as the firm continues to act for legally and economically disadvantaged people in the community, whilst continuing to advance legal causes that otherwise often find it difficult to locate a willing advocate. Johnston Withers continues to undertake Legal Services Commission work and to do pro bono work. As a law firm Johnston Withers reflects the values that Elliott continually exhibited of being committed passionately to those for whom we act.
Johnston Withers is proud of the Elliott Johnston heritage and will continue to hold Elliott's timeless ideals of equality for all into its future. A biography of the life of Elliott Johnston is currently underway which will no doubt comment upon Elliott's passion for the law, for people and of course for the Sturt Football Club.
*The Dedication by The Hon John Doyle AC Chief Justice of South Australia given at the Adelaide Festival of Ideas 2007 is acknowledged.