b'Michael RobinsonMichael Robinson was a giant of the profession and theRobinson was made an Officer of the Order of Australia Australian commercial world, devoting much of his life toin 2001, in recognition of his service to the law and the the firm of his grandfather, Sir Arthur Robinson. He joined ascommunity. He served on the boards of many organisations, an articled clerk in 1960 and became managing partner inincluding as chairman of Tabcorp, a director of the Seven 1980. In his time as managing partner, and later chairman, heNetwork, Gandel Management, Clough Group, Folkestone helped guide the firm through periods of tremendous changeLimited, Aconex Limited, Orchestra Victoria, the Bionics and growth, most notably the mergers with HedderwickInstitute and the Asia Society AustralAsia Centre, the Scotch Fookes & Alston in 1984 and Allen Allen & Hemsley in 2001.College Council and the General Sir John Monash Foundation. He was also chairman of the Melbourne University Law Robinsons personal warmth and his dedication to staffSchool Foundation, president of the Epworth Hospital, wellbeing were instrumental in the successful integration ofchairman of the Epworth Medical Foundation and a council the firms. He had a strong sense of civic duty and believedmember of the Law Institute of Victoria.that with success and opportunity comes responsibility. He gave his time to the business community and a variety of philanthropic endeavours, including Epworth Hospital and Epworth Medical Foundation.Like many leaders before him, Robinson would say, It is amazing what you can accomplish if you dont care who gets the credit. He had an inclusive leadership style and would listen intently to the views of others before expressing his opinion. Robinson was managing partner of Arthur Robinson & Hedderwicks from 1980 to 1988, senior partner of Arthur Robinson & Hedderwicks from 1996 to 2001 and co-chairman of Allens Arthur Robinson from 2001 to 2002. He remained a consultant to the firm for many years after retiring from the partnership in 2003.Michael was always conscious of the firms influence within the Australian business community: the appropriate advice, given at the right time, in a courteous and sensitive manner, but direct and unambiguous in a meaning, was the greatest contribution the firm could make, says former ArthurMichael Robinson.Robinson & Hedderwicks managing partner Ian Renard.174'